The Rotor VR Explorer has come into a very niche market of virtual reality headset accessories. It is a unique product that looks to enhance the virtual reality experience by providing a more immersive and interactive form of movement for players. When it comes to these VR accessories, your mileage may always vary, depending on how much you really want to receive in terms of immersion when it comes to an already niche market. That being said, not only is the Roto VR Explorer looking to up the ante in terms of gameplay, but it always helps curb one of VR’s most impeding aspects.
How the Roto VR Explorer functions is to help unrestricted player movement in VR setups that confine you to a stationary spot. The Roto VR Explorer allows you to turn and navigate your virtual environments in a way that feels more natural. When assembling the Roto VR Explorer—which, until the final step, is a breeze—it’s easy to feel and see that the materials used in its construction are solid and have a lot of weight behind them. The Roto VR Explorer features a circular platform that allows users to rotate seamlessly, mimicking the action of turning in real life.
However, the design isn’t without its flaws. The device is quite bulky, which might be an issue for those with limited space. It also requires a decent amount of room to function effectively, making it less suitable for smaller living areas. While the build quality feels solid, the Explorer’s weight might also pose a challenge for some users, especially if you need to move it frequently. The final step in the assembly process requires a few power cords to be placed into the Explorer, and the pictures and directions themselves aren’t clear which cord goes where, so there was a bit of fiddling around involved in putting it together.
The standout feature of the Roto VR Explorer is its rotational capability. When using it with compatible VR headsets—it is claimed to be for the Meta Quest, but I found it was able to be implemented for the Valve Index as well—the Roto VR Explorer allowed for a more immersive experience by translating physical movements into the VR worlds I was exploring. This means you can turn in any direction and have that movement reflected in your VR environment, creating a sense of presence that stationary setups simply can’t replicate.
“The standout feature of the Roto VR Explorer is its rotational capability.”
I am sometimes prone to motion sickness when it comes to gaming in virtual reality, and I expressly set out to play some games that have triggered this in the past. The Roto VR Explorer had a unique secondary effect when used with seated games, and it completely nullified this issue for me. I no longer needed to take breaks after a few minutes in Saints and Sinners 2: Retribution or Skyrim VR.
In terms of performance, it really excels. The smooth rotational movements and the integration with various VR games are relatively seamless. The haptic feedback feature adds another layer of immersion, providing tactile responses that enhance the sense of realism. For instance, if you’re walking through a virtual forest and step on a twig, the Roto VR Explorer can simulate that sensation, heightening the overall experience.
However, it’s worth noting that not all VR titles are optimized for this type of movement. Specifically, standing-only games feel a little weird sometimes. This can be a bit of a letdown, especially if you’re hoping for universal compatibility across all your VR experiences.
“When using it with compatible VR headsets—it is claimed to be for the Meta Quest, but I found it was able to be implemented for the Valve Index as well—the Roto VR Explorer allowed for a more immersive experience by translating physical movements into the VR worlds I was exploring. “
Comfort is critical to any VR setup, and the Roto VR Explorer mostly delivers on this. The seat itself is comfortable for shorter playtimes, and the back supports tend to feel rigid and stiff, leading to having to take some breaks to get up and stretch. That said, there is a learning curve involved. I felt a bit disoriented while trying to navigate the physical and virtual spaces. It can take some time to get used to the sensation of moving your body while also being in a completely different environment.
The Roto VR Explorer is for diehard VR enthusiasts looking to evolve their immersive experience and have the space to accommodate it. Casual gamers or those with limited VR exposure might find it hard to justify the expense.
The Roto VR Explorer’s unique rotational capabilities and haptic feedback create a level of immersion that stationary setups often lack, not to mention that it severely reduced my motion sickness while being used. However, its drawbacks include a bulky design, tolerable comfort, and a high price point. If you’re serious about VR and want to invest in a device that enhances your experience, the Roto VR Explorer is certainly worth considering, provided you’re aware of its limitations and can accommodate its size in your gaming setup.
