One of the highlights from New York Comic Con had to be the How To Train Your Dragon 2 demo at the Dreamworks booth. Equipped with an Oculus headset, and hunched over like you were riding a motorcycle, the demo gave those of us trying it out a perfect taste of what it would be like riding your very own dragon over Berk. With the wind blasting my face from the rig’s fans, and a sense of vertigo if I looked down, it was a moment that has stuck with me for over a month. How utterly wonderful to feel like you are completely immersed in a world, particularly one as beautiful as Berk, to the point where you can’t help but wonder what other games would work well with Oculus Rift. Let’s take a look at some of the franchises I think would work well:

Rendering by Christian Davis of Junction Point Studios

1. Pokemon Snap

I will NEVER let this go, Nintendo. EVER. Those of you unfamiliar with this particular game should know that the basic premise has you traveling through various terrain in the hopes of capturing the perfect Pokemon photo with a small array of tools to help you accomplish this task set by Professor Oak. Originally out in 1999  for N64, fans have been clamoring for a new installment, as it’s practically begging for an update (Kotaku even posted a video from a Youtuber who played the original via Oculus Rift). While Nintendo keeps playing with our emotions, it’s definitely at the top of my list.

Those of you that have played, imagine trying to do that goddamn Mew stage with the mapping…it’d be INSANE trying to hit that little bastard with Pester Balls. I would love to have some sort of set up that blew hot air, sprayed a light mist, what have you, depending on the different terrain levels you played through. Hopefully, we will get more than 7 if we ever see a new, and improved version!

2. Fatal Frame

Think of this game like a fucking terrifying version of Pokemon Snap. Instead of the cute animals we know and love, you get to take photos of dismembered, angry, typically Japanese, spirits inside of a ramshackle, old mansion. I’d be particularly excited (?) to feel my rig slowly pulse along with my rising heartbeat as a ghost gets near, and I love the idea of being able to literally look over my shoulder with every step! It’s pretty simplistic in terms of gameplay, but like many survival horrors, having to look for film for your camera while shaking in fear, er, excitement, will probably be where most of the frustration will lie.

3. A semi-open world game like Batman (or Dragon Age, or a fully open one like Skyrim)

Look man, these are some beautiful games, and they deserve to be looked at! Their landscapes aside, there’s a ton of ways to properly utilize Oculus in them. For example, think about tackling the Riddler’s riddles riddled throughout Gotham, or think about having to make sure you have a bad guy in sight in order to counter his attack, or even blasting a dragon with magic as you feel the wind from it’s mighty wings during a fight. They’re all perfectly fine on their own, but enhanced with the capability to actually take a real look around you is almost enough to make a mouth water (okay, maybe that’s just me). If you’re still not convinced, imaging having to investigate a crime scene in Batman, and you have to make sure you LOOK at everything at that crime scene in order to solve the mystery, or else you peg the wrong person or are unable to snag that 100% completion! Sure it might get tedious, but that feeling of accomplishment…man, there’s nothing like it.

4. Monster Hunter

HEAR ME OUT! We all know I’m a giant fangirl of this series from Capcom. I can’t deny it, but the sheer thought of being able to look up at the monster I’m currently fighting is almost orgasmic. I WANT TO FEEL THE GROUND RUMBLE AS SOMETHING CHARGES, AND I WANT TO WATCH IT TRY TO CIRCLE AND KILL ME. Plus, with the added underwater fighting in Monster Hunter Tri Ultimate, it’d make use of yet more beautiful landscape, and I’m sure there’d be some sort of perk to foraging for supplies.

Okay, fine. I’ll admit that 99% of the reason it’s even on this list is due to my love for the series. Ya got me.

5. Animal Crossing

Some of us do not like to actually go outside, but want to feel the warmth and happiness of a place that is free of judgement (unless you are wearing the wrong t-shirt, and that douchey cat neighbor named Snake laughs at you), and that is where Animal Crossing comes in. Some people refer to it as “Sims Lite,” but you know…while they may be right, I prefer Animal Crossing just a little bit more. You’re basically given a town to do with what you please, and are the Mayor (but let’s be honest, the cute dog secretary,Isabel, runs everything). I’d expect most of the fun to come from catching butterflies or fish, but I’m also thinking of the horror of being chased by a legion of bees! On the plus side, the holiday celebrations would be top tier, particularly Fourth of July fireworks across the night sky.

As we get closer to Pax South, I’m hoping to see more opportunities for some of our favorite games to reach new audiences, even if some platforms wouldn’t transfer over too well, like fighting games or first person shooters, simply because I’m looking out for your health, fellow gaming citizens! Think of the whiplash!

Tweet me your ideas for games that would be kick ass on the Oculus Rift. If you’ve never tried it, are you open to?