So recently I got a Vigica VR Headset - it is basically a plastic variant of Google Cardboard.
For those that don't know - Google Cardboard essentially mimics the VR effect of machines like the Oculus Rift for the cost of a decent meal out. I have not experienced the Rift - so my experience in comparing the two systems is limited to the comparisons I've seen online.
The biggest difference between the two I've read is that the Rift sits more on your eyes where as the system I am currently using sits away from your eyes as evidenced by a border around the image projecting into the lenses.
With that in mind - I am still completely in awe of the effect produced by this system. I've used the various apps that can be downloaded off the google store - the best one being CMoar VR Cinema 4.0 where I've watched a few movies (Insidious was beyond frightening). But the phone apps are essentially just gimmicks that are played and then forgotten (although the CMoar cinema does actually do 3d movies really well).
The best VR app for the system is called Trinus VR which streams your PC games to your phone for use in a Google Cardboard VR headset via WiFi or USB Tether. I use the USB tether as I find the head tracking is to buggy to be turned on and WiFi has some latency issues.
I've tried numerous games in this setup - GTA V, Bioshock Infinite, System Shock, System Shock 2, etc. etc. etc.
It is incredible - the experience is so immersive and upfront that I have started playing through the Bioshock series in its entirety like this. It is not a perfect system and I can only play it for an hour at a time or I find I get a little light headed. But for 40 dollars all in (the cost of the headset with remote and two paid apps) the value is incredible and I would recommend the experience to anybody interested in getting into VR that is still cautious regarding the cost and setup involved in the more expensive alternative.
Is it an Oculus Rift killer - no... not at all, but it is an incredible experience that I think everybody should give a shot (everybody I've showed it to has been impressed with it - especially with the 3d movies and an app that puts you on the stage with Paul McCartney).
How was Deus Ex?
It is incredible - I played through Liberty Island, it is a little disorientating to be in the goggles and not see the outside world, and if I set my lenses just right it gives an amazing sense of depth.
The sense of being there is hard to explain - the device focuses easy for my eyes, and if I let myself get into the game the border around the screen immediately disappears into the background.
After this introduction I would have no problem spending money on a more premium headset.
The one I'm looking at currently is the Cmoar Exclusive Package
- Pre-order.cmoar.com
with this screen as well
- Pre-order.cmoar.com
And likely down the line - either the Oculus or the one Steam is working on. Truth be told - I thought I was going to be disappointed by the effect or worse unable to view the effect because of my eyesight (which prevents me from watching 3d movies comfortably) but I was actually able to wear these goggles and see a 3d movie for the first time without getting a headache.