My first experience using VR was physically, and mentally overwhelming. Previously, the closest experience I've had to VR was watching 360 videos playing on the wall of the Dick Clark Studios. I quickly learned the gap between the VR experience and the 360 video experience is the gap between guarding LeBron James and shooting around on a portable hoop with your dad.

The first VR device I tried was the Gear.

The first odd mental sensation I felt was the confusion as to how tall I was. I'm 6'3"; on the Gear, because it took place in crowds in intimate, close proximity to other people, I felt my legs get shorter. I'm not sure quite how to describe it, but it felt like when you're on one of those rides where the riders are facing outward to the crowd in a circle, and it accelerates upward rapidly. When that happens, your face, neck, and legs feel like they're being sucked down to Earth (well, they are). That weird sensation in your legs is exactly what I felt.

Despite the movement, and jumping to various different perspectives on Gear, my experience with the Oculus was significantly more physically strenuous.

The installation on Oculus was really interesting, as I navigated a building that had been bombed. It was uncomfortable, and the animation of a little girl watching buildings burn as you read death statistics was disturbing... Which means the creator met their goal. My experience concluded because I sensed oncoming nausea. I'm not sure why this happened. But it was definitely not weird and fleeting. I did not believe you could get nauseous by sitting in a chair, but that experience definitely humbled me.

The HTC Vive was definitely my favorite experience.

I was painting words and creating little worlds in 3D rainbows, and stars. Then I danced around in my creation. It was a ridiculous Disney level experience I never thought I'd have. It was honestly one of the most peaceful things I've done, and I really could've toyed with it for hours.

After these visceral, engaging experiences in VR, I feel inspired to learn more.