Horizon Call of the Mountain Reviews
Among the current offerings on the VR market, Horizon Call of the Mountain stands out as a PSVR2 exclusive because of its unique use of all the PlayStation ecosystem represents. A faithful representation of arguably one of its biggest IPs, standout use of its flagship Adaptive Triggers and Haptic Feedback, and a heightened cinematic feeling throughout Ryas’ journey. If there ever was a system seller for an unproven technology, this is it.
Horizon Call of the Mountain is absolutely a must-own, whether you are a carryover fan from Zero Dawn and Forbidden West or not. It is a good Horizon title that introduces you to characters and a story you hope to see more of, mixed inside a fantastic experience that showcases PSVR2 like no other title on the market. Just jump in knowing this is experience first and a game second, albeit a very close second, and not PlayStation’s answer to Half-Life: Alyx.
As a feat of technical artistry, it’s impressive, sleek, and often breathtaking. But as you’re dangling off a cliff edge, taking a breather from endless, repetitive mountain climbing, you’ll find yourself wondering whether novelty is really enough to justify such a loosely-tied journey. While the experience is impressive in fits and starts, Horizon Call of the Mountain ultimately feels like a puzzle with several pieces missing.
Feeling every bit like a AAA game set in the Horizon universe, Call of the Mountain is an immersive and visually impressive experience that falters somewhat in the combat department.
Horizon Call of the Mountain sets out to do something and does it well. It’s a game that showcases the capabilities of the PS VR2 to great effect, possibly giving players a reason to take a chance on the new hardware. To call it a climbing simulator could be a fair assessment, but it’s hard to deny the game for what it really is, which is a spectacular showcase of the new hardware from Sony. Is it the killer app for the PS VR2? Arguably, I’d say it isn’t, but I cannot deny how Horizon Call of the Mountain has made me look forward to what’s next on the VR front.
I would prefer there to be two or three other elements to Horizon Call of the Mountain. It needs combat with the other humans in open areas like Horizon has. The game would also benefit from having more open areas to explore along with deeper story elements. When it comes to the story, there is not a ton here, there are only four or five characters throughout the entire game. Although, if there is ever a third Horizon game, it would be exciting to see these characters show up. Yet Horizon Call of the Mountain is, should be considered one of the top 15 VR games of all time. There are some moments when you use your physical hands during crafting that are special. There are sequences during the climbing parts which are truly engaging. Plus the boss battles are straight out of the mainline Horizon games, played in VR it is remarkable. Overall Horizon Call of the Mountain is a fun little launch title for Sony’s new PS VR2 headset. If you enjoy Horizon and own PS VR2 you must have this game. Although by no means is this a system seller, it is just a nice addition. I would prefer it to be four to five hours long but, what we have here is a ton of unique VR moments combined together.
Horizon Call of the Mountain is Sony's flagship game for PSVR 2. It's an impressive technical showcase, but is it the game that makes VR a must-have?
If you're looking for a well-rounded, visually impressive, high quality VR game experience for your new PlayStation VR2 hardware, Call of the Mountain is easily a must have launch title.
It sits alongside other titles in the franchise while falling short and topping previous games, depending on the situation. There’s just nothing quite like that feeling of being in the world that VR delivers, and even though there’s a lot of repetition across the multiple climbing sections, it still trumps doing the same thing as Aloy. Perhaps it’s the fact that it’s all so real (virtually speaking) that makes these traditional videogame things feel more repetitive in VR. Looking back at Horizon Forbidden West footage - that game was chock full of climbing too.
There is an extended on-rails boat scene you can put non-gamers into to experience the headset, but as far as pushing the medium forward and being a showcase for the future of virtual reality, Horizon Call of the Mountain is just a pretty game with the core of a last-generation VR game.
At several points, the game simply points the way for subsequent high-budget titles, and if it weren't for the amount of time you have to spend traveling, more balance would have been achieved in the gameplay.
Review in Greek | Read full review
Horizon: Call of the Mountain fulfills what a launch game for this type of device should be: it's spectacular, simple (perhaps too simple) and fun.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Horizon Call of the Mountain is an epic VR adventure that demonstrates just how impressive the PlayStation VR 2 headset is. It looks stunning to play, the combat is intuitive and fun, the set pieces are incredibly cool, whilst additional features like the eye tracking and haptic feedback are used in meaningful and immersive ways that benefit the overall experience.
Horizon Call of the Mountain is unquestionably one of the best VR experiences I’ve ever had the privilege and pleasure of playing. Unequivocally designed to masterfully contend with other escapades of its ilk, and AAA successes, and it goes without saying, lays trademark influence of base PS5 titles toward PSVR2’s ingenuity and bold integrity out of the box
Overall, Scars Above just can’t rise above its AA roots. This translates to some cut-rate animations, character models, and environments. The game’s primary weapon is good enough, as is the story and combat. But just being adequate is a tough sell. It’s hard to imagine Scars Above moving to the front of the Soulslike line.
Horizon Call of the Mountain is absolutely beautiful and features some fun moments, but it bears repeating that it in no way feels like an $80 AUD game; it barely feels like a $60 AUD game and should have been included with the PSVR2 without an additional cost. It’s without a doubt a fantastic way to show off what the PSVR2 can do (eye tracking aside as it’s only used in menus and dialogue sequences). When your friends come over to check out your new toy they’ll come to see Horizon Call of the Mountain, but they’ll stay for Gran Turismo 7. While this offers fans a literally alternate perspective into a universe that many really love (myself included) and is a fantastic as a tool to show off the PSVR2, it lacks depth as an actual game. Challenge and balance are overloaded with tedious climbing sequences and not enough of the fun stuff.
Horizon Call of the Mountain totally delivers on being the flag ship experience of the PlayStation VR2. Sony is presenting a full game that no only demonstrates the technical capabilities of their new VR Headset, it shows how developers can create new mechanics and language only posible through virtual reality.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Horizon Call of the Mountain is an excellent technical showcase of the PlayStation VR2. It is a must-have for everyone who wants the headset. Fantastic graphics, incredible interaction with the environment and a functional combat in VR. The only downsides are in the simple story and the lack of some extras, because after the campaign is done, there is not much to do.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Horizon Call of the Mountain stands as a technical marvel and a testament to the potential of VR gaming on the PSVR2 platform. It immerses players in a stunning post-apocalyptic world, delivering moments of awe and excitement, especially during intense machine battles. However, its heavy reliance on climbing mechanics, relative lack of narrative depth, and occasional repetition may impact its overall appeal. While it excels in showcasing the hardware’s capabilities, it falls slightly short of being a must-buy VR title. Despite its moments of brilliance, Horizon Call of the Mountain feels like a puzzle missing a few essential pieces, raising questions about its purpose in the realm of VR gaming.
Horizon Call of the Mountain might get lost in its own exploration with less series-defining action, but makes a strong PSVR 2 launch title that looks as great as it feels. In the process, Horizon fans finally get an immersive version of the Sundom only VR can deliver.