One of the big additions to the PlayStation 4 ecosystem this year is PlayStation VR. We’ve got reviews of the shockingly good launch lineup, and the system itself. So, check it out and see if you should become an early adopter of virtual reality!
Check out the next page to view the PlayStation 4 Pro.
2016 Gift Guide PSVR
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PSVR
In our review, we said "What I can say for sure is, Sony has built a solid, comfortable VR headset at a price point that is lower than the competition, and is supporting it properly at launch, with plans to support it far into 2017 and beyond. Sony is being aggressive with the PlayStation brand, and eager to not only keep, but further widen the gap between it and its competitors. They’re being creative, and they are listening to and directly catering to gamers as consumers. As long as the gaming community continues to seek new, immersive experiences, and vote with their almighty dollar, the PlayStation VR will become a mainstay in the homes of many. There is even some mainstream appeal, as anyone who sees it — even non-gamers — are eager to dive right in and give it a try. The PlayStation VR and its software provides the wow factor necessary to create the word of mouth buzz something like VR is going to need to become truly mainstream. For gamers, PlayStation VR is a must-have and will no doubt become one of the hottest sellers this holiday season."
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Battlezone
In our review, we said "While Battlezone is a very simple game conceptually, Rebellion has done a great job of making the most of what’s there. Controlling the tanks in virtual reality is a joy, the free-form mission structure makes it endlessly replayable and it’s home to a fantastic community of helpful and friendly players. Although it may not be the most impressive VR game to make use of the PlayStation VR’s capabilities, it’s certainly one of the most complete, and deserves a shot if you’re in the mood for an old-school multiplayer game with a very modern twist."
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Driveclub VR
In our review, we said "Driveclub VR isn’t pretty, but it’s still some of the best racing found on PlayStation 4. I’ve never found drifting around corners to be this satisfying, and having to actually look at my mirrors helped fool me into thinking I was actually behind the wheel. If this is the end for Driveclub, it at least gets to leave on a high note."
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Eagle Flight
In our review, we said "
While its final moments aren’t nearly as strong as it begins, Eagle Flight is still one of PlayStation VR’s best titles. Flying around a stylized Paris is breathtaking throughout, and the sense of speed is always thrilling. Be it in either single-player or multiplayer, this is one VR game worth experiencing."
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EVE: Valkyrie
In our review, we said "EVE: Valkyrie triumphantly shows the promise of virtual reality. The addition of head tracking turns a pretty basic space combat game into a captivating experience, even if it might not have long legs. It’s one of the best showcases for what PlayStation VR is capable of, but also a clear reminder that the best is yet to come. It’s certainly an exciting time for gaming."
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Headmaster
In our review, we said "Headmaster brilliantly manages to make a compelling game out of the simple action of simply moving your head around. While its high difficulty and progression system make certain aspects feel like a headache, the rest is pure fun. A surprising story also gets a starring role, and this is one of the best surprises to come out of PlayStation VR’s launch line-up."
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Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
In our review, we said "Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is a very smart use of a new technology; it was executed very well, it’s simple to play, and it is fun for everyone. There is a nice progression of difficulty with more complex modules appearing with more frequency over time, and then again with the introduction of needy modules (they can’t be finished or solved, but require constant attention throughout your allotted time). For a game that is to be played with family and friends who might not be gamers, the controls are simple and the VR is comfortable and does not cause dizziness or nausea (you just sit in a chair). I was excited for this game when it was announced, and it delivers the fun that I expected. You, too, can have fun with bombs in your own living room! Go ahead, invite the neighbors!"
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Rez Infinite
In our review, we said "Rez Infinite is the latest in the continued evolution of Rez. One can hardly call it a sequel, because a large core is made up of Rez and Rez HD content, but Area X proves that the game can evolve without the original content becoming stale or irrelevant. With or without PlayStation VR, Rez Infinite is an incredible revival of a classic best, but given the choice, I’d much prefer to immerse myself with the headset on my head, finding the ultimate incarnation of Rez’s synesthesia in virtual reality."
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RIGS: Mechanized Combat League
In our review, we said "RIGS: Mechanized Combat League is a feather in the cap of PlayStation VR as a virtual reality experience, proving undoubtedly that fast paced, full motion games can be successfully portrayed in a VR environment. There may be some issues to work out, specifically in the area of online matchmaking, but that may simply be an issue of wary early adopters not wanting to fork over full price for a full priced VR title that might do nothing more than make them sick. Otherwise, RIGS is PlayStation VR’s Rocket League, a surprising mixture of sports into a genre where it feels like it doesn’t belong, yet somehow works perfectly in tandem with the immersion that VR provides. This is a solid base of a game that I hope sees updates and support in the future to help cultivate a rich and diverse online community of players. Until then, I’ll enjoy throwing my mechs through hoops as a giant robotic basketball in the single-player league."
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Robinson: The Journey
In our review, we said "It’s not only the best looking game on VR, but one of the longest virtual reality experiences we have so far. Robinson: The Journey pushes the envelope on the possibilities that PlayStation VR can provide for immersive narrative adventures. When seeking to break boundaries, there are some things that are bound to not work out perfectly as unexplored territory is charted for the first time, and these boundary breakers pave the way for the future of the tech. Robinson provides an incredible adventure that meshes the future with the past and allows players to walk among prehistoric greats in an immersive experience unlike any other on the platform. Sony’s got a real feather in their cap with this PlayStation VR exclusive, just remember to take breaks for the sake of your head and stomach."
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SuperHyperCube
In our review, we said "SuperHyperCube relies on simplicity in execution to become an accessible VR experience. It may not have a lot of deep content, but in the early days of consumer grade VR it’s a welcome addition to the lineup, showing exactly what the platform is capable of without taxing players too much. It’s not quite a must have game, but it perfectly encompasses the VR experience in a concise and accessible package. As much as I want to play it again and again, I also find no real desire to play it at all, a bizarre schism that perfectly echoes the disparity of the simple complexity present in SuperHyperCube."
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Thumper
In our review, we said "Simply put, Thumper is electrifying, and very, very close to being the perfect harmony of inspired visuals and fist-pumping audio. Its ability to dazzle and awe with its wondrous visuals is matched only by its ability to hook you in for a relentless, downright intoxicating ride. Once you’re strapped in and speeding down that serpentine track, the biggest obstacle you’ll face isn’t the literal hurdles lying in wait — it’s putting down the controller."
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Until Dawn: Rush of Blood
In our review, we said "There’s no real story, so any conclusions aren’t very meaningful. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give Until Dawn: Rush of Blood a chance. Rush of Blood is a good scare, creepy, extremely fun, and would make a great game to play around Halloween or just to show off the PlayStation VR’s capabilities."
