Maze War VR
Headphone Test:
Maze War VR uses 3D directional audio. If you wear headphones or earbuds, you'll be able to find your opponents by moving your head around and listening carefully.
Use the test below to make sure your headphones or earbuds are working and not reversed!
You should have heard the word "left" in your left ear; and the word "right" in your right ear. If this was reversed, turn your headphones around or swap your earbuds from ear to ear.
Play with Friends
All alone...
The game will start once someone else joins you.
Invite your friends to play by posting this link on social media or sending it via text:
Let the games begin!
There is someone else in the maze!
Ready, set...
Send Invitation
Invite your friends to play by posting this link on social media or sending it via text:
Not Available
We are sorry, this web browser does not support the functionality needed for multi-player mode.
If you are on a Macintosh, download and install Chrome or Firefox (this game will not work on Safari). If you are using an iOS device and would like to see multi-player via an iOS app, please let me know at "mlt4356-github@yahoo.com"
Network Error
A network error has occured. Please try again later.
Game Setup
Control Options
I will play...
I have...
I have...
Headset Controls:
Hold down the trigger on your headset to move in the direction you are facing; press and release the trigger rapidly to shoot.
Simple Headset Controls:
Hold down the trigger on your headset to move in the direction you are facing; press and release the trigger rapidly to shoot.
Using a Bluetooth Gamepad:
If your headset came with a Bluetooth gamepad, you will need to pair the headset to your phone. Then go to "Game Setup -> Control Options -> Gamepad Configuration" screen to configure a button on it as the trigger.
Smartphone or Tablet Users:
Stand and hold the device in front of your face. Turn your body or move the device up and down to look around. Press your finger anywhere on the screen to move in the direction you are facing; tap to shoot.
By default, the display will be shown in 2D on your phone or tablet. If you would like, you can enable anaglyph 3D from the "Display Options" screen. This allows you to see 3D using inexpensive red/cyan glasses.
Desktop or Laptop Users:
Move the mouse to look around, hold down the mouse button to move in the direction you are facing; click rapidly to shoot.
By default, the display will be shown in 2D on your monitor. If you would like, you can enable anaglyph 3D from the "Display Options" screen. This allows you to see 3D using inexpensive red/cyan glasses.
Samsung Gear VR Users:
You must download the Samsung Internet Browser for Gear VR from the Oculus Store Android app. This is not the same as the Samsung Internet for Android from the Galaxy App store.
You may then play Maze War VR online by going to http://marciot.com/mazewar-vr while in VR mode.
Oculus Rift & HTC Vive Users:
At the present time, you must download an experimental version of Chrome or Firefox to play Maze War VR.
Once you have these browsers setup, follow the instructions at https://webvr.info to enable the experimental WebVR and the Gamepad extensions.
When you begin a game, the page will go black. This means that the graphics have been sent to the headset and you should put it on. While in a game, double-tap the headset with your finger to re-center your view.
Credits
- Brick texture by AGF81.
- Footstep sounds by nhaudio.
- Wilhelm scream recorded by SweetNeo85
- Pow sound by Snapper4298
Complete source code and licenses are available on GitHub.
Please help support the developement of this program and others. Check out my Patreon page.
How to Play
Find your opponents in the maze and shoot at them! Face in the direction you want to go and hold down the button to walk; press and release the button rapidly to shoot.
Let your ears be your guide!
Maze War VR has positional audio. Wear good stereo headphones†, listen carefully and with practice you'll learn to track your opponents by sound!
† Use the audio test at the start of each game to make sure the left and right are not reversed!
Please help further the development of this remake. Check out my Patreon page.
The History of Maze War
The original Maze War was written by Steve Colley and Greg Thompson in 1974 at the NASA Ames Research Center in California.
Players moved down a three-dimensional maze taking shots at opponents, making it the first first person shooter game!
Maze War on the Alto
By 1977, the game was taken to MIT, where it was rewritten for the Xerox Alto and made playable on an early version of the Ethernet packet switched network.
I've made a special effort in Maze War VR to use the same networking protocol as that version, allowing the two games to interact (see video demo on YouTube).
Maze War on the Alto
On the next page, you can play Maze War on the Xerox Alto. The demonstration is made possible by the efforts of the following people and organizations:- Contralto from Living Computers: Museum + Labs
- ContraltoJS from loomcom.com
- The preservation efforts of Bitsavers.org
Select your VR Experience:
Click an icon below to choose your VR experience. Click the headset icon on the left if you will be wearing a VR headset; click the middle icon if you are playing without a headset in 2D; or click on the right-most icon if you will be wearing red/cyan glasses for 3D.
Icons by Nick Bluth from the Noun Project
Select Theme:
Maze War VR comes with two different themes. The day theme is bright and is suitable for most devices; the night theme provides a darker and suspenseful atmosphere, but may require a faster device for smooth playback.
Rotational Boost:
Rotational Boost allows you to look behind you while seated on a stationary chair. However, playing this way may increase your chances of motion sickness. If you wish to proceed:
- Click the "Allow" button here.
- Once wearing your headset in a game:
- Sit comfortably and relaxed, looking straight ahead.
- Double-tap the side of your headset.
- The message "View centered. Boost enabled." will appear in your headset.
- You may double-tap again at any time to toggle it off and on.
Gamepad Configuration:
If you have a device with an electronic controller or gamepad, you will need to configure a game pad button for use with Maze War VR. You can do so here, or by pressing a game pad button within a minute of starting a game.
Choosing a VR Headset
Virtual reality is relatively new and there are a bewildering number of headset choices out there. Before you buy, consider the following questions:- What is your budget?
- Is there a headset made specifically for my phone or should I buy a generic headset?
- Does a headset have an integrated trigger or does it require a gamepad?
- Do you wear glasses?
Companion Headsets
Some phones have a companion headset for VR. These companion headsets are designed specifically for your phone and are generally your best choice.
If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, consider the Gear VR (amazon link).
If you have a Daydream-ready phone, consider the Google Daydream View (amazon link).
Generic Headsets
If your phone does not have a companion headset or you own an iPhone, there are generic headsets that work with great with Maze War VR.
When you pick a generic, get one with a trigger button, as not all generics do. On the next few pages, I present some excellent choices.
The Homido
The Homido V2 headset is a great choice for Maze War VR. Unlike the original, the updated version adds a trigger button. The Homido accomodates most phones and includes premium features like an adjustable focus and IPD (interpupilary distance) and comes with a hard-shell protective carrying case.
Wide straps hold the phone to your face for hands-free gaming, making the Homido V2 a fantastic choice for Maze War VR.
at amazon.com
The Merge VR
The Merge VR headset features a slot that works well with skinny phones like the iPhone. It is made out of soft foam, making it light weight and comfortable to wear. The padded exterior also protects your phone from accidental drops. In a fairly unique capability, it sports two independent trigger buttons. With lens adjustments and head straps, the Merge VR is a feature packed headset at a mid-range price!
at amazon.com
The ViewMaster
The Mattel ViewMaster VR accomodates most phones and has a responsive trigger. It starts at $17, making it a fantastic choice if you don't want to spend too much to experience VR. The deluxe version adds focal length adjustment, an improved latch and a headphone jack (which is recommended for Maze Wars VR, unless you have Bluetooth headphones).
The downside is that the ViewMaster does not fit over glasses and it lacks head straps, meaning you will need to hold it up to your face as you play.
Cardboard Headsets
Cardboard headsets are the least expensive. They are spacious enough for people with glasses, but they have disadvantages: they are not very durable nor particularly comfortable; they also leak a lot of light around the sides which can detract from the VR experience.
Magnetic vs. Foam Trigger
Older cardboard headsets use a magnetic trigger that won't work with Maze War VR.
If you buy one, look for a Cardboard Version 2 headset; these have a trigger with conductive foam and will work with Maze War VR.
Can I use red/cyan (anaglyph) glasses?
Absolutely! These old-style 3D glasses were common in theaters in the 50s; they allow you to play Maze War VR in 3D on a regular PC monitor, tablet or smartphone. Choose the anaglyph mode from the "Display Options" to play.
You can get anaglyph glasses
Make sure you use the red/cyan variety as the other color combinations will not work with Maze War VR. Clear 3D glasses from modern movie theaters will not work either.
Go headset free!
Maze War VR can be played on a regular PC monitor, tablet or smartphone.
Select the regular monitor mode from the "Display Options" to play without 3D.