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Loading Human is an interesting experiment that looks to explore relationships through VR. However in Chapter One these feel rushed instead of being built at a steadier pace. The price point may also be off putting, as a £30 game that lasts 3 to 4 hours, that is only the first part of a trilogy. Untold Games have crafted a VR world that looks fantastic for the most part but it is populated by characters that come across as two dimensional, and a story that might be better enjoyed once all the chapters have been released.
It’s a shame we weren’t able to review the game prior to launch, because Here They Lie is by far the best game I have played on the system. It’s definitely not for everyone and the weirdness may put a lot of people off, but I loved every moment and couldn’t wait to see what the game was going to throw at me next. Screaming creatures, cities on fire, underground stations that warp and shudder like an intestine, and a humanoid pig giving an antelope a high-five as they tag team a CRT television. What’s not to love?
Mafia III is a game with a great plot, great characters, and great setting, but it's hamstrung by the repetitive nature of its mission structure. Having to go through the same tasks in each territory means a sense of fatigue enters quickly, and there isn't much in the way of distractions within New Bordeaux to break things up. The pieces of a great game are all here, but they just don't quite fit together.
It is a shame as the rest of the game has had a lot of care put into it. The music by Marcin Sonnenberg is excellent, the ancient Germanic future to the game is a decent angle for some humour, but it ultimately fails to maintain interest due to monotonous gameplay. This is a rare case where the game’s presentation outpaces its gameplay, leaving behind a creative and briefly entertaining, yet inexplicably dull game. Certainly good for passing time, but there are countless similar games on mobile devices for a fraction of the price.
Rez Infinite is intoxicating and exhilarating in equal measure. Despite fundamentally being a fifteen year old game, its arrival on PlayStation VR seems to have finally completed the visionary work of Tetsuya Mizuguchi and puts you wholly within this overwhelming piece of sensory software.
EVE: Valkyrie could be one of the definitive multiplayer experiences for VR, though it does feel like you’ve seen everything within the first couple of hours. The multiplayer is a bit light on content, but what is here works really well. You can’t really beat that feeling of being a pilot in a space battle even if it is pretend, and EVE: Valkyrie lets you live out that fantasy well. It will need a really active community and regular updates to make sure it has long term appeal, otherwise the game will begin to feel stale as the same few maps and modes cycle over and over. If you are getting a PSVR headset and have always wanted to partake in a space dogfight then EVE: Valkyrie may be for you.
Compared to last year’s Superchargers, Imaginators is certainly a step in the right direction. Instead of bolting something onto the existing formula, Toys For Bob have instead gone for reinvention. Being able to construct and share your own Skylanders isn’t a massive game changer, but it feels far more considered than other gimmicks.
Headmaster is a title that is perfect for showcasing the PSVR headset. The gameplay is accessible for everyone, with an activity that the majority of people that would be familiar with, and has a dry sense of humour throughout. If you’re looking for a simple game to play with the PSVR then Headmaster is for you.
More than most games, I would urge potential purchasers to watch the trailer and see whether the sense of humour in this game appeals before buying. It is a lot of fun while it lasts and it provides a really interesting alternative to the increasingly automatic and cinematic fare of many AAA games, but it’s not for everyone. I can’t think of many more niche games than Manual Samuel, but it’s great that such projects still exist.
As the only real first person shooter on PSVR, Rigs is fantastic. So long as you’re not affected too heavily by motion sickness, and aren’t put off by the price to content ratio, you’ll find a fast and fluid multiplayer shooter that gets the best out of PSVR.
Driveclub VR has its shortcomings and doesn’t quite match up to the high bar that the original game now sets, but even then, it’s an outstanding racer, especially if you have a racing wheel. Driveclub VR is an essential purchase for racing fans on PSVR.
It bears repeating just how beautiful Seasons After Fall is both visually and musically. When paired with the interesting season manipulation mechanic, the result is a highly enjoyable puzzle-platformer that actually requires both physical and mental dexterity to complete. It is not flawless, but the occasional niggles are outweighed by the gorgeous aesthetics and the moments of puzzle solving satisfaction.
Obviously the appeal of Dragon Quest Builders is the universe it’s set in, but there’s also the appeal for younger audiences who will find the guided nature of this sandbox JRPG an inviting and accessible proposition. It’s far from perfect, but it’s a good effort and another potentially successful spin-off.
For me, Battlezone is easily one of the best games on PlayStation VR, even with a high price point. It’s retro futuristic tank combat is fun and engaging, while the randomised campaign, four player co-op and the challenge it can throw your way keep me wanting to come back and try to beat it time and again.
This Ghostbusters Story Pack is a great addition to both franchises – with a couple of caveats. Interest in the narrative itself, and the included portal, figure and vehicle, are going to be limited by your take on the new film, and while I had a good time with it, I know others who would have preferred a full-on Lego game for the original movies. Equally, just as in the new film, there are occasional moments here that possibly aren’t that suitable for younger children. Overall though this is a worthy and substantial addition to Dimensions that fans of both franchises should greatly enjoy.
You are never at risk of encountering anything unexpected when playing Zenith, but cutscenes are unpredictable and quite intelligently written (and even well directed at times), so they are genuinely entertaining. But the game is an action RPG by the numbers, and it gives the distinct impression that it is a vehicle for delivering the comedy. This would be fine, but that vehicle would need to be enjoyable and on this one, the wheels have fallen off.
The Coalition had a tall task in bringing Gears of War to a new generation for their first original game under the banner, and they mostly pulled it off with class. The competitive multiplayer isn’t much of an evolution from previous efforts, and the campaign drags for a bit, but the high points make it worth the ride and the new Horde mode is simply stellar. If you’ve enjoyed this franchise previously or have a few friends looking for co-op, give Gears of War 4 a close look – it’s definitely worth the time.
Beneath its patchwork of puns, King’s Quest has a strong and loving message, galvanised by the presence of two intertwining storylines. Each adventure is being retold by a much older King Graham, recounting every major event in his life as his granddaughter, Gwendolyn, hangs on every word.
Tumble VR builds on the successful formula found in the original PlayStation Move title, with virtual reality greatly adding to the experience. It may not be the loudest or prettiest VR title, nor the game that blows your socks off with explosion-laden trailers and exciting moments, but it is one of the most natural and immersive game I have played in VR so far. Tumble VR and its simple block stacking seem like the least exciting of all the PSVR launch titles, yet it’s turned out to be one of the best. Recommended.
Paper Mario: Color Splash is a wonderfully realised game with plenty of humour to keep you smiling throughout. However, it’s hampered by some annoying design decisions and carries the legacy of Sticker Star – both good and bad – which many series’ fans may find problematic.