I can show you the Worlds

VRChat is a very interesting place. Perhaps it's not the first thing someone thinks of when it comes to a "VR Game," as the title originally started out as a social hub. It's birthed many memes and content through its years of life on the Oculus DK1 and Steam (and 4 on Meta Quest), but it's also evolved. Thanks to the introduction of Udon, VRChat's in-house coding language, players are now able to build more complex worlds. This has led to a slew of new experiences, and most importantly, very impressive games. Here's a collection of 10 worlds that you need to see if you ever log onto VRChat.

[caption id="attachment_386986" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

10. Eccentric Rooms

Author: suzuki_i

Compatibility: PC Only

While this room is PC Only, it's a great way to start off this list. It's not a game, nor is it a hangout spot. Rather, Eccentric Rooms provides exactly what is shown in the title: a collection of rooms that bend the mind and show players what VRChat's Udon coding is capable of. Some of the highlights of the world include a room where you can walk on walls, a planetoid where gravity allows you to walk on its surface, a third-person VR Camera, and a Recursive room, where a small room in the middle is a mirror of that exact room, and looking out from the open ceiling reveals a larger you staring in.

This world is fun to explore on your own, but it's recommended you grab some friends (and surprise them with this world) and try out the many rooms available, as some of them won't make sense without other players.

[caption id="attachment_386985" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

9. Power Stars!/Power Stars 2!

Author: DSMT

Compatibility: PC & Quest

These two worlds share the same spot, as they're technically the same idea. Power Stars (and Power Stars 2) ports two levels from Super Mario 64 into VRChat using Udon. Power Stars includes Bob-Omb Battlefield, while Power Stars 2 contains Whomp's Fortress. Both worlds include every star from each level, including the 100-coin star, as well as functional cannons, boss fights, and Mario's ground pound, triple-jump, and long jump.

The world isn't co-op, so each player will have to complete each star on their own, but having everyone in the same instance will allow players to race. Completing the world will net you the wing cap in Power Stars 1, and the Owl in Power Stars 2 as a reward. Author DSMT has also listed speedrun times on Power Stars 2, so if you're a fan of speedrunning, attempt to snag a spot on the leaderboard!

[caption id="attachment_386987" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

8. Udon Sword II

Author: KOMETARO

Compatibility: PC Only

Udon Sword II brings classic dungeon crawling into VRChat, allowing four players to make their way through a dungeon, each with their own intricate classes. Players can take on Udon Sword II as a Tank, Healer, Archer, or Monk, each with their own abilities. The Tank can provoke enemies to attack them, while Healers can cast multiple spells from their book.

It's a lengthy dungeon, and it's best if you bring along some friends for the quest. It's a must-visit for players who want to take on hordes of enemies with a band of adventurers.

[caption id="attachment_386988" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

7. Instagib Tournament

Author: ville672

Compatibility: PC & Quest

Instagib Tournament is exactly what it says in the title. This brings the classic action of Unreal Tournament's Instagib modifier into VRChat. Supporting up to 12 players, (or bots if you're playing solo) you'll spawn into two high-rise towers with a railgun. It's a free-for-all deathmatch where your only chance for survival is your quick reflexes and fast moves, as the clock ticks down and the frag limit determines the winner.

Instagib Tournament also includes a double-jump modifier, so players can really test out their movement abilities, as well as an announcer for when you go on a killing spree.

[caption id="attachment_386989" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

6. Scanner

Author: Trixelized

Compatibility: PC & Quest

Transitioning to a more cerebral world, Scanner allows players to team up and uncover a hidden environment using LiDAR scanners. The world is completely pitch-black, and impossible to see; though, by using the LiDAR scanner, you can unveil the world and explore its hidden secrets.

Multiple players can see what others have scanned, and you're able to choose how long the scan lingers before de-spawning. There are multiple hidden areas to explore, as the world is quite large, and while you can see through the walls, you can't pass through them. Your only means of navigation being the Scanner in your hand.

Also hidden throughout the world are floating question marks, each one unlocking a new theme for your scanner. With environments like a bedroom, a library, and even a graveyard hidden in the world, you'll spend a lot of time trying to find everything Scanner provides.

[caption id="attachment_386990" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

5. Super Tower Defense

Author: DragonCookie

Compatibility: PC & Quest

Super Tower Defense is a simple world, but it's a highly engaging one. Players can work together to defend their stack of hearts from the oncoming invasion of small cars using powerful weaponry. Using items like a Minigun, a Rocket Catapult, or even the powerful Miracle, this simple tower defense game becomes more complex as you work together to find which towers synergize as you take on the endless waves of cars.

However, even after you beat the game at wave 50, you can continue into an endless mode as cars become more and more powerful. Some upgrades require you to sacrifice hearts in conjunction with your cash, but boast an even higher tier of power.

[caption id="attachment_386991" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

4. EvolvedAnt Arcade

Author: EvolvedAnt

Compatibility: PC & Quest

EvolvedAnt Arcade brings the delightful memory of arcades and indoor playpens into the VR experience. The world spans multiple sections, allowing players to explore and play to their heart's content. Sporting an indoor play space with climbable walls, a ball pit, and enough tubes to make your head spin, players can either explore the play space or engage in a game of tag, complete with silly chase music emanating from the person who's "It."

Also included in the world is a trampoline park, allowing players to bounce around and toss large billiard balls into hoops, the hoops themselves are in the same spot for everyone, so trying to score into the hoop before someone else can is a great way to challenge your friends.

Furthermore, the arcade provides multiple games for players to try. While this section of the world is the most unfinished, it does sport a functional version of Tetris (called Udontris), Flappy Bird, and Pop the Lock. With its most recent update, the arcade also introduced its own take on Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, allowing players to take on a custom bomb with its own manual.

Lastly, walking down the hallway (where the floor functions as a working piano) players reach the Party room, complete with a video player to upload your own tunes, and a dance floor for when the party really starts!

[caption id="attachment_386983" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

3. Gun Em Down VR

Author: Dinky_

Compatibility: PC & Quest

Gun Em Down VR is a high-stakes 8v8 team deathmatch game inspired by old-school World War 2 Call of Duty titles. The game sports a fully functional ranking system, with each level unlocking something new.

Players can save their progress by snapping a picture of the code found on the typewriter next to their loadout, allowing them to leave the world, and pick up right where they left off.

The title sports four weapons for the Axis and Allies teams, as well as multiple perks, and functional killstreaks like a Scout Plane, a Care Package, and of course, plenty of Air Strikes.

Each weapon is manually reloaded, having players chamber rounds with the bolt action of their sniper, or insert the clip into their Garand, hearing the classic ping when they run out of ammo.

For players wanting a classic Call of Duty experience in VR, Gun Em Down offers this in spades.

[caption id="attachment_386992" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

2. Maple's Kuso House

Author: MapleJava

Compatibility: PC & Quest

Stepping away from games, Maple's Kuso House is a classic VRChat hangout world, perfect for when you're winding down after world hopping with friends. The world sports a cozy home, with plenty of simple trinkets and locations to enjoy.

Inside the house, players can find a video player in the living room to play some videos or music, and the bar in the back allows players to mix together colors to make fancy drinks. Upstairs in the house, you can find a functional billiards table, supporting 1v1, or 2v2 games. Also upstairs is a bedroom with a computer, a couch, and a bathroom with a working faucet and shower head.

While the room is mostly for show, the hidden harmonica behind the bedroom couch unlocks a portal in the living room to a mystical island in space, with a mirror for players who want to admire their avatars.

However, the main attraction of the world is outside. The house sits on a beach, where players can take a crack at Suikawari, or Watermelon Splitting. Out on the dock of the beach, players can also find four fishing rods, which can be cast into the water, and allow players to fish for some of the many creatures in the sea.

However, if you're unlucky (or lucky) enough, you may find yourself reeling in a sandal, or even a boot!

[caption id="attachment_386982" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

1. Fate of the Irbloss

Author: xCirrex

Compatibility: PC Only

The final spot on this list goes to Fate of the Irbloss. It's a fully functional co-op space adventure based on FTL: Faster than Light, Eve Online, and Freespace. Up to five players will take one of many roles as the crew of the rickety spaceship, The Irbloss.

Players can join in on the ship as either the Pilot, Weapons, Shields, or Hacker, each with their own duties and responsibilities. However, space isn't a forgiving place and plenty of people are out to blast you into stardust. As your ship is attacked by enemies, you'll need to make repairs. Whether it's fires in the hallway, breaches in the ship draining oxygen, or invaders hijacking your teleporter, you'll need to use your secondary class to determine the most effective way to solve these problems, using your blaster to dispatch the invaders, or using your welding gun to repair crucial parts of the ship.

Each victory nets you scrap, which you can use to upgrade your ship, increasing its evasion, its shield capacity, or the power of your hacking. You can also spend your scrap at shops as well to repair your ship, buy some new weapons, or purchase passive abilities that make your voyage easier, such as the ability to not consume missiles upon use, or drones to help repair your ship.

Fate of the Irbloss is the closest thing to a full game inside VRChat, complete with three separate endings, which you'll have to discover yourself.

The post 10 VRChat worlds that are a must visit appeared first on Destructoid.

The 128 GB stays where it is, though

Meta is dropping the cost of some of its virtual reality headsets, though one is staying right where it's at. The 256 GB Meta Quest 2 and the newer Meta Quest Pro VR headsets are both seeing price cuts.

In a blog, Meta confirms the 256 GB Meta Quest 2 is dropping from $499.99 to $429.99. That price cut won't be spiralling down to the lower-capacity 128 GB Meta Quest 2, which still sits at $399.99.

The Meta Quest Pro sees a deeper cut, dropping from $1,499.99 to $999.99. The changes will take place on March 5 for both US and Canada.

Meta says it's goal "has always been to create hardware that's affordable for as many people as possible to take advantage of all that VR has to offer." Though the 128 GB isn't dropping in price, the company says the lowered prices on both 256 GB and Quest Pro will make them more available.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv4GWoCB4Zo

The price of virtual reality

Meta Quest 2 headsets saw a price hike last year, when the company bumped the price of both the 128 GB and 256 GB models up by $100. When the Quest 2 launched in 2020, its wireless format, internal hardware, and price point all made for a very solid entry point into virtual reality.

That changed with the price shift though, and I don't think the cut back down on the 256 GB model changes that. Especially for PlayStation 5 owners, who now have a shiny new headset option that's in a similar price range.

What's surprising to me here is the price cut on the Meta Quest Pro headset. A $500 price cut on a headset that debuted less than a year ago feels drastic. Granted, reviews of the headset weren't all glowing, and with a big price point like that, there may still be some hesitancy to buy into the newer of Meta's headsets.

The post Meta is cutting the price of its Quest Pro and 256 GB Quest 2 VR headsets appeared first on Destructoid.

To VR or not to VR: The perpetual question of price

The first time I encountered "VR" was at a county fair in the '90s. It was for a racing game demo, and basically amounted to putting a TV on your head...I think I lost some of my eyesight that day. It was an absolutely fascinating experience all the same, and I've kept my eye on the tech ever since.

Once the first consumer-grade Oculus Rift headset launched, I was there, and saw all of the advancements of the subsequent two decades since the TV-helmet at once: but there was so much more work to do. For the past seven years or so, VR has struggled to balance power and comfort. The Oculus Quest 2 is comfortable, but not super powerful. Other headsets focus on power at the expense of clunk, like multiple finnicky tracking devices. The PlayStation VR 2 is a good compromise combined with great tech: with the obvious hurdle of the price point. Let's talk about it.

Product: PlayStation VR 2
Manufacturer: Sony
Input: USB-C
MSRP: $549.99 (base PSVR 2 unit with two Sense controllers)

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Unboxing the PSVR 2

Let's get the specs out of the way first:

Having unboxed every major consumer-centric VR headset since the original Rift, I was shocked at how dead simple the PSVR 2 unpacking process was. You get the headset itself with a USB-C cable to plug it in (more on that later), a USB cable for the controllers, earbud headphones, and two PSVR Sense controllers. That's all you need. There are no sensor towers (like several other headsets, that's baked into the device itself), and there's no gigantic converter box like the original PSVR.

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How the PSVR 2 feels after hours-long sessions

As you might imagine I spent a lot of time in VR trying out the PSVR 2: fiddling with menus and trying out multiple games. Initially, it took me a bit to find the comfort setting that worked for me, but I got there.

On the base of the visor is a button which can be used to slide said visor in and out (glasses are accommodated if you wear them, as is the case with many modern VR headsets). On the back is a dial, which can be twisted to cinch the visor to your head (the dial can also be pressed to release the headset). It's similar to the original PSVR in terms of comfort tweaking, but the design itself is sleeker and feels better to wear for longer periods of time.

The sound situation could be a hang-up for some, but there are plenty of solutions for it. The packed-in earbuds are a tad annoying as they don't always stay in the sides of the device (there's little holes with ridges to stick each bud in): but it's one of the few hardware snafus that actually came up in my many hours with the device. In fact, I ended up subbing out a PS5 Pulse 3D headset, and it almost conforms with the headset, creating a better seal to silence the outside world. No speaker support (read: built-in audio) on the device is a bummer, but it's a very small concession to make; and one of the only big concessions on the device at all, tech-wise.

[caption id="attachment_364472" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Sony[/caption]

The PSVR 2 Sense controllers

When I first experienced the Oculus Touch controllers a little over six years ago, it felt like a true VR hardware revolution. I was hooked playing Superhot VR and Robo Recall, and found myself completely entranced by the tech. To be honest, I'm still kind of in that trance. When a game really utilizes that dual-hand control scheme to its fullest extent, it creates an experience that's completely different from traditional gaming. I'm pleased to say that the PSVR 2 Sense controllers continue that legacy.

The PSVR 2 Sense controllers are multiple generations ahead of Move. It's such an obvious statement, but if you've ever played a game with a Touch/Valve Index type controller before, you'll know what I mean. The Sense controllers sport a six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope + three-axis accelerometer), and are incredibly responsive, with a fantastic sense of haptic feedback and finger tracking. It's a little confusing at first to have to relearn the Sense-specific PlayStation buttons (especially if you're also using Oculus Touch or the Valve Index controllers), but it only took me a day or so to acclimate, and most games have visual indicators when tutorializing new inputs.

Like the headset itself the Sense controllers are comfortable, even after all-day sessions. You'll also charge them the same way as the DualSense controllers (via USB), or you can opt for a $50 Sense charging station that plugs into the wall and takes care of charging them both.

[caption id="attachment_364460" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

The PSVR 2 launch game situation

The big star this time around is Horizon Call of the Mountain: a VR spinoff from the Horizon Zero Dawn/Forbidden West franchise. Thankfully, it's pretty good, and you can read all about it here.

How starstruck you'll be at the rest of the lineup really depends on how much VR you've consumed already. For me, roughly a fourth of the PSVR 2's initial offering is filled with VR games I've already played on the Index, Oculus Quest 2, or even the Rift. That's not necessarily a bad thing, it just might limit your options. That said, I actually replayed several higher profile multiplatform VR games on the PSVR 2 (like Thumper) and had a great time. A lot of these games are completely different from their state at launch, with multiple quality of life and content updates: as well as some technical enhancements in tow to account for the PS5.

If you're coming in fresh, or even as a lapsed VR player, you have nothing to worry about. You can get started on modern VR classics like both Moss games, as well as Rez Infinite, Tetris Effect, the aforementioned Thumper, Pistol Whip, Job Simulator, and delve into more flawed-but-fun games like Jurassic World Aftermath and Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge.

Short term, I'm looking forward to trying out Resident Evil Village in VR (if it's anything like RE7 I have a full playthrough on the horizon) and The Dark Pictures: Switchback. Long term, Sony will need to convince more studios (internal and third party alike) to add free VR updates to existing heavy-hitters like the ones coming for Resident Evil Village and Gran Turismo 7. Those will help smooth out the longer waits between big original VR projects like Horizon Call of the Mountain.

Here's the full PSVR 2 launch window lineup:

• After the Fall (Vertigo Games)
• Altair Breaker (Thirdverse)
• Before Your Eyes (Skybound Interactive, launch window)
• Cities VR (Fast Travel Games)
• Cosmonious High (Owlchemy Labs)
• Creed: Rise to Glory – Championship Edition (Survios, launch window)
• The Dark Pictures: Switchback (Supermassive, launch window)
• Demeo (Resolution Games)
• Dyschronia: Chronos Alternate (MyDearest Inc., Perp Games)
• Fantavision 202X (Cosmo Machia, Inc.)
• Gran Turismo 7 (via free update to PS5 version of GT7)
• Horizon Call of the Mountain (Firesprite, Guerrilla)
• Job Simulator (Owlchemy Labs)
• Jurassic World Aftermath (Coatsink)
• Kayak VR: Mirage (Better Than Life)
• Kizuna AI – Touch the Beat! (Gemdrops, Inc.)
• The Last Clockwinder (Pontoco/Cyan Worlds)
• The Light Brigade (Funktronic Labs, purchase includes PS VR and PS VR2 versions)
• Moss 1 & 2 Remaster (Polyarc)
• NFL Pro Era (StatusPro, Inc., free PS VR2 upgrade)
• No Man’s Sky (Hello Games, launch window)
• Pavlov VR (Vankrupt)
• Pistol Whip (Cloudhead, free upgrade)
• Puzzling Places (Realities.io, free upgrade)
• Resident Evil Village (Capcom, via free update to PS5 version of RE Village)
• Rez Infinite (Enhance)
• Song in the Smoke (17 Bit)
• Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced Edition (ILMxLAB)
• Synth Riders (Kluge Interactive, free upgrade)
• The Tale of Onogoro (Amata K.K)
• Tentacular (Devolver)
• Tetris Effect: Connected (Enhance)
• Thumper (Drool LLC)
• The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners: Ch. 2: Retribution (Skydance, launch window)
• Townsmen VR (Handy Games)
• Vacation Simulator (Owlchemy Labs)
• What the Bat (Triband)
• Zenith: The Last City (Ramen VR, free upgrade)

[caption id="attachment_364465" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Sony[/caption]

Should you buy a PSVR 2?

For those of you who haven't bought into any VR platform at all, the PSVR 2 is a decent place to start. It already has a handful of VR classics on its storefront, the Sense controllers are on par with the best consumer VR tech available, and the PSVR 2 itself is powerful enough to coast you through this generation. From a technical perspective the PSVR 2 absolutely brings it, and the Sense controllers will sell VR to folks far beyond Sony's wildest Move-related dreams. Giving things another go is often unusual for Sony, but they’ve done it with the PlayStation VR 2. For now, there is enough there where VR newcomers  and veterans could keep themselves busy for a while.

If you're an early adopter of any tech, you likely know the risks. The thing is, the PSVR 2 feels less risky than its predecessor as Sony has already spent the cash developing some games for the platform for years, and likely won't abandon the VR industry in the very near future.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the hardware provided by the publisher.]}

The post Review: PlayStation VR 2 appeared first on Destructoid.

Is there such a thing as too spooky?

Resident Evil Village came, did pretty well for itself, got some DLC, and went. Well, it's back now! The newest mainline RE entry is back in VR form, provided that you have a PlayStation VR 2. Hey, we do! Let's dive into what makes this VR version tick and if it's worth buying into, or loading back up.

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How to play Resident Evil Village in VR, and what the VR version actually entails

You can access the free DLC here or on the PS5 dashboard (where it's listed as "Resident Evil Village VR mode") and it requires a roughly 800MB download. You also need a PlayStation VR 2 headset to play (the old model won't cut it). The DLC patches in an alternative mode to play RE Village when booting it up: and this is a separate mode, mind, with its own save data, trophies, and bonuses.

The full story mode is playable in this VR update. As Capcom puts, it: "The DLC supports the full story campaign following Ethan Winters’ harrowing journey to rescue Rose, his kidnapped daughter."

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Resident Evil Village VR comfort settings/options

Years back, VR gaming started out with a lack of accessibility options (on both ends of the comfort spectrum), but around 2019, things started to get a little more universally codified. Now, there's a wide range of options to help curb motion sickness, or jack up the game into a near 1:1 recreation of the original (with full smooth turning and everything)

Like many modern AAA VR releases, RE Village VR has a lot of tweaks and toggles:

• The ability to play sitting or standing
• Camera speed
• Smooth (read: regular first-person shooter) or snap (instant) turning
• The ability to turn the "tunnel" (black bar) comfort effect on or off
• Dominant hand and dominant eye swapping
• Aim assist
• Laser/reticle color changes
• Subtitle toggling (for immersion)

[gallery size="large" link="file" columns="5" ids="364888,364890,364902,364905,364931"]

What the tutorial/VR controls are like

RE Village VR uses the tried and true "grab stuff intuitively from behind your back/your holster" control method: which still works like a charm (if it ain't broke and doesn't cost a ton more VR R&D money!). You'll learn this through a brand new VR control tutorial, which only takes around 10 minutes, and gets the job done (and then some).

There's shoulder grabbing for bigger weapons like shotguns, your pistol is on your hip, the knife is on a strap on your wrist: but Village takes things one step further by cramming stuff into your jacket (you need to grab and open either side for specific items). Basically everything is mapped to some some of control option on Ethan's person, including an in-game item map (instead of a menu) that defaults to your back left pocket. First aid is administered by grabbing a bottle from behind your left shoulder, popping the cap off with a button press, then pouring it over your body. Dual-wielding is possible, and double pistols is especially viable. Using the knife and putting your hands up to block (and holding the triggers and swinging forward to punch) is similarly responsive and easy to learn. Big bonus points to the development team for allowing you to break glass with your fists instead of pulling out the knife each time!

The only hang-up I have at the moment is the requirement to hold your pistol with both hands for better aim: it's a tad finnicky in terms of getting the pathing right (and not clinking the controllers into each other). I haven't had any similar issues with any other items or weapons so far.

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So how is Resident Evil Village in VR? Pretty great

As we mentioned above, RE Village VR is a completely separate mode. You'll need to start over from the beginning (works for me!) and you can thankfully skip cutscenes if you've seen them already (which are viewable in VR format, or the traditional "movie theater screen" presentation via a pause menu toggle). It also has its own set of "VR Mode Challenges," like finding and shooting the main Goats of Warding collectibles for merchant rewards: plus, you can swap back to the original mode from the main menu if you're getting freaked out. And you'll likely get freaked out at least once!

Yeah, I experienced the gamut of VR scares:

• Despite checking behind me (twice) and barricading the windows in a building, an enemy snuck up on me and basically yelled in my ear with 3D audio jacked up
• Spooky directional noises freaking me out while wandering the woods in the beginning, weapon-less
• Almost getting shot in the face with a shotgun by that old man that I knew was coming

Capcom as a whole has learned a lot since the original VR version of Resident Evil 7, and the two new PSVR 2 Sense controllers already do a lot of the heavy lifting. When it comes to VR, it's the little things, right? Opening an old timey door latch realistically (by pulling it up, then horizontally) tacks on just a little bit of fun to VR, and it really adds up. Every reload action in the middle of a fight, and the reflexes inherent to that motion: a lot of it is a brand new skill curve that you'll need to master, like riding a bike for the first time.

You also get....Resident Evil Village. Suffice to say I won't spoil anything here as I'm sure a lot of folks are visiting the titular village for the first time in VR; but there's a lot to explore, uncover, and get spooked by. VR mode really adds to the atmosphere of the game, and heightens the tension and scares that I felt were lacking at times in the original release. I'm psyched to play through the entirety of Resident Evil Village again in VR: currently, I'm making my way through Lady Dimitrescu's castle. Yes, she's very tall.

It's been just the right amount of time for a full replay anyway, and with VR perks in tow, it's like I'm playing it with a fresh set of eyes. I hope every Resident Evil game from here on out has VR support, because it's a great long term value add. At this point you kind of know that if you're buying into an RE project, there's something cool coming down the line. I can get behind that!

The post Impressions: Resident Evil Village VR appeared first on Destructoid.

You can almost feel the chainsaw on your eyes

We are a sliver under a month away from the launch of Resident Evil 4, easily one of the most highly anticipated remakes of all time — And for those of you who want a truly immersive experience with the Los Illuminados, Capcom is developing an immersive virtual reality experience for the PS5 edition and its related PlayStation VR 2 (PSVR 2) hardware.

"VR mode for Resident Evil 4 has started development! Stay tuned for more details!” reads a new tweet from the Japanese Resident Evil Twitter account, before later adding "The VR mode of Resident Evil 4 will be distributed as free DLC for PlayStation5 / PlayStation VR 2."

https://twitter.com/BIO_OFFICIAL/status/1628309614843559937?s=20

One can only assume that the new mode for Resident Evil 4 will see players go face-to-face with some of the terrifying mutants of the iconic survival horror title, which first freaked out video game fans the world over on its initial release, way back in 2005. If you ever fancied looking one of the horrifying Regenerators, dead in the eye in full 3D, then you'll soon have the opportunity.

Also, what's wrong with you?

Resident Evil 4 VR will not be the only virtual reality experience coming to the Capcom franchise this year, as Resident Evil Village is receiving its own virtual reality equivalent today on PlayStation 5. Resident Evil Village VR lets players step into the shoes of Ethan Winters as he goes toe-to-toe with terrifying characters such as Heisenberg, Lady Dimitrescu, and, of course, that baby. Yikes.

Resident Evil 4 launches March 24 on PlayStation, PC, and Xbox Series X.

Related: All Resident Evil 4 Remake Voice Actors Listed on Prima Games

The post Resident Evil 4 PSVR 2 mode will be free post-release DLC appeared first on Destructoid.

Take the SPD and deal with it

Capcom has begun location tests for a new virtual reality experience set within the world of its flagship fighting franchise, Street Fighter. The Street Fighter VR: The Shadaloo Enhancement Project is currently available to play in the Capcom store at Hiroshima Plaza in Hiroshima, Japan.

The short experience allows players to step up to the plate against long-time poster boy Ryu and Russian wrestler Zangief in first-person combat, with sound and visuals running on the same engine used for Street Fighter V. The concept sees the player take the role of a lowly Shadaloo grunt, training against two of the World Warriors that they may encounter as the evil organization attempts its takeover of the free world. Yeah... That's exactly who I want to play in VR: A nameless, nobody, Shadaloo trainee.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY3rBDYNXRs&ab_channel=asciijpnews

Utilizing PC VR hardware, players must block attacks and counter with punches and special moves, impacting certain areas on the opponent while their guard is down. A short video not only demonstrates a player throwing out an iconic Hadoken projectile, but also sees the hapless protagonist caught in Zangief's Spinning Pile Driver, which I can only assume is a VR experience likely to demonstrate the technological power of your own stomach.

"Stop playing if you feel sick or feel something is wrong with your body." reads the warning. Indeed.

The demo ends with hints that further characters — such as Akuma and Shadaloo leader Bison himself — will be added to the game in future updates. Capcom has not announced any plans to bring Street Fighter VR: The Shadaloo Enhancement Project to western locations, but I would not be surprised if it at least showed up at one of the booths at the big summer expos such as E3 or Summer Game Fest.

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Climb, climb, then climb some more

The Horizon series came out of nowhere when it was announced, and now it's sort of synonymous with Sony's entire IP stable, alongside of juggernauts like God of War and The Last of Us. It turns out people really like robot dinosaurs, amid all of the other (sometimes silly) lore therein. It's fun to explore and experience this wild universe in a traditional third person format; but now we have a VR option in Horizon Call of the Mountain.

[caption id="attachment_364214" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Developer: Guerilla Games, Firesprite
Publisher: Sony
Released: February 22, 2023
MSRP: $59.99

Fittingly, Horizon Call of the Mountain was the first thing I tried after setting up my PSVR 2 (which was shockingly simple to do): and I think I made the right choice. Folks, this game is gorgeous.

After getting over the "protagonist is a prisoner with a heart of gold" trope (played this time by someone named Ryas), I was immediately engaged and sold on the VR take on Horizon. This is the same sometimes terrifying world where hulking metallic creatures can eat you at a moment's notice; their glowing eyes serving as both a defense mechanism and an albatross.

Before I even finish the review, I'll just say this upfront: I could go for more VR side stories in this setting. I have some overarching issues with the Horizon world as a whole, but I didn't feel the need to re-litigate any of them in Call of the Mountain. The new first-person perspective (and the shift to another lead that's a little less capable) does wonders, especially when mixed with years of hindsight of consumer-centric VR development.

Although there are plenty of comfort options to turn on if you want them, we're far removed from the initial days of VR: where obscured views can't be toggled off, and movement options were limited. Very early on, I found myself just looking around at the vistas and waterfalls of Horizon Call of the Mountain, sometimes for minutes at a time. It's a spectacle-filled game, and a good conversation piece for your new PSVR 2, even if everyone can't technically enjoy it together.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUWB3NBpcbo

Of course, there should be an actual game here at some point, and there is! A lot of it is climbing-based, which could be make or break depending on what your tolerance of the mechanic is. As for myself, one of my favorite VR games is called The Climb, so I think I'm good here. For many people, VR does make a huge difference when it comes to enhancing self-imposed challenges, and enticing players to explore more for little to no reward. All this to say: I climbed everything I could in Call of the Mountain, just to see the view from up top. This is easily one of the best VR worlds ever made, up there with Half-Life Alyx.

Exploration is compounded by combat, all of which mostly funnels into linear paths and carefully-crafted fight locations. You'll be taking down robot dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes (land, sea, and air) with your trusty bow and arrow — which, truth be told — never gets old due to the precision and haptic feedback involved. The whole adventure lasts around five or six hours — more if you enjoy messing around with all the random junk strewn about the game (playing musical instruments, or chucking plates against a wall to hear the crash).

Speaking of feedback: the new PSVR 2 controllers are a standout bonus that I should mention (and will talk about more in the PSVR 2 hardware review). Folks, these are multi-generational leaps over the Move controllers. I mean it's a literal fact that Move tech is multiple generations old, but it's hard to describe just how much better the new control method is with Sony's second iteration of VR. Everything is incredible responsive and intuitively in reach. The new tech also features stellar haptic feedback support, which comes in handy when using the bow and arrow mechanic and (you guessed it) while climbing.

When I was a kid I dreamed of games that had huge draw distances, where you could view the horizon in stunning detail to the point where it was a feature in and of itself. Horizon Call of the Mountain is the definition of a day one hardware title, and a project that fulfills that dream. It shows off the shiny new PSVR 2 in style, builds upon a previously established exclusive-IP-based world, and tells its own story without retreading on what was done previously. Your mileage may vary when it comes to the climbing aspect and the repetition involved, but if you know what you're getting into you'll have a great time.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

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New blocks just dropped

Next week sees the compelling blockbuster Tetris Effect: Connected make its debut on both PS5 and the newly launched PlayStation VR 2 (PSVR 2) platform — In addition to these new editions, a fresh update for all versions will be bringing a selection of new modes to the iconic, wall-building puzzler.

https://youtu.be/BiL6U_iONN4

Available from February 22, the free update will bring four new modes to Tetris Effect: Connected. These include Classic Score Attack, (complete with PAL/NTSC speed toggles), Zone Marathon, which, as the name suggests, adds the Zone mechanics to Marathon mode, and Endless options for both Master and Purify modes. You can check out an explainer video above, demonstrating the new modes. The video also features comments from pro-Tetris players Blink and Yoshimi.

The PS5 edition of Tetris Effect: Connected will include additional features including support for Haptic Feedback on Dual Sense, PSVR 2 Sense, and the PSVR 2 headset. as well as 4K resolution support. The PSVR2 release will also support eye tracking, and will allow players to select their zone of choice by looking directly at the zone and performing a hard blink. Nice touch.

Tetris Effect: Connected launches on PS5 and PSVR 2 on February 22. It is available right now on PS4, PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Luna, and Oculus Quest.

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Eight eyes, and they're all trained on you

Some fucking sadist has chosen absolute chaos, and developed an edition of 2020 spider-hunting title Kill It with Fire for the VR market — Yes, you can now "enjoy" the destructive, terrifying, hide 'n' seek nature of the Man vs. Arachnid release in fully immersive virtual reality fashion. Thanks?

Kill It with Fire VR will recreate the over-the-top action of the original release, as players search a variety of locations including houses, gas stations, farms, and, of course, bathrooms for the eight-legged critters. Track down a menagerie of creepy crawlies, before engaging in mortal combat with an arsenal of household implements, ninja weapons, firearms, and other super bombastic weaponry. The virtual reality edition of this absolute nightmare will utilize a new "VRACHNID" mechanic to allow for better detection.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCLtBfOARzM&ab_channel=tinyBuildGAMES

"Fans have been asking for a VR version of Kill It With Fire since the very first footage of the original game," notes Casey Donnellan, solo developer of Kill It With Fire and thus a monstrous person. "I'm really happy that we can finally put horrifying spiders on a screen less than an inch from players' eyeballs!"

All jesting aside, I actually really like spiders. Oh, I'm pretty scared of them, and one actually bit me last year, (always shake out your shoes, folks). But I do think our scuttling pals are pretty darn cool, as well as being fascinating, intelligent, and important creatures. Anyway, Kill It with Fire VR is scheduled to launch "soon" on PlayStation VR 1 & 2, SteamVR, and Meta Quest 2.

I'm probably going to assign the review to CJ Andriessen. He'll love it.

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Go face to face with Lady D

Capcom has released a new trailer for the incoming PSVR2 edition of its blockbuster horror title Resident Evil Village. In addition, the publisher announced that a free demo will be made available alongside the hardware's launch, which will take place on February 22.

The VR adaptation of Resident Evil Village will see players going face to face with the horrors of The House Beneviento like never before. Fully immersive 3D technology is expected to bolster the forests, huts, castles, and corridors for maximum player impact, allowing hapless users to come face-to-face with a gallery of infamous and terrifying villains, including Heisenberg, Lady Dimitrescu, and, yes, that baby. No Thank You. Not unless it's the puppet versions... I'd hang out with them all day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCxmbavVqys&t=8s&ab_channel=ResidentEvil

The PlayStation VR 2 technology launches worldwide on February 22, and is hoping to set a new market standard for immersive, responsive, virtual reality hardware. While the technology is unquestionably impressive, the PSVR2 unit's exceptionally high price, ($550 USD), will most certainly make it something of a niche purchase within an already niche community. Still, how much do you want to pay for a date with Lady D? Can you put a price on what would surely be the best, and last, night of your life?

Resident Evil Village VR Mode will officially release later in 2023, available as a free download for all Resident Evil Village players.

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Too Spoopy 4 Me

Supermassive Games has announced that its upcoming VR ghost train The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR will no longer meet its previously announced February 22 release date — The spooky-ooky title will now be jump scaring onto the PSVR2 platform on March 16.

"It has always been our aim to release in the launch window of the new PlayStation VR2 headset but it is also massively important to us that you, the players, receive the most polished, terrifying experience possible when you strap in for your first ride in The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR," writes Supermassive Games in a press statement.

"With this in mind, we have made the difficult decision to set a new launch date of March 16, 2023."

https://twitter.com/SuperMGames/status/1617567840328093697?s=20&t=oDgBlyR9cK9RZ3i4LH8ojg

Described as Supermassive's "most ambitious virtual reality project to date", Switchback VR will plunge players into an immersive, atmospheric, and super-scary 3D world, as they ride a literal rollercoaster through five distinct regions, inspired by the stories of the studio's horror anthology series, The Dark Pictures. So be prepared to visit the ghouls, witches, and demons of Man of Medan, Little Hope, House of Ashes, and the most recent entry, The Devil in Me.

The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR will launch on March 16. The PSVR2 hardware launches worldwide on February 22, priced at a somewhat princely $550 USD. Who says you can't put a price on terror?

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Here's everything arriving at, or soon after, the PS VR 2 launch

Sony's next virtual reality headset is on the horizon, and today the company is locking in what will be playable around its launch. In today's PlayStation blog, Sony highlights the full launch lineup for the PlayStation VR 2 headset, including a few games newly confirmed for the hardware.

The launch lineup, as Sony lays it out, includes a bevy of titles arriving either on February 22 or within a month after launch. Sony's tracking more than 30 games to arrive through March, with familiar names like Horizon, Resident Evil, and Gran Turismo on track. Others, like Tetris Effect, were already VR standards, and will need an additional purchase to upgrade to its PS VR 2 version. Others will have free upgrade options, or like Gran Turismo 7, be included with the PS5 version of the game.

Among today's newly announced titles for PS VR 2 are some neat surprises, too. 2021's hidden gem Before Your Eyes will be making its way to Sony's VR platform, and is 100% worth your time. There's also The Last Clockwinder, an automation game that uses recording of your own actions to create assembly lines. It seems pretty neat!

[caption id="attachment_358861" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Sony[/caption]

Tack on some first-party experiences and, of course, an extremely tall Lady Dimitrescu, and Sony's launch lineup seems alright. Virtual reality is in a strange place at the moment, with many PC headsets moving towards more premium (and pricier) hardware. Maybe PS VR 2 can split the difference, especially for those who already have a PlayStation 5 in their home.

Here's the full launch lineup, arriving either at launch or within the window, with some subject to change. PlayStation VR 2 goes live on February 22 for $549.99.

PlayStation VR 2 launch window lineup

• After the Fall
• Altair Breaker
• Before Your Eyes
• Cities VR
• Cosmonious High
• Creed: Rise to Glory – Championship Edition
• The Dark Pictures: Switchback
• Demeo
• Dyschronia: Chronos Alternate
• Fantavision 202X
• Gran Turismo 7 (Free update to PS5 version of GT7)
• Horizon Call of the Mountain
• Job Simulator
• Jurassic World Aftermath
• Kayak VR: Mirage
• Kizuna AI – Touch the Beat!
• The Last Clockwinder
• The Light Brigade
• Moss 1 & 2 Remaster
• NFL Pro Era (Free PS VR2 upgrade)
• No Man’s Sky
• Pavlov VR
• Pistol Whip (Free upgrade)
• Puzzling Places (Free upgrade)
• Resident Evil Village (Free update to PS5 version of RE Village)
• Rez Infinite
• Song in the Smoke
• Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced Edition
• Synth Riders (Free upgrade)
• The Tale of Onogoro
• Tentacular
• Tetris Effect: Connected
• Thumper
• The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners: Ch. 2: Retribution
• Vacation Simulator
• What the Bat
• Zenith: The Last City (Free upgrade)

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Virtually Extinct

Meta has announced that it is winding down support for the first iteration of its Quest VR technology. In an email obtained by UploadVR, Meta explained how the changes will affect Quest 1 users from spring forward.

Quest 1 user will still be able to use all of the currently available apps and hardware, but no new features will be included in Quest 1 updates and the compatibility of apps moving forward is not guaranteed. Additionally, as of March, Quest 1 users will no longer be able to create or join parties, and will lose all access to the Meta Horizon Home features. So no more visiting your virtual pals or inviting them over to your virtual abode.

Meta notes that it will continue to roll out critical bug fixes and security patches until 2024.

Released in 2019 as the successor to Oculus GO, Quest launched in the spring of 2019 at a retail price of $400. It would be superseded in fall 2020 by Quest 2. A side iteration, Quest Pro, was launched at the end of last year, with Meta tentatively suggesting that its next technology, Quest 3, will arrive at some point later this year.

Sony's own virtual reality technology, PSVR2, is set to launch worldwide on PS5 February 23.

Meta To Cut Quest 1 Social Features & End Updates This Year [UploadVR]

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A new standalone competitor arrives soon

HTC has revealed its new standalone virtual reality headset, the Vive XR Elite. It's able to handle both virtual and augmented reality, and comes in at a price tag of $1,099.

Pre-orders went live today on sites like Amazon, where you can check out the specifications for this new headset. HTC's new set looks to compete with the likes of the Meta Quest, an extremely popular headset that's also cut out the cables.

This headset looks aimed to do many of the same things you'd expect out of something like the Meta Quest. It's a standalone VR headset that can also hook up to a PC for some extra power, and it has adjustable diopter dials for glasses-wearers. The battery allows for up to 2 hours of continuous power but is hot-swappable, and the screen comes in at a combined 3840 x 1920 resolution, with 110 degree field of view and 90 Hz refresh rate.

Quite interestingly, the Vive XR Elite can also fold up into a case and go on-the-go with you, like a pair of sunglasses. It's a neat trick, but certainly intriguing for folks who want their VR games to travel with them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LPZr04Xf34

As for other Vive headsets, The Verge reports that the Vive Focus 3 and Vive Pro 2 headsets will stay on sale, though the Vive Flow will likely be retired near the end of the year.

Expanding reality

This headset looks to compete in the growing market of VR/AR headsets, which is where other companies seem to be looking too. The Vive XR Elite looks to pack in some power with its headset, while still keeping things light and portable.

It's an interesting competitor to Meta's options, both for the price-bumped Quest 2 and the pricier Quest Pro. We'll have to see how this new headset fits into the landscape later on this year.

The post HTC unveils its new VR headset, the Vive XR Elite appeared first on Destructoid.

Much-loved rhythm action game headed to PS5

As part of its 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) offerings, Sony has announced that rhythm action title Beat Saber and stylish, road-rippin' racer Gran Turismo 7 are both headed to the PSVR2 platform.

Speaking in the publisher's press conference, PlayStation president Jim Ryan singled out the titles as two of "over 30 games" that are currently in development for the PS5's virtual reality hardware, which is currently set to launch in February of this year. Little more was offered in the way of information, though Gran Turismo 7 owners will be able to upgrade to the PSVR2 edition of the title for free.

No release date was offered for the PSVR2 port of Beat Games' Beat Saber, which stands proud today as one of the most loved and recognized rhythm action titles for the modern gaming era. The colorful and exciting game is currently available on PS4 (via PSVR) and PC via HTC Vive, Oculus Quest, and Valve Index.

PSVR 2 will launch worldwide on February 22, priced at a princely $550. The current PSVR catalogue will not be compatible with the new hardware. You can watch Sony's CES 2023 conference, including the PSVR2 update and details of the PS5's recent sales figures, in the video embedded below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVMcjxW68Bc&ab_channel=Sony-Global

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Dive into the Upside Down

Netflix Games, in association with developer Tender Claws, has announced that it will be adapting its hugely popular horror series, Stranger Things, for the VR platform. According to the publisher Stranger Things VR will launch in the winter of 2023 for all "major VR platforms".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQnFM5X5XQM

Perhaps surprisingly, players will actually take up the role of Vecna — the antagonist of the show's fourth season — as they attempt to wreak havoc and vengeance on both the town of Hawkins and, in particular, its powerful psychic savior, Eleven. Stranger Things VR will see Vecna, (and by proxy, the player) invade multiple worlds, conjure up terrifying and vivid nightmares, and engage in reality-shattering psychological warfare.

In many ways, Stranger Things is custom designed for virtual reality, given its "no rules" approach to the simple act of physical existence. While VR, for many, remains little more than a somewhat interactable rollercoaster ride/ghost train, it is a medium that perfectly suits franchises that focus on the strange, the bizarre, and the warped. And, as such, fans of The Upside Down and its occupants would likely have a real thrill ride exploring its mind-bending themes and aesthetic in fully immersive 3D action.

Stranger Things VR will launch winter 2023 on all major VR platforms,

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Expect an arcadey experience going in

Back in mid-2020, Iron Man VR was unleashed into the world via the PSVR. While it made somewhat of a splash in the VR community at the time, I haven't really heard of it since then: but thankfully, more folks are getting the chance to check it out thanks to a Quest 2 release this week.

In case you missed it before, Iron Man VR is essentially an Iron Man simulator, complete with dual-hand repulsor control, and a unique storyline. You'll spend a lot of time thrusting around vistas and open canyons blowing up robots, chasing up leads and even walking around a bit as Tony Stark.

All of the same core gameplay is back, and it still works. The idea of simply using two separate VR controllers as Iron Man hands is genius, as you can fly or shoot with either hand. Similar to many other VR games it's something you'll need to learn from the ground up, as you attempt to get your bearings, fly as fast as you can, and frantically shoot while remaining accurate (and while something is chasing you).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYA0i3WjYoQ

Playing as Iron Man with an untethered headset is a blast

I found myself learning the control scheme all over again, flying quickly with both hands to get a faster thrust: then hovering, blasting something with both hands, and outmaneuvering another opponent with one hand on flight duties and the other on firepower. The thing that makes the Quest 2 release so cool is the complete lack of a headset tether. Early on the Quest experience asks you to either rotate the analog stick or look around in real life to turn; and on the Quest 2, it's super easy to stand in the middle of the room and do just that.

In my time with this version I also noticed less glitches this time around, no doubt the result of two-ish years of hindsight and patches.

If you have a VR headset that's capable of running Iron Man VR, it's slowly become one of the more "must play" games on the platform. While it likely won't wow anyone outright, there's enough arcadey goodness to propel you through its eight-ish hour campaign, with a few little extras in tow. Hopefully this port leads to a follow-up, because there's a lot of potential here with bigger licensed VR games.

The post Iron Man VR is just as fun on the Oculus Quest 2 appeared first on Destructoid.

 Virtual Insanity

Following on from its eye-widening PlayStation VR 2 (PSVR2) price reveal, Sony Interactive Entertainment has released a list of games that will be arriving in 2023 on the virtual reality hardware. The list of 11 titles leans heavily on the spooky-ooky, spearheaded by The Dark Pictures: Switchback.

A spin-off entry in Supermassive Games' enjoyable horror anthology, The Dark Pictures: Switchback is a literal rollercoaster ride through an array of creepy environments, jump-scares, and other frightening imagery. It seems very similar in concept to Supermassive's own Until Dawn: Rush of Blood, which was also a VR rollercoaster ride released for the original PSVR hardware in 2016.

https://youtu.be/HniskV3aJ7o

The Dark Pictures: Switchback is one of only two titles on the new list that appears to be a PSVR2 exclusive, joining Smilegate shooter Crossfire: Sierra Squad. The previously revealed launch title Horizon: Call of the Mountain — also available in a bundle with the new hardware — is also expected to be PSVR2 only. The full list of 11 titles is as follows, with release dates still to be announced.

• Crossfire: Sierra Squad - (Smilegate)
• The Dark Pictures: Switchback - (Supermassive Games)
• The Light Brigade - (Funktronic Labs)
• Cities VR: Enhanced Edition – (Fast Travel Games)
• Cosmonious High - (Owlchemy Labs)
• Hello Neighbor: Search & Rescue - (tinyBuild Games)
• Jurassic World Aftermath Collection - (Coatsink)
• Pistol Whip - (Cloudhead Games)
• Zenith: The Last City - (Ramen VR)
• After the Fall - (Vertigo Games)
• Tentacular - (Firepunchd Games)

PlayStation VR2 launches worldwide February 22, 2023, priced at $550 USD. For more details on all of the PSVR2 games featured in the new list, check out the official PlayStation Blog.

The post The Dark Pictures: Switchback leads new list of PSVR2 games appeared first on Destructoid.

Rubbing your Virtual Eyes

Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced a launch date for its long-awaited PlayStation VR2 hardware (PSVR2) — The PS5 exclusive technology will launch globally February 22, 2023, priced at $550 USD / £530 GBP / €600. The set includes a PSVR2 headset, controllers, and stereo headphones.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5L9Mvh7tAk

Alternately, a Horizon: Call of the Mountain bundle will include the above set complete with a download code for an additional $50/£40/€50. Developed by Firesprite and Guerilla Games, Call of the Mountain is, as you would expect, a VR adventure set within the beautiful, but highly hazardous, futureworld explored in acclaimed adventures Horizon Zero Dawn (2017) and Horizon Forbidden West (2022). The PSVR2 system will have its own library of titles and is not compatible with previous PSVR releases.

If you're interested in picking up the flashy new technology which, to my knowledge, doesn't play Dactyl Nightmare, then pre-orders go live on the official PlayStation Direct store on November 15. SIE hints that not all orders will necessarily be served on launch day, with kits rolling out throughout the last week of February and into early March. For more details, visit the official PlayStation Blog.

These prices put the PS5 and PSVR2 kit somewhere in the region of $1000/£1000. I had some college.

PlayStation VR2 launches worldwide on February 22, 2023.

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And I agree with him

Some version of a real life, widespread virtual reality world has been an aspiration of sci-fi enthusiasts for decades, and as technology has improved in recent years, that dream has become closer than ever before. Meta (formerly Facebook) and Mark Zuckerberg's Metaverse project have been the closest mainstream attempt we've seen, but if that's the best we have, it'll be a while until we see a VR world akin to something out of Ready Player One. The internet has taken the opportunity to roast pretty much everything the Metaverse has shown because, well, it looks ridiculous. Take their most recent announcement about adding legs, for example, which apparently don't even work how they said they do.

One of gaming's most influential voices, head of Xbox Phil Spencer, recently shared his opinion during WSJ Live, as reported by Tom Warren of The Verge. When asked about his thoughts on the Metaverse as we know it right now, Spencer said that "today it's a poorly built video game. Building a metaverse that's like a living room is not how I want to spend my time." He did add, however, that the concept is still in its infancy and that it will "evolve."

https://twitter.com/tomwarren/status/1585333956194729986

An evolution is inevitable considering how unpopular the Metaverse has been with both users and actual Meta employees who are paid to use it. The reality is that it looks terrible, and so far, pretty much all we've seen it used for is companies trying to either shill whatever they're selling or make their employees work virtually. Workers are already fed up as it is -- no one wants to make their job even harder by wearing a hot, uncomfortable headset to be in a crappy-looking digital office. The whole idea isn't even novel in the first place. Platforms like VRChat have been around for years, and players actually have fun in that game, so we at least know it's possible.

In my opinion, a few things will have to happen before any form of metaverse will really take off: the hardware will need to be compressed down into light, easy-to-wear glasses, the look and infrastructure of the metaverse itself will have to improve tenfold, and those developing it need to focus more on making it feel good rather than how much more money they can squeeze out of consumers. I'm completely with Phil Spencer on this -- if they want to make something that lasts, Meta needs to get some people who actually know how to make great games on the team, because at the end of the day, all a metaverse really is is a glorified MMO.

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"Developing games for PSVR2 requires a whole different approach than the original PSVR"

While we keep accumulating games, it's been lovely to see a renewed push for backward compatibility as we've gone from the PlayStation 4 generation to PS5. But as some virtual reality fans had feared, next year's PlayStation VR2 will not work with the original PlayStation VR games. After much speculation, Sony confirmed PSVR2's lack of backward compatibility on episode 439 of the Official PlayStation Podcast.

As explained by senior vice president of platform experience Hideaki Nishino, "PSVR games are not compatible with PSVR2 because PSVR2 is designed to deliver a truly next-generation VR experience. PSVR2 has much more advanced features like all-new controllers with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, inside-out tracking, eye tracking, 3D audio is coming together, [and] 4K HDR, of course. This means developing games for PSVR2 requires a whole different approach than the original PSVR."

Straight up, that reasoning isn't going to sit well with players.

With that said, I would expect the most popular PSVR games to get PSVR2 versions, which will surely be a messy situation for folks who fully bought into the original ecosystem and have a huge library of titles. Inevitably, games will be left stranded on the old tech, so if you haven't gotten rid of your headset yet, you may want to hold onto it.

The best-case scenario would've been for games to "just work," in players' eyes. But considering the differences between how these two devices operate (those damn PlayStation Move controllers strike again!), it was never going to be that easy.

An earlier heads-up would've been nice

I wish this definitive news would've come out sooner — I'm sure there are people out there scooping up PlayStation VR games on sale in hopes of eventually playing them on PSVR2, which we only now know (officially) will be out of the question. What a bummer.

It was already annoying enough to have Resident Evil 7 locked down and never receive a PC VR port. Here's hoping it comes forward to PSVR2 alongside Resident Evil Village. The same goes for Astro Bot Rescue Mission, Rez Infinite, Tetris Effect, Beat Saber, and many others. Outdated as PSVR1 became compared to its competition, it still had terrific games.

Without an existing catalog to rely on, this puts even more pressure on the PSVR2 launch lineup to deliver in a substantial, long-lasting way. It can't just be flashy.

For those of us with big PSVR1 libraries, I guess we'll wait and see what plans — if any — those developers might have for porting their games to PlayStation VR2.

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It's going to be a busy year for gaming

Even as Sony shares more details about PlayStation VR2, we've still wondered about the games, the timing, and crucially, the price. Today, the company narrowed in a bit — PlayStation VR2 is officially coming in "early 2023," according to a tweet from PlayStation.

https://twitter.com/playstationuk/status/1561840354290274304

It's a simple announcement tweet with just the new timeline and a familiar photo of the PS5 headset and VR2 Sense controllers, both of which have been shown off before. With Gamescom happening this week, this could be a lead-in for a wider announcement. Or it could just be another incremental news update, business as usual. You never know.

How much is too much?

I'm anxious about the price, particularly after Meta Quest 2 got a $100 price hike.

The $400 range would be a pleasant surprise, but I'm expecting closer to $500 (depending on what's included). Either way, if you're a new PS5 owner, it'll likely be a lot. I'm saving.

That said, I got my money's worth out of the PlayStation VR, and it's been long enough that I'm ready to invest in another VR platform. Even with technical drawbacks, I liked the PSVR experience — I'm expecting to feel the same way about PSVR2. In some ways, I hope the next headset echoes the PS4-to-PS5 transition; more of the same, but nicer.

[caption id="attachment_341002" align="alignnone" width="1920"] _{Dual wielding in Resident Evil Village VR.}[/caption]

Sony has plenty of time to do a big VR-focused State of Play blowout stream in the coming months. For now, the docket has Horizon Call of the Mountain, Resident Evil Village, No Man's Sky, and The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners - Chapter 2: Retribution.

PlayStation VR garnered fans, and I'm crossing my fingers that PSVR2 is the upgrade it should be. An ergonomic, well-thought-out headset is nothing without meaningful games, and expectations are only getting higher. Resident Evil gets my foot in the door, at least.

The Resident Evil 4 remake is out on March 23, 2023, and it'll support PlayStation VR2 in some not-yet-concrete way. I'm also down for another Village run.

It's fun to think back to the PSVR launch lineup — it was a mad dash around here with Chris and I splitting up review duties for games like SuperHyperCube, Until Dawn: Rush of Blood, Rez Infinite, Job Simulator, and Batman: Arkham VR. I'm hoping for a splashy group.

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Chunky VR headsets might be a thing of the past thanks to this prototype

For even the most diehard VR fans, the cumbersome nature of chunky VR headsets is something of a barrier to overcome in search of an immersive gaming experience. It's one of the main factors that keeps VR from becoming more widespread than it already is, but experts have figured out how to remove at least this one inconvenience from the VR experience — researchers from Stanford University and Nvidia teamed up on a project to create a VR headset that is the same size as normal glasses. (Thanks, PC Gamer.)

They're called Holographic Glasses, and are "composed of a pupil-replicating waveguide, a spatial light modulator, and a geometric phase lens to create holographic images in a lightweight and thin form factor." They create a full 3D holographic image with optics that are a minuscule 2.5mm thick, also adorably named pancake lenses.

There are other benefits to the pancake lenses as well, like supposedly unlimited resolution, and a wider field of view that can reach up to 200°. As if that's not enough, the Holographic Glasses only weigh 60g, as opposed to the Meta Quest 2 at 503g.

If you want to learn more about exactly how the glasses work, check out the paper that the research team published.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGzj-AgI6RI

There are a few downsides, however. The FOV is much more limited on the Holographic Glasses than on a traditional VR headset, and the current prototype requires precise calibration with the wearer's pupil, which can be hard to achieve effectively in real-world scenarios. Then there's the fact that there are two giant ribbons coming off of the glasses, but those just make you look a little silly more than anything else.

As someone who was very into VR for a period of time, seeing advancements like this really gets me pumped for the future of VR. Aside from maybe issues with motion sickness (which I also have), the heft of usual VR headsets seemed to be the biggest factor that was holding them back.

Playing Beat Saber with lightweight glasses would literally be a game changer, so I'm looking forward to when this technology makes its way into the market.

The post This VR prototype shrinks the hardware down to the size of normal glasses appeared first on Destructoid.

The Meta gets a little more expensive

The price of the Meta Quest 2 is going up next month. Today, the VR company announced the Meta Quest 2 virtual reality headset will get a price bump in August, tacking another $100 onto the price tag.

This will bring the Meta Quest 2 up to $399.99 for the 128 GB version, and the 256 GB version up to $499.99. Refurbished units and Meta Quest 2 accessories will also see a price increase.

Meta, a.k.a. Facebook, bought Oculus in 2014 and shifted the naming convention away from Oculus and under Meta in 2021. In today's statement on the pricing change, the company acknowledges VR's momentum, but also cites the cost of production as a concern.

"At the same time, the costs to make and ship our products have been on the rise. By adjusting the price of Quest 2, we can continue to grow our investment in groundbreaking research and new product development that pushes the VR industry to new heights."

Those who pick up a Meta Quest 2 headset between August 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 will get a freebie. A copy of Beat Saber will be free to download for 14 days, after they've activated the headset.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTIizcuSdHg

The cost of virtual reality

This is surprising on a few levels. First, the Quest 2 has been available since 2020. A price hike without a hardware refresh is strange, to say the least.

But the Oculus Quest 2, or Meta Quest 2, has been the affordable entry point to virtual reality. Its ability to run wireless or hooked up to a computer is a huge boon. And the price point made it a no-brainer for those looking to get into the technology.

It certainly ratchets up the potential appeal of other headsets. For those who already managed to grab a PlayStation 5, the PS VR2 is slowly but surely leading up to its eventual launch.

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Stay away from the boundary

Sony's upcoming PS VR2 headset will feature some useful features for those who like to avoid bumping into things. Today, the company is spotlighting some user experience features that seem pretty handy for headset owners.

A big upgrade is that, as part of the PS VR2's camera set-up, Sony is incorporating a see-through camera. This is a handy tool for say, finding where you set your controllers down without taking the headset off. Or just double-checking to make sure your play area is clear.

This view can be accessed through the card in the control center, though it can't be recorded. It's a handy feature that other headsets like the Meta Quest have, and that's not the only similar functionality.

The play area for the PS VR2 can also be customized, using the PS VR2 controllers and cameras. Basically, you can establish a custom play area in your living room or gaming space, to fit the layout. Maybe you have a funky-shaped couch, or a little outcropping on one side.

Now, you won't be bumping into them anymore! Or at least, you'll get a warning indicating you're about to. Again, much like the Quest, a boundary will appear and warn you when you're veering too close to the edges.

A new kind of audience

Today's PlayStation blog also confirms that users can film themselves while playing, assuming they have a PS5 HD Camera connected to the console. Virtual reality content being made all the easier to share with friends.

PS VR2's VR Mode and Cinematic Mode were also detailed. VR content is displayed in a 4000 x 2040 HDR format (2000 x 2040 per eye) with 90Hz/120Hz frame rate.

Cinematic Mode, meanwhile, allows PS VR2 users to view the PlayStation 5 UI and non-VR games or media on a virtual cinema screen. This will be shown in 1920x1080 HDR, with 24/60Hz and 120Hz frame rate.

No release date has been set yet for the PS VR2, though the blog closes by saying a launch date and additional games coming to the platform are coming soon.

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Two of the cancelations were unannounced games

It's a light year for Ubisoft, and the publisher's future lineup just got lighter. As disclosed during the company's Q1 fiscal 2022-23 earnings report, Ubisoft has decided to cancel four upcoming games, including Splinter Cell VR and Ghost Recon Frontline. This year's Avatar game, meanwhile, was delayed — it's now aiming for fiscal year 2023.

As reported by Axios' Stephen Totilo, Ubisoft told investors that it canceled the development of Splinter Cell VR, Ghost Recon Frontline, and two unannounced games.

Splinter Cell VR might seem like a hazy memory at this point. It was announced for Oculus headsets alongside an Assassin's Creed VR game back in 2020, and we never had much to go on other than the lead developer: Ubisoft's Red Storm Entertainment.

On the other hand, Ghost Recon Frontline should ring a bell. This was going to be a free-to-play "massive PvP" first-person shooter — room for one more? — but shortly after its reveal last October, Ubisoft "postponed" a planned Closed Test. It showed up on the scene, fans shared their far-from-thrilled takes, and then it shuffled back into the shadows.

https://youtu.be/7NewkthNMDE

In today's earnings Q1 earnings report, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot said the company is "adapting our organization to current economic uncertainties through cost optimization. We are also working hard to design the most efficient working conditions to ensure both flexibility for our teams as well as strong productivity and high-quality content."

We'll have more clarity in September

Any guesses about what those unannounced games might've been?

With all of these cancelations, it would seem that despite having many studios under its control, Ubisoft is trying to avoid spreading itself too thin. It's focusing on the bigger bets. We'll hear more about what's next at the Ubisoft Forward event on September 10.

At least in the case of Splinter Cell, there's a (cautiously promising) remake on the way. If all goes well, it'll be a "solid base for the future of Splinter Cell," according to creative director Chris Auty. We're right to be guarded, but I'm hoping for the best.

I can't picture many people pouring one out for Frontline — not in this crowded live-service field. Ghost Recon fans generally seem to want a proper campaign.

The post Ubisoft cancels Splinter Cell VR, Ghost Recon Frontline, and two other games appeared first on Destructoid.

Chill out with free roam mode, or race for the best times (and get a workout)

Kayaking is awesome — it's such a rewarding way to spend time outdoors and see a part of nature that many of us don't get to on a regular basis. That said, loading up a kayak with all your gear, driving to a good (not-too-busy) destination, hauling it out, and knowing you have to do it all again once you're done? It can be too much of a hassle sometimes.

While a simulation game isn't going to replicate the real thing, a newly-released PC VR game called Kayak VR: Mirage captures the scenic beauty and chill vibes of kayaking.

https://youtu.be/z7eOwtJshQg

The visual fidelity really sells this kayak sim experience, and I appreciate the range of locales with tropical, chilly, and even stormy scenarios; you can take trips to Costa Rica, Antarctica, Norway, and Australia. There's wildlife, too. Don't sweat the killer whales.

It's a chill-out game if you want it to be — or, as the trailer shows, you can also go HAM with competitive time trials. The game has asynchronous multiplayer, including global leaderboards, so if you're looking for more of a rapid-fire workout, the race is on.

To make it even more immersive, the developers recommend attaching controllers "to a stick or mount" to create a makeshift paddle; here's one example of a controller-holding stick that Quest players typically use for Beat Saber. You might have to get crafty.

Kayak VR: Mirage is out on Steam with support for Valve Index, HTC Vive, Windows Mixed Reality, and Oculus Rift VR headsets. It's normally $22.99, but currently costs $19.54.

[caption id="attachment_335273" align="alignnone" width="1920"] _{Competing for the fastest time with asynchronous players.}[/caption]

Future updates

The team at Better Than Life has bigger plans for Kayak VR: Mirage, though I imagine the frequency and scope of future content updates will come down to how well the game sells. There's a public roadmap with potential ideas like a stand up paddle board, fishing, whitewater, and trash collecting. There's already a strong base to build upon.

In other PC VR news, Steam is hosting a VR Fest on Monday, July 18, starting at 10:00 a.m. Pacific. The event will have game deals and demos of upcoming VR titles.

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It's going to be 'intense'

Another Aliens video game is in development, this time at Survios, the VR-centric studio behind games like Raw Data, Creed: Rise to Glory, and The Walking Dead Onslaught.

The studio hasn't announced the name yet, but says the game will fall into the single-player, action-horror camp, which is something I can vaguely latch onto. Vaguely. It's another "original storyline, set between the Alien and Aliens films," in which a "battle-hardened veteran has a vendetta against the Xenomorphs." Alien Islolation 2 this is not.

Built in Unreal Engine 5 for PC, consoles, and VR platforms, the Aliens game "will take full advantage of Survios’ expertise in creating immersive and authentic gaming experiences."

More details at SDCC

With only some Xenomorph artwork to go on for now, we'll have to wait until San Diego Comic-Con to learn more. Survios will share more details during the Alien: Expanding a Dark and Frightening Universe panel at SDCC next Thursday, July 21 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific.

"The vast universe of Alien is full of untold stories, and opportunities to create gripping original games," said Luigi Priore, vice president, Disney, Pixar, and 20th Century Games. "We're thrilled to work with a team like Survios who shares our passion for Alien."

The studio is very much staffing up, hence this early, detail-light game announcement.

For all of the effort so far, I feel like the Aliens series hasn't been able to capture lightning in a bottle lately, and I'm not convinced that'll change anytime soon. Another upcoming game, Aliens: Dark Descent from Tindalos Interactive, is a squad-commanding real-time action game. Could be good! Or it could be another one that pads out the list.

At least with VR in the picture, we might get some adrenaline-pumping moments.

The post A new Aliens action-horror game is in the works at Survios, and it’s single-player appeared first on Destructoid.

See the world of VR Chat brought to (virtual) life

A new trailer dropped today for We Met In Virtual Reality. It's a documentary coming to HBO about virtual reality, and shot entirely in virtual reality.

We Met In Virtual Reality covers the communities in the popular app VR Chat. Filmed and directed by Joe Hunting, it looks into relationships people have formed in this virtual world, especially those affected by the outbreak of COVID-19 and lockdowns.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMBxESl38o0

What's really cool is how it covers these relationships and the way they formed in the virtual world. As the site describes, We Met In Virtual Reality "tenderly documents the stories of people experiencing love, loss and unexpected connection, expressing vulnerability around mental health struggles and questions about identity, offering a hyper real journey into the human experience of an online world that may soon shape the future."

The virtual world

VR has been up and down over the last half-decade or so. Headsets have come and gone, but several companies have weathered the storm and the technology has largely cemented itself. PlayStation is still looking to carry on with PS VR 2, and the Meta Quest VR headset really did a lot for making VR approachable and affordable. And also, seriously, Half-Life: Alyx is wild.

But this angle, looking at the social spaces of places like VR Chat has me intrigued, especially in the context of COVID-19 and lockdowns. I know a ton of my relationships with people had to go online and adapt, as did many others. It's how you end up with things like live concerts in Minecraft, and with people meeting each other and spending time together in places like VR Chat. Handled well, this could be really something.

I'm hopeful that like People Make Games' dive into the world of VR, it won't dwell too much on the risqué novelty, and really dive into the bonds formed like the trailer suggests. We Met In Virtual Reality premieres on HBO Max on July 27.

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An early version is arriving soon

Elden Ring VR sounds like an incredible experience, and one modder is trying to make that possible in the near future. Modder LukeRoss, via their Patreon project, is aiming to slowly create a playable version of the game in VR.

Ross says that this has been a "work in progress" for some time, and is aiming to have a "playable version by the end of next week," which will be part of their Patreon subscription. They also hint that your "VR legs will need to be in shape," as the game will require a lot of standing for lengthy periods of time.

As Ross informs PC Gamer, the third-person version in VR will be playable, but it doesn't sound like a great idea: "Third-person in this game is really far away (about 5 meters on average) and that doesn't work very well in VR. Instead of being in the thick of action, you're kind of like 'Hey, is something going on over there?' Nevertheless, I'm going to leave the original camera as an option for purists. I'll probably also add an intermediate, close-third-person camera. But I think the first-person camera is where it's at."

As a whole, VR sounds like a perfect way to play the game: crypts being a standout. So many things are deliberately hidden behind walls to pop out at inopportune moments, which is tailor-made for VR.

Elden Ring VR test footage:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-h_f-ZAhO4

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