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The Virtual Reviewer

Present day. Present time.

blakepiercehowseBlake Pierce Howse

With my trusty Xbox controller in hand, I'm just as likely to be barking orders to my squadmates in the latest shooter as I am strategizing code architecture with my engineering team. That's me - Blake Howse - principal software engineer by day, gaming enthusiast by night (and often during lunch breaks too). When I'm not glued to a screen writing VR code at Meta, you can usually find me hitting the trails with my wife Patty and two kids, John and Jenette. I love sharing my passion for gaming and tech with them, whether we're testing out new smart home gadgets or getting the hang of the latest VR games. As a self-described outdoorsy techie, I basically have the perfect work-life balance - collaborating with sharp engineers on innovative projects during the day, then coming home to my family to geek out and adventure together. Maybe we'll take our bikes out to hit some local trails or relax at home tinkering with DIY tech projects. Even just gaming into the night with my kids brings me joy.

Best VR Horror Games in 2026 (Quest & PSVR2)

July 17, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

The best VR horror games in 2026, ranked by a VR dad who has played at 50+ arcades. Resident Evil 4, Alien, MADiSON, FNAF, and more scares that hold up.

Categories VR Guides

Best VR Headset 2026: Tested Picks for Every Budget

July 17, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

The best VR headset 2026 for home play, from the Quest 3 to PSVR2 to the new Steam Frame. Real specs, real prices, and how home gear stacks up to arcade VR.

Categories VR Guides

Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 Review: A VR Dad’s Honest Take

July 16, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 brings a 3K camera and 8-hour battery for $379. A location-based VR dad breaks down specs, who it fits, and how it compares to arcade VR.

Categories VR Guides

Meta Quest Pro Review 2026: Worth Buying Used?

July 16, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

A 2026 Meta Quest Pro review: specs, the used price reality, eye and face tracking, and whether a discontinued headset makes sense after you loved arcade VR.

Categories VR Guides

Quest 3 vs Sandbox VR: Is Home VR as Good?

July 15, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

We loved Sandbox VR, so is a Quest 3 as good at home? A VR dad compares the $600 headset to full-body arcade VR, honestly.

Categories VR Guides

Sandbox VR Guide: Locations, Games, and Prices

July 14, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

A VR dad’s Sandbox VR guide: how the holodecks work, the full game list, real prices, group sizes, and whether it is worth booking in 2026.

Categories VR Guides

Viture Pro XR Review: A Dad’s Take on the Big-Screen Glasses

July 11, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Viture Pro XR review from a VR dad: 135-inch screen, 4000 nits, built-in myopia dial, and how these glasses compare to real arcade VR.

Categories VR Guides

What Is a VR Arcade? A Dad’s Plain Guide

July 10, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

What is a VR arcade, how does free-roam VR work, and how is it different from playing at home? A dad who has visited 50+ venues breaks it all down.

Categories VR Guides

Is VR Safe for Kids? A VR Dad’s Honest Guide

July 9, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Is VR safe for kids? A dad breaks down age limits, real 2025 research, screen-time rules, and how to set up Meta Quest safely for children.

Categories VR Guides

Best Free VR Games in 2026 (Quest Picks)

July 7, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

The best free VR games in 2026 for Meta Quest, picked by a VR dad who has played at 50+ arcades. Gorilla Tag, Rec Room, VRChat, and more, no cost to start.

Categories VR Guides
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