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From the eyes of an idol, developer debuts video of Hatsune Miku and Oculus Rift

Preston Phro Jul 21, 2013
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Oculus Rift is surely one of the most highly anticipated devices of this gaming generation. In case you’ve somehow not heard about it, Oculus Rift is a virtual reality headset that is already garnering rave reviews from industry insiders and little old ladies who are more hardcore than you. What makes Oculus Rift so exciting is its high-quality dual display that uses motion detectors to dynamically show users the game world as they turn their head. Basically, it’s supposed to be a completely immersive experience. Right now, the device is still mostly limited to developers hard at work trying to take advantage of its full power, but most of the demos we’ve seen have been great. One Japanese developer decided to create an adorable mini-game staring everyone’s favorite fictional idol: Hatsune Miku.

In a video posted to the Japanese site, NicoNico Douga, one developer shows off the world of Hatsune Miku in startlingly-cute first-person detail using a developer version of Oculus Rift and Razer Hyrda. While Oculus Rift is the main event here, it’s important to note that Razer Hydra, a motion controller with two sticks that is similar to the Wii’s motion controllers, greatly adds to the immersion.

Using MikuMikuDance, a freeware animation program, along with Unity, a high-level game engine designed to facilitate rapid development, the developer created a simple world to test out Oculus Rift. In the mini-game, players assume the role of Miku and can freely move about, playing with her tie, throwing baseballs, and tossing floating heads into the sky.

▼”Why meeeeeeeeeeeee!?”

The NicoNico video shows off the “game” quite well, with movements that look nearly identical to natural human movement. In addition, we can only imagine how much more real it must seem when the real world has been blocked out and the only thing you can see is the screen.

▼”Wait, was I wearing this tie when I left the house this morning?”

▼Chibi Miku is no Babe Ruth.

▼”Pew! Pew! Pew!”

After playing around for a while, though, things get serious when…a giant Hatsune Miku appears! After knocking the player off a second story balcony, the giant plods forward as the developer tries using laser blasts to kill the monstrosity.

▼”Aaaaaaaaaaah! Kill it with fire!”

It is all to no avail though, as the giant picks up regular-sized Miku, gives her a good shake, and slams her into the ground. While simply watching a video on your computer screen isn’t the same, it does give you a good idea of what Oculus Rift will be capable of, especially when combined with some nearly lag-free motion controllers.

Check it out for yourself below!

Sources: NicoNico Douga, Hatena