Stepping Up to the VR Pocket: A Totally Unofficial Guide to NFL Pro Era VR
You ever dreamt of slinging laser-spiral touchdown passes from the comfort of your living room? Well, buddy, dream no more! NFL Pro Era VR lets you live out your childhood fantasies (or relive your glory days...no judgment) from the hallowed position of quarterback. But before you strap on the VR headset and unleash your inner Patrick Mahomes, here's a quick and dirty guide to navigating the virtual gridiron.
Gearing Up for Greatness (or at Least Not Fumbling Embarrassingly):
First things first, you'll need a VR headset – Meta Quest 2 is currently the only platform the game supports. Pro tip: Maybe clear some furniture out of the way. Trust me, flailing virtual arms are a recipe for disaster (and broken lamps).
Taking the Field: Playbook Basics
NFL Pro Era VR throws you right into the action. You won't be dissecting complex playbooks here. Your coach, a disembodied voice that sounds suspiciously like a dude selling timeshares, barks out the plays. You'll see the formation on a handy dandy wrist-mounted tablet. Important Note: Don't get too hung up on memorizing plays. Just like real-life coaches, sometimes this disembodied voice makes questionable calls.
Throwing Like a Champ (or at Least Not Throwing Interceptions):
Here's where things get interesting. Throwing the pigskin in NFL Pro Era VR is all about looking. Stare down your receiver with laser focus (think puppy begging for treats) and the ball sails (well, more like teleports) in their direction. There's even an optional aim-assist that basically turns you into a human slingshot. But here's the kicker: Mastering the no-look pass? Forget about it. This game wants you to make eye contact with your virtual teammates...which can get a little creepy during those long touchdowns.
Running for Glory (or Away From Sacks):
While you're primarily a pocket passer, using the thumbstick lets you scramble. Word to the wise: Don't expect Usain Bolt-level speed here. Moving around the field feels more like wading through molasses than anything else. But hey, if escaping a horde of virtual defensive linemen is your thing, then by all means, break free!
The Multiplayer Mishap (or How Not to Virtually High Five):
Looking to throw some digital hail Marys with your buddies? Hold your horses. The current multiplayer mode is more like a VR hangout session than a competitive throwdown. You can practice throws or just stand around awkwardly… Maybe they'll add a virtual high five feature in the future, but for now, prepare for some serious social distancing in the digital locker room.
So You Wanna Be a VR Quarterback?
NFL Pro Era VR might not be the most complex football sim out there, but it offers a decent taste of the quarterback experience (minus the millions of dollars and the concussions). It's a fun way to burn some calories, unleash your inner armchair athlete, and maybe even impress your non-gamer friends with your virtual athleticism (just don' mention the questionable locomotion speed). So grab your headset, fire up the game, and get ready to dominate the VR gridiron… even if it's with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor.
