The strategy wargame Skyworld, which is already available on other Virtual Reality platforms, was announced for PlayStation VR late in 2018. At the time, a nebulous launch window of early 2019 was offered. Now, developer Vertigo Games has revealed the title will hit PlayStation VR on March 26th.
Vertigo Games’ Studio Director, Richard Stitselaar, took to the PlayStation Blog recently to announce the news. In doing so, Stitselaar also offered a refresher as to what should be expected from the Skyworld experience.
By being tasked with managing a kingdom at war, players are placed in the hot seat. Building and managing armies rests at the core of the experience, as does battling friends and conquering other worlds in online play. Vertigo Games has elevated this level of play by adding new multiplayer features to the PlayStation VR version. This includes a persistent leveling system and the ability to unlock “special avatars” when leveling up. However, for those who are solely interested in single player, Skyworld features a robust solo campaign, as well. It sounds just as integrated into the overall experience as the multiplayer content.
For the solo campaign, players begin building their kingdom and army in a world known as Overworld. This portion of the game features a turn-based component, in which population and resource management are key mechanics. When the royal armies experience growth, combat enters into the fray. As such, conquest can begin in earnest. Interestingly, conquest will take place across all Skyworlds, of which there are eight in total. The goal, as far as Skyworld’s narrative is concerned, is to push back demons that have infiltrated these worlds in a quest for “magical power.”
[Source: PlayStation Blog]
10 Series That Could Be Reinvigorated by PlayStation VR
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10 Series That Could Be Reinvigorated by PlayStation VR
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Ape Escape
Ape Escape has always relied on gimmicks. Some of these gimmicks turn out to be amazing features (analog sticks), while others collect dust (Move controllers). Well, since everyone is dusting off their Move controllers for PS VR anyhow, I think it's time for a new console entry in Ape Escape. A new game set in VR could do wonders, but it'll have to play like the original. It can't be an on-rails shooter, as players want to explore and find monkeys. Do it right, and Ape Escape can live once again.
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Cool Boarders
Despite being a huge hit on PS1, the Cool Boarders series has been dormant for over a decade now. I think it's time to bring the name back, namely because I think a snowboarding game in virtual reality would be pretty sick. Make it more like classic SSX, and I think Sony could deliver a thrilling snowboarding experience for PS VR owners.
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Jet Moto
Despite there being so many racing games coming out each year, most of them focus solely on cars. That's pretty ridiculous when you think of how versatile the idea of racing is, and I'd love to see Jet Moto put the spotlight back on jet ski racing. The series found a successful audience in the 90s, and I think it could do the same on VR. It'll also feel fresh, and that's exactly what virtual reality titles should be.
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Jumping Flash!
Jumping Flash is screaming for a virtual reality update. This platformer is a cult classic, and due to its HUD, it already seems pretty futuristic. The rough rudimentary 3D worlds also lends itself to a style that seems fitting for a weird VR environment, so I don't even think much needs to be adapted to work. Make it weird and trippy, and Jumping Flash can find a whole new audience.
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Killzone
Originally dubbed as the "Halo killer," Killzone has never lived up to the lofty expectations that Sony set for the franchise. The latest entry for the series, Shadow Fall, was a mediocre affair that didn't do much to impress beyond its gorgeous graphics. I think the series can finally find its way to the top of the first-person shooter genre if becomes the first major series to focus exclusively on VR. Not only would it give Killzone a purpose, Sony could also use it to show that major franchises will show up on their headset.
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PaRappa the Rapper
There are few worlds I want to visit more than the one I've seen in PaRappa the Rapper. Everybody seems to love music, the characters are all outrageous, and frankly, I just want to hang out with PJ Berri. If the rhythm game took place in VR then it could let players explore its wonderful world, while also delivering more of the great gameplay fans have come to expect from the series.
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Ridge Racer
Despite not being a first-party title, Ridge Racer will always be synonymous with PlayStation. While the most recent outing was hit by a terrible pricing model (seriously, what were you thinking Namco?), the Ridge Racer gameplay still holds up. Drifting around a corner is still super satisfying, and I hope to do it again soon. Just in VR this time, since Ridge Racer needs to find a way to stand out from the crowd.
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Siren
Horror games seem like a perfect fit for virtual reality, which should give Sony a chance to use their criminally underrated Siren series. It produced one of the scariest games on both PS3 and PS2, and I think a new VR-exclusive entry could do very well. While the series doesn't have a ton of brand recognition, Sony could still up the promotion and make it the big deal it deserves to be.
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Tron
If one series screams "please do something with me in VR," it's Tron. Disney's franchise may be best known for its films, but video game entries have helped keep the brand alive. I think a new entry (although I'll settle for a port of Tron Evolution) could shine on VR, and I really want to ride a light cycle!
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Wipeout
Few of Sony's series have a soft spot in my heart as much as Wipeout, which is why it's sad to see the best futuristic racing series just treading water at this point. It has never been a huge success, but if made out to be virtual reality's big racing series, it could finally connect with a bigger audience. The fast-paced racing would be a complete thrill in VR, so let's hope this happens.
