Just Hoops dropped its 2.0 update this week in conjunction with Meta Connect, focusing on hand tracking and more accessible ways to enjoy the top-ranked basketball experience.
Per developer Realcast, this update was developed over the last year using player feedback and with added support from Meta, who now has a vested interest in seeing more games embrace hand tracking with the reveal of the controller-free Meta VR Glasses this week.
At the time of this article, we do not know if any of the features will be coming to the Steam version of the game.
0:00/0:46
More Ways To Shoot
The main driver of this update is hand tracking, with the game offering improved hand tracking alongside different shooting methods to accommodate a wider swath of players.
Natural Shot is just what it sounds like. You reach out with your real hands, grab the ball, and physically shoot at the hoop. It sounds easy enough, but shooting, throwing, or otherwise ejecting an object from your hands in VR can prove tricky at times. Just Hoops accounts for this with optional assists. The scoring system rewards up to eight points per basket depending on the assists, incentivizing putting in the time to learn how to shoot well unassisted.
The assists available are as follows:
- Hand Tracking Grab Assist — pinch to grab the ball more easily.
- Controller Grab Assist — use a button to grab the ball.
- Aim Assist — helps guide shots toward the hoop.
Pointer Shot is a simpler, more relaxed method where you aim with your hand and shoot with a simple gesture (see the trailer above). This mode is more suited for casual, noncompetitive players and seated play. It awards two points per basket.
Multiplayer and Mixed Reality
You can compete against other players with online matchmaking or set up a private room for up to four players if you want to hoop with your friends.
The Trickshots mode turns your real environment into a basketball playground in mixed reality with the ability to place hoops and various obstacles around your room to create custom shots. I am dating myself here, but it gives vibes of the 90s Michael Jordan/Larry Bird “Nothing But Net” commercial.
Quality of Life & Customization Additions
The Zen Mode removes the timer to let you play at your pace, practicing shots and discovering levels in a relaxed environment without the scoring and time-limited pressure.
The 2.0 update also introduces a clearer path to unlocking new levels, series, and challenges, giving newer players more guidance and returning players new objectives.
The 2.0 update also adds a new 1970s-inspired retro environment in line with Just Hoops’ arcade identity, more dynamic levels, updated tutorials, and a redesigned menu user interface.
The 2.0 update is available now for Just Hoops on Quest.
