From Flat Screen to Virtual World: Trombone Champ Hits All the Right Notes in VR
A new game studio is making waves in the world of virtual reality. Flat2VR Studios, formed by a passionate group of modders, has taken a beloved rhythm game, "Trombone Champ: Unflattened!", and brought it to life in VR. The results have been resounding applause from players across various platforms.
"Trombone Champ," initially designed for traditional screens, doesn’t just work in VR—it thrives. Holding motion controllers and mimicking the actions of playing a trombone feels incredibly intuitive and adds a whole new dimension of fun to the experience. As "Trombone Champ" demonstrates, Flat2VR’s strategy of bringing carefully chosen flatscreen games to VR has serious potential.
The studio’s early success is evident in the overwhelmingly positive user reception.
Across platforms, scores soar:
- Quest: 4.9 out of 5 stars (251 ratings)
- PC VR: 100% positive (43 ratings)
- PSVR 2: 4.9 out of 5 stars (120 ratings)
These numbers might not point to blockbuster figures, but they represent a strong start for a niche game reimagined in VR. Flat2VR’s vision—that certain games can be adapted not just for VR compatibility but for true VR enjoyment—is clearly taking shape.
This early achievement also validates the studio’s ability to secure partnerships and make smart choices about which games translate well to VR. "Trombone Champ" perfectly exemplifies this vision.
"There’s no more realistic way to mime the trombone than with motion controllers,” notes a Flat2VR representative.
Building on the success of "Trombone Champ," Flat2VR has already announced three more game conversions: "WRATH: Aeon of Ruin VR" (a "Quake"-inspired shooter), "Roboquest VR" (a modern roguelite shooter), and "Flatout VR" (a demolition derby racing game). While these titles differ vastly from "Trombone Champ," Flat2VR’s early track record suggests that they are genuinely committed to finding fresh and exciting ways to bring beloved gaming experiences to the world of virtual reality.
With its innovative approach and promising early results, Flat2VR Studios is one to watch. Their work highlights the immense potential of virtual reality to breathe new life into existing games and create truly immersive entertainment experiences.