Never Not Shooting is a hidden gem of a game, and is well worth its modest price.
Throw Anything is a fun and well-made VR diversion that delivers some real thrills. While the tracking becomes an issue due to PSVR's single camera, the cleverness of the level design compels players to work through the clunkiness. This game is not terribly long, but a few difficulty levels extend the play time. Dropping stuff on zombies is pretty entertaining at its core.
Patapon 2 Remastered fails to compensate for the fact that the Sony PSP was a very different device from the PlayStation 4, and in the end, controller latency sinks this classic game adaptation. If the game had compensated for the particulars of its new home, it may have been immensely enjoyable – the core of a great game is intact. But as it stands, Patapon 2 is frustrating and unfun.
Arc of Alchemist is not technically broken, which is the best thing I can say about it. Combining the most basic combat, the most complicated menu system, the weirdest economy, some pretty poor PS2-era graphics, and the densest, most indecipherable tips section, Arc of Alchemist is indeed reminiscent of a work of alchemy – if said alchemist was attempting to turn your valuable time into dust. Avoid at all costs.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics is a competent tactics game that doesn't rely on its license for much beyond window dressing. Though the gameplay is entertaining and works well, there is little in this game that ties it strongly to property that spawned it. TDC:ART will be great for tactics fans that are looking for an inexpensive diversion, but Dark Crystal fans might be disappointed by the game's underwhelming presentation.
Darwin Project takes the battle royale formula and turns it on its ear with simple survival mechanics and visceral axe combat.
Every mechanic in the game works well, from the exploration to the combat. Shadow Legend VR is recommended as a demonstration of the interactivity that VR can offer, couched in an enjoyable fantasy adventure.
While it isn't winning any graphics awards (not that it's terrible), Eclipse: Edge of Light still manages to achieve VR greatness. With a few simple mechanics, Eclipse allows the player to experience its eerie, lonely world in ways that feel tactile and rewarding. Highly recommended for fans of trippy sci-fi, Eclipse stands out from the crowd in all the right ways.
Art Pulse is more of a toy than a game - but pleasant electronic music, brilliant colors, and a great movement system make Art Pulse an experience that certain people will enjoy quite a bit. While there is almost no structure and the creation tools are ultimately limited, just existing in Art Pulse's space is pleasurable for a time. Keep your expectations lowered, and you might enjoy simply existing in this gamespace.
Williams Pinball Pack Volume 5 continues Zen Studios' relentless adaptation of real-life pinball machines. The quality of the tables isn't the issue here; the quality of the adaptation is what should be noted. As usual, these tables are spot on. Real-life pinball fans will love this pack, and FX3's more casual fans might enjoy the gut check beating they endure at the hands of these classics. Recommended, as usual.
Equally playable in VR and flat, Mini Motor Racing X has is RC racing stripped down to its essential, accessible core, and is all the better for avoiding needless complications.
Stardust Odyssey is a game of true beauty, transporting the player to a fantastical world as hauntingly familiar as a recurring dream. While the Stealth gameplay can become frustrating due to escalating difficulty and some checkpoint issues, Stardust is still a game that every PSVR fan should experience for its world-building alone. A true step forward in VR gaming.
While interesting and certainly unique, Ritual: Crown of Thorns wears down the player with relentlessly punishing difficulty. While the concept and story are a hoot, in the end the gameplay can't sustain interest. Instead of feeling rewarded by advancing to new levels, players must often backtrack and play previous difficulty levels repeatedly. Frankly, there are just too many other ways that I would rather be spending my time.
Several weeks after release (and several patches deep) Espire 1: VR Operative is ultimately an unfinished game. I have no problem with Early Access titles on PC, but by the time a game hits the PlayStation Store, my expectations are that it is in a playable state. After two patches, Espire 1: VR Operative still feels largely unpolished (and at times, actively broken). Proceed with caution.
Simulacra is surprisingly engaging for a game that takes place completely on the screen of a found smart phone. With well-drawn characters, a gripping story, and one foot planted firmly in the real world, the suspense of Simulacra entertains quite well. Never truly chilling, Simulacra is nonetheless a unique suspense mystery that is well worth a look.
Golem is a video game redemption story – saved from the brink by a patch that cleared up many of the game's release problems. What is left is a fascinating game of exploration, punctuated by hardcore, visceral combat. With atmosphere to spare, Golem delivers a unique experience unlike any other on PSVR. Recommended for patient, thoughtful players that enjoy a challenge (and don't mind a lot of repetition).
With a strong focus on storytelling, The Lord of the Rings: Adventure Card Game is a PVE collectable card game that will challenge – and sometimes infuriate – card game and strategy fans. While the "always online" demands and the original storyline are bewildering, the gameplay itself is deep and entertaining. Just be ready to shake your head when Sauron whoops up on you at the last minute. Stupid Sauron.
Though it stumbles some with undeveloped multiplayer and arcade modes, the single player of VR Ping Pong Pro is enjoyable - even to a table tennis neophyte. With rock-solid controller tracking and a variety of fun and unique environments to play in, VR Ping Pong Pro is better in a lot of areas than it needs to be.
The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets is so packed with charm that one might underestimate some of the sharply clever puzzles involved. Though it you will probably only play it once, that's no reason to skip on a game of this quality. A complete delight that could only exist in VR, Stolen Pets bursts with nostalgia and fun.
Woven is so sweet that it is begging to be loved, but in the end it is simply too clunky to be endured.