Rift of the Dead VR

Chee, Song Hao (2025) Rift of the Dead VR. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

Rift of the Dead VR" is a virtual reality rail shooter game that mixes classic arcade action with immersive horror elements. The project aims to create a tense and thrilling experience where players fight their way through waves of zombies in a world gone wrong. The gameplay draws inspiration from old-school rail shooters like "The House of the Dead," but with a modern VR twist that lets players dive deep into the action. One of the biggest challenges in VR gaming is motion sickness, and this project tackles that head-on with a unique automatic movement system. By guiding players through the environment seamlessly, the game minimizes discomfort while keeping the intensity high. Alongside the gameplay, there’s a narrative that nudges players to think about real-world issues like resource exploitation, adding a layer of depth to the game. Using Unity and Meta Oculus Quest 2, the development involved designing and integrating features like enemy AI, boss battles, and immersive environments, all while ensuring the game runs smoothly. Testing focused on both gameplay mechanics and user comfort, using a variety of scenarios to fine-tune the experience. The results were promising, with players finding the game engaging and the motion sickness reduced significantly. Of course, there’s always room for improvement, but the project successfully demonstrates how classic game design principles can be reimagined in a modern VR context. In the end, "Rift of the Dead VR" isn’t just about battling zombies—it's about pushing the boundaries of VR gaming to create something both thrilling and accessible. The project lays the groundwork for future development, with plenty of potential to expand and refine the experience.