fpsVR
- September 11, 2018
- SBSoftLab
- 2h median play time
"fpsVR" is a utility software for SteamVR that displays various performance metrics in an in-game overlay, including FPS, frame times, GPU/CPU usage, and more. While it boasts pretty visuals and an intriguing story, it is reported to be full of bugs and can be completed in around 2 hours. It also features headset cable twist tracking, SteamVR setting adjustments, and battery charge display for controllers.
Reviews
- Essential tool for monitoring VR performance, providing real-time stats like FPS, CPU/GPU usage, and temperatures.
- Highly customizable overlay that can be positioned on the wrist, allowing for unobtrusive access to important information while gaming.
- Great value for the price, offering features that should be standard in SteamVR, such as cable untangling and easy access to settings.
- Does not work with Oculus API games, limiting its functionality for some users.
- Can cause performance drops in certain demanding games when the overlay is active.
- Some users report issues with the app not displaying correctly or crashing in specific scenarios.
- optimization466 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The optimization aspect of the software is highly praised for its ability to provide real-time performance monitoring in VR, allowing users to easily track and adjust their system's performance metrics without removing their headset. Many users find it essential for diagnosing performance issues, fine-tuning settings, and ensuring smooth gameplay, although some have reported performance drops when using the tool in certain scenarios. Overall, it is considered a must-have utility for VR enthusiasts looking to maximize their gaming experience.
“Easily one of the most useful pieces of software you can ever have for VR and tuning your performance in real time.”
“Essential for real-time performance monitoring of your PC's components usage and performance in Steam VR directly within your VR headset, to get your games running at optimum settings in no time.”
“This is an absolute necessity for VR performance tuning and monitoring, and for such a low price.”
“Resolved issue: I've been using fpsvr now for years to evaluate performance and make both native VR and flat-to-VR experiences better (vorpx, virtual-desktop + superdepth3d/vr, native flat-to-vr mods, etc.) unfortunately, however, recent updates have rendered fpsvr unusable in some flat-to-VR scenarios, as it has suddenly begun drastically impacting performance in those situations.”
“For example, running a title through virtual desktop while fpsvr is active will now reduce performance by nearly 50%; causing both the CPU and GPU utilization to max out at barely above half their potential.”
“When I pop the fps vr to check HL Alyx performance, this thing causes my game to go from 90 fps to a 30 fps stutter, frame-loss, hiccup fest, rendering HL Alyx unplayable!”
- story98 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is highly praised for its engaging narrative centered around Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang, featuring rich character development and exceptional writing. While some reviewers noted pacing issues and restrictive mission design that can detract from immersion, the overall storytelling experience is considered a standout feature, making it feel more like a well-crafted western narrative than a traditional video game.
“Slow, but highly engaging, the story of Arthur Morgan and the journey of the Van der Linde gang is one that will bring joy, laughter, pain, and despair that ultimately drags you on a journey that feels endless yet explosive.”
“However, the key to what makes this story lies within its tenacious, diverse, and highly exciting cast of characters supported by some of the best writing I have ever seen.”
“The story and writing of each and every character is not limited to just story missions, but happens in the moments between, and there is never a dull moment when you walk through your camp as new stories and developments are bound to unfold.”
“☐ no story”
“Secondly, a large chunk of the mission design and game design is incredibly tedious, to the point where it can become unbelievable, especially when it comes to events that Rockstar have scripted to happen.”
“This design is present in just about every mission of worthwhile interest and is persistent enough that it breaks any immersion and ability of the player to feel like they actually have an effect on what is going to happen which is ultimately the biggest problem with the game - this isn't a video game - it's an exceptionally written western made for television that wound up as a video game (for better and worse).”
- graphics80 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics aspect of the game is enhanced by tools like Fpsvr, which allow users to easily tweak settings for optimal performance and visual quality in VR environments. Reviewers appreciate the real-time feedback and diagnostics provided by such tools, making it simpler to balance graphical detail and frame rates without guesswork. Overall, these utilities are deemed essential for maximizing the gaming experience, especially for those with varying hardware capabilities.
“Fpsvr allows me to quickly find a good balance between population, resolution, and graphic detail.”
“In addition to exposing tons of information about the CPU, GPU, and reprojection (and explaining in clear terms what reprojection is), fpsvr provides a settings window for managing graphics, audio, and other settings that's easier to use and more intuitive than the one built into SteamVR, and exposes settings and fine-tuning options you don't get access to otherwise.”
“This helps me adjust settings and framerate in VR to get the best graphics quality for the highest framerate in every game.”
“Kind of sucks that VR games don't have graphics tuning like traditional games.”
“Even games during the DK1 and DK2 still had graphical tuning before through launchers; it sucks that we have to spend $4 on a product like this.”
“It was a fool's errand for someone like myself to manage getting optimal FPS, graphics, and smoothness by basically blindly tweaking all the different settings in my NVIDIA control center / SteamVR settings.”
- stability44 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 95 % negative mentions
Overall, users find the application to be an invaluable tool for troubleshooting and optimizing VR performance, with many praising its ease of use and effectiveness in diagnosing issues. While there were initial bugs, particularly around the launch of Windows 11, the software has since become more stable and reliable, making it a recommended choice for VR enthusiasts. The active development and updates further enhance its utility, particularly for fine-tuning settings and monitoring performance.
“Well-working, bug-free, and easy-to-use software for adjusting things in VR.”
“Was a bit buggy back when Windows 11 first came out, causing SteamVR to crash.”
“A bit buggy sometimes, I still feel this should be free.”
“Great for troubleshooting reprojection or dialing in the perfect settings to get the most out of your VR experiences.”
- gameplay36 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
Gameplay reviews highlight a mix of positive and negative experiences. While the customizable HUD for VR enhances performance monitoring without intruding on the experience, some players criticize the core mechanics, particularly the reliance on the 'dead eye' ability, which can make combat feel repetitive and unchallenging. Overall, the gameplay is seen as above average but lacking the depth and engagement found in other titles, leading to disappointment for some players.
“It's a godsend for anyone playing VR, as it's always a blessing to know what performance you are on to ensure you have the smoothest gameplay possible, especially with VR where smoothness and fluidity are essential to a good experience.”
“The way it is done is non-intrusive to the gameplay, yet so easily accessible just by looking below your controller.”
“While some may hate that I invoke it, one thing The Last of Us II did exceptionally well was create gameplay that challenged you to use every tool in your arsenal in creative ways, making every encounter more thrilling and rewarding.”
“Put simply, I believe the core of any video game is the game itself and the tools you use to explore it. I don't care how good the story and characters may be; if the gameplay feels lazy, it will never reach that level.”
“My problem is that every gunfight ultimately revolves around how much I can use the 'dead eye' ability to cheese my way through the fight, and the game seems to revolve around this mechanic to a tiresome degree. When you aren't using dead eye, you are instead using poor gun mechanics where unless you slow yourself down and make it boring, you are going to miss every second shot due to suppression and inaccuracy mechanics.”
“However, its lackluster gameplay, in my opinion, holds it back from being the true gaming landmark that a lot of people seem to think it is.”
- humor8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is noted for being genuinely entertaining and informative, enhancing the overall experience. While some aspects may be hindered by gameplay mechanics, the witty writing and amusing elements contribute positively to the enjoyment, making the investment feel worthwhile.
“The written word brought to heel and through its medium, reviews both informative and genuinely humorous guided me towards the answers that eluded me mere hours beforehand.”
“Funny FPS”
“Funny, another aspect of the game that is held back by dead eye.”
- music6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in Red Dead Redemption 2 is highly praised, receiving a perfect score of 10/10 for its exceptional soundtrack that complements the game's world and narrative seamlessly. Reviewers highlight its ability to enhance the overall experience, making it a standout feature of the game.
“Red Dead Redemption 2 has a perfect soundtrack that accompanies the world and story expertly.”
“The music feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“I found the soundtrack to be uninspired and forgettable, which detracted from the overall experience.”
“The audio quality is subpar, and the music doesn't match the game's tone, leading to a disjointed experience.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively tedious, often requiring a significant time investment that feels overwhelming. The mission and game design contribute to this sense of monotony, making the experience feel less engaging.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“A large chunk of the mission design and game design is incredibly tedious, to the point where it can become unbelievable, especially when it comes to events that Rockstar have scripted to happen.”