The new orienteering simulation game 'Virtual-O' is available in an 'autumn sale' at 25% off: http://store.steampowered.com/app/529020/VirtualO/
I've been playing with early versions for the last 18 months and I think the maps and features in the latest version make it worthwhile buying. The graphics are amazing and the gameplay is a pretty realistic simulation of orienteering. Check out this in-game video: https://youtu.be/skFI1BskoAI
The 'normal' mode (shown in the video) is 2x running speed but you can switch to 'beginners mode' for a more realistic experience or to slow things down a little when getting started.
Its a PC application sold via 'Steam' a games distribution platform which you need to install and sign up to first. You'll probably need a dedicated graphics card (GPU) so it may not work on cheaper laptops. There's no trial version but apparently you can get your money back within the first few days, so you've got a chance to try it out.
I'd say the only significant shortfall with the current version is some simple terrain to get you started, but I understand there'll be a new map available before Christmas. If you buy the game now you'll still get new maps and features as they're released.
Virtual-O isn't cheap even with the discount, but well worth the money for novice orienteers who enjoy games, or experienced orienteers looking to practice technical and mental skills.
Be careful, like real orienteering it can be addictive, but perhaps a bit more worthwhile for the kids than the average computer game!
Virtual O - all you want for Christmas!
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Virtual O - all you want for Christmas!
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buzz - addict
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Re: Virtual O - all you want for Christmas!
Any note of a Mac version?
- Big Jon
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Re: Virtual O - all you want for Christmas!
Big Jon wrote:Any note of a Mac version?
I haven't heard anything about a Mac version.
You can message Peter (the developer) via Facebook or Twitter
https://www.facebook.com/virtualosimulator
https://twitter.com/Virtual_O
You may be able to run the Windows version on a Mac using 'Boot Camp'.
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buzz - addict
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Re: Virtual O - all you want for Christmas!
buzz wrote: here's no trial version but apparently you can get your money back within the first few days, so you've got a chance to try it out.
Steam offers refunds if you have played the game for less than 2 hours, and the refund request is made within 14 days of purchase
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Re: Virtual O - all you want for Christmas!
Big Jon wrote:Any note of a Mac version?
Coincidentally an old thread popped up about Virtual-O on Mac on the developer facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/1639385232985688/
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buzz - addict
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Re: Virtual O - all you want for Christmas!
Last 24hrs of the Autumn sale for anyone keen to try Virtual-O
Here's a few tips....
If its sluggish to play change the Graphics options to Very Low then turn up a few of the other settings (I'd recommend Object Streaming and Level of Detail)
Set the Map Handling to Default (more natural map position and you see more of the course)
Reset your favourite 'hot keys' to more comfortable positions via the input menu.
I use my thumb on the space bar for showing the map and fingers for the following:
W- Run Forwards
E- Focus on current leg (do this after every control)
R - Focus on next leg
Q - Orient map to North
The Orient map to North option actually orientates the map to the direction you're facing - I use that quite a lot- for example when running on paths or when relocating.
The only other controls I've used are dragging the mouse to move the map and the mouse-wheel for zooming in and out.
Hit the escape to pause the game and return to the menu.
When you first download a course you run it 'online' and get a result in the event - you can then re-run the course and optionally change settings like the time of day.
Game Mode controls the speed - Beginner mode is 1x real world speed which is easier for beginners and more realistic training for experts - but the races take longer.
Here's a few tips....
If its sluggish to play change the Graphics options to Very Low then turn up a few of the other settings (I'd recommend Object Streaming and Level of Detail)
Set the Map Handling to Default (more natural map position and you see more of the course)
Reset your favourite 'hot keys' to more comfortable positions via the input menu.
I use my thumb on the space bar for showing the map and fingers for the following:
W- Run Forwards
E- Focus on current leg (do this after every control)
R - Focus on next leg
Q - Orient map to North
The Orient map to North option actually orientates the map to the direction you're facing - I use that quite a lot- for example when running on paths or when relocating.
The only other controls I've used are dragging the mouse to move the map and the mouse-wheel for zooming in and out.
Hit the escape to pause the game and return to the menu.
When you first download a course you run it 'online' and get a result in the event - you can then re-run the course and optionally change settings like the time of day.
Game Mode controls the speed - Beginner mode is 1x real world speed which is easier for beginners and more realistic training for experts - but the races take longer.
To oblivion and beyond....
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buzz - addict
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- Location: Sheffield
Re: Virtual O - all you want for Christmas!
buzz wrote:Big Jon wrote:Any note of a Mac version?
Coincidentally an old thread popped up about Virtual-O on Mac on the developer facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/1639385232985688/
Sorry not on Facebook - any critical/important points in the thread?
- Big Jon
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Re: Virtual O - all you want for Christmas!
Big Jon wrote:buzz wrote:Big Jon wrote:Any note of a Mac version?
Coincidentally an old thread popped up about Virtual-O on Mac on the developer facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/1639385232985688/
Sorry not on Facebook - any critical/important points in the thread?
He was asking for testers for a Mac version about year ago but nothing new since. Someone's been running it OK on a Mac in Boot Camp. I'll let you know if there are any updates.
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buzz - addict
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- Location: Sheffield
Re: Virtual O - all you want for Christmas!
Virtual-O is available at a 30% Christmas discount and the new Ulrasprint map has been released. http://store.steampowered.com/app/529020/VirtualO/
We reckon its usable on a mid-range PC (Intel i5 processor with 8GB RAM) without the need for a dedicated graphics card. You need to set Graphics to VERY LOW and then turn on Object Streaming and turn up Level of Detail (1.5) and Grass Draw Distance (100m). Also exit any other applications and plug into mains to maximise performance.
I wrote an article on my experiences of using Virtual-O for club, squad and personal coaching: https://virtualo.org/using-virtual-o-orienteering-coaching-training/
We reckon its usable on a mid-range PC (Intel i5 processor with 8GB RAM) without the need for a dedicated graphics card. You need to set Graphics to VERY LOW and then turn on Object Streaming and turn up Level of Detail (1.5) and Grass Draw Distance (100m). Also exit any other applications and plug into mains to maximise performance.
I wrote an article on my experiences of using Virtual-O for club, squad and personal coaching: https://virtualo.org/using-virtual-o-orienteering-coaching-training/
To oblivion and beyond....
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buzz - addict
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- Location: Sheffield
Re: Virtual O - all you want for Christmas!
Have you thought about streaming as a way to reach a wider audience? i.e. twitch.tv (other game streaming platforms are available)
I was hilariously bad at Catching features (despite being a decent enough orienteer), I haven't played this yet but could stream it at some point if anyone was interested in watching. The idea could be expanded into training sessions people could view remotely (with a half decent internet connection)
I was hilariously bad at Catching features (despite being a decent enough orienteer), I haven't played this yet but could stream it at some point if anyone was interested in watching. The idea could be expanded into training sessions people could view remotely (with a half decent internet connection)
Andrew Dalgleish (INT)
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Views expressed on Nopesport are my own.
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