Kayak VR: Mirage

VR Review ★★★★★‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎
PCVR Fitness Meditation Moderate Comfort Roomscale

The image shows a first-person view from a kayak, with the viewer seated in the kayak, looking out onto a body of water surrounded by large ice formations. The paddle is visible in the foreground, and the waterway winds between towering glaciers or icebergs. The sky above is clear with a soft gradient, suggesting either sunrise or sunset. At the top, bold white letters read “KAYAK VR MIRAGE”

The image shows a first-person view from a kayak, with the viewer seated in the kayak, looking out onto a body of water surrounded by large ice formations. The paddle is visible in the foreground, and the waterway winds between towering glaciers or icebergs. The sky above is clear with a soft gradient, suggesting either sunrise or sunset. At the top, bold white letters read “KAYAK VR MIRAGE”

Kayak VR: Mirage showcases the best of what modern virtual reality can achieve - from it's fantastic scenery and water effects to the engaging landscapes that you'll want to explore for hours.

The experience begins in an unexpected place - a swimming pool - as you learn the ways of paddling a kayak in VR. Most people will find paddling to be intuitive, but it's worth spending a few minutes with the tutorial to recognize how much control you have over the kayak, which includes leaning your body to tilt and steer. Once you're ready to move on to the full experience you can choose from a variety of destinations, times of day and weather types.

Catering for many different types of VR users, Kayak VR gives you three different modes to choose from and offers lots of replayability. Selecting a tour sends you off on a tranquil and scenic lazy-river where paddles aren't provided and you can just relax and enjoy the journey.

The image shows the view from a kayak, with the front of the orange kayak visible and extending into clear blue water. The perspective is from someone sitting in the kayak, holding a paddle that is partially visible in the upper left corner. In the distance, there is a tropical coastline with lush green palm trees and rocks. Underneath the water, one can see coral and marine life due to the water’s clarity. This scene captures the beauty and tranquility of kayaking in a picturesque tropical setting.

Paddle with the palms on a Costa Rica beach

For a slightly more adventurous experience, investigate each location in your own time on a self-directed expedition. The third mode pits you in an energetic race against other real-but-virtual kayakers who have previously completed the course - dodging between canyon walls or around icebergs as you tackle slalom courses. At the end if feels like you've just completed a short workout. Whichever mode you choose there are surprises along the way, including natural bridges, ice caves and many different wildlife encounters.

We've rated this experience for moderate comfort because those new to VR might notice some uneasiness, but much of this is self-inflicted. Choose tranquil waters and you will find things smooth sailing, especially as the boat's movements intuitively respond to your own actions. Pick a stormy Norwegian coastline and you'll be rolling along with the choppy waves. We were extremely impressed with how realistic the paddling and boat movement felt to us. Folk who really want to get carried away with this game can also tape their controllers to a stick or a real paddle to increase the realism.

The image shows a first-person view from a kayak, with an orange paddle blade visible on the right side. The kayak is on a body of water, likely the sea, given the waves and distant horizon. In front of the kayak is a rocky coastline with a lighthouse emitting a beam of light, cutting through rainy weather. To the right, lightning strikes down, adding drama to the scene. This image captures an adventurous moment of kayaking near a coastline during stormy weather, highlighting both the beauty and potential danger of such an activity.

Stormy Norwegian seas are only for those with VR sea-legs.

Summary:

Fantastic visuals and effects

Lots to explore, plenty of surprises

For tranquility seekers and adrenaline junkies alike

Some may experience initial discomfort

Supported Languages:
English French German Italian Japanese Korean Mandarin Portuguese Spanish

External Links:
YouTube:Trailer

Product Links:

$22.99 at Steam
Requires a PC. View in PCVR headset or Meta Quest linked to PC.

$22.99 at Viveport*
View in PCVR headset or Meta Quest linked to PC.

*Included in Viveport Infinity subscription.