Ultrawings 2 originally released in October 2022, receiving good reviews. You can grab it on Steam and the Meta Quest, and to the surpr?ise of the developers, on the PS VR2? as well.

Bit Planet Games expressed as much shock as players when the game suddenly appeared on the PS Store. The studio has mostly taken it in stride, describing it as a "shadow drop" despite how the sudden release has robbed the team of prior marketing for the new version. Accord??ing to the devs, a patch is on the way, though ma??ny players on the r/PSVR subreddit claim it runs well despite the lack of a day-one patch.

When asked, the team confirmed that the launch was entirely unforeseen. Fortunately, the team is not stuck with a broken game and those who have jumped in are experiencing minimal? issues. Sony hasn't commented on the matter.

It goes without saying that fans on PS5 are delighted, though they do express sympathy for the developers. The team also confirms that a physical edition is probably never coming.

It's described as an island-themed aerial action-adventure game and w??hile I have admittedly never played it, the praise and trailers have piqued my interest.

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VR isn’t in the best place at present, and studios like First Contact Entertainment have closed due to a lack of support in the industry. If you’re looking for something to pull you back into the VR world, Tiger Blade might be the most action-packed way to do it.

Released on December 20 last year, it was developed by Ikimasho Games. It has beautiful, co??lorful visuals and a hip soundtrack that'll have you bobbing your head. It's not the main draw, but its overall presentation is worth appreciating.

The main excitement comes from the gameplay which has you slicing foes, speeding on motorbikes, and deflecting bullets with your blade. This isn't the type of game that'll have you running and ducking for cover. Instead, it features an atypical approach to gameplay that raises? excitement without feeling like just another combat-based VR game.

The way of the blade in VR

In Tiger Blade, you aren't sprinting to safety. Instead, with every foe you kill in your path, you shift forward to the next section of the map featuring enemies. Some are armed with blades and it's your job to parry their? attacks and slice th??em to pieces. Other enemies have guns, and you can flick away bullets with your sword before pulling out your own gun and laying waste to your opponents.

These aren’t the only exciting parts. There are additional moments, such as motorcycle combat encounters, that ensure your heart stays racing throughout the game. Though I’ve yet to get to the end credits just yet, Tiger Blade is the? only ti??tle that’s motivated me to throw on my headset this year thus far.

It pres?ents an enticing gameplay premise that’s pulled off with a ninja meets cyberpunk aesthetic that’s hard to not fall in love with. It may not be the most graphically intense title, nor it is without flaws, but the experience is an adrenaline-raising one that seldom fails to? make you feel like an awesome action-movie hero.

There aren’t many VR games that catch my attention these days. Most of it is quite gimmicky, and while many interesting ideas have been presented, few titles manage to deliver a product that doesn’t feel janky or a step down from its flatscreen counterparts. There are a few exceptions - like Not for Broadcast and the Resident Evil VR modes - that buck this trend, and Tiger Blade is a smaller title that manages to do the same.

Tiger Blade is available on PS VR2.

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First Contact Entertainment is a studio specializing in VR games, and it is behind titles like Firewall: Zero Hour and Firewall Ultra. It ha?s? announced that it will be shutting down by the end of the year.

According to the announcement from the studio, a "lack of support for VR within the industry has eventually taken its toll." Though the company wishes i??t could continue with its AA??A VR projects, it has become impossible to justify the expenses.

This is notable news for the VR community, as Firewall: Zero Hour was a popular PS VR title that had earned itself good reviews. Firewall Ultra was released for the PS VR2,? though it failed to impress players as much?? as its predecessor.

Employees have commented on the imminent closure on social media, celebrating their time with the studio while announcing their availability for new opportunities. They join the ranks of thousands of other gaming industry employees who have found themselves in a similar position this year. It has been estimated that in 2023 alone, around 9,000 video game jobs were lost.

First Contact Entertainment isn't the only company struggling to master the VR space, with Sony also calling it a "challenging category." PS VR2 players looking for first-person shooters aren't out of luck, however. T??he PlayStation VR2 has a few FPS titles available, with Pavlov being an unmissable standout.

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Sony has been testing the waters with different hardware this year, including the PlayStation Portal and the PS VR2. In an interview with the Financial Times, Eric Lempel, the head of global business at Sony Interactive Entertainment,?? reveals how some of these projects have been faring.

Though Lempel states that the VR headset sales are "going well," the VR category is still challenging. He argues that "there was a higher expectation generally for what VR would do to gaming." Other hardware benefitted from the Black Friday sales period, including the PS Por?tal. According to Lempel, PlayStation enjoyed its most successful November ever in both sales and revenue.

Sony is having no problems selling PS5s

As Sony announced this week, over 50 million PS5s have been sold. This, according to Fina??ncial Times, means the console outsold "Microsoft's Xbox by almost three to one in 2023." Lempel comments on the sales milestone, claiming that with prior supply problems solved, the console is "now on track to outsell PlayStation 4" which has sold over 117 million units.

Referencing data from Ampere Analysis, FT claims PS5 sales grew 65% while the Switch fell 18% and the Xbox fell 15%. Carolina Milanesi, an analyst from Creative Strategies, states that the divergences ref?lect differing strategies from the hardware manufacturers: "Sony really cares about selling hardware but from a Microsoft pers??pective, it’s more about their subscription service."

Sony recently released a slimmer version of the console, and with the right line-up of titles, 2024 could be another successful year for the company. Fortunately, we have titles like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Rise of the Ronin to look forward to.

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Capcom is back with another VR mode, and this time it's for Resident Evil 4 Remake. That was enough for me to dust off my PS VR2 to see whether I’d be treated to an experience as good as Resident Evil Village’s phenomenal VR mode.

As is the case with Resident Evil Village, the VR mode is only available for the main story of RE4 Remake, but this time around you have trophies! I've thoroughly enjoyed my time playing RE 4 virtually so far, and while I've yet to complete t??he lengthy campaign, there are so many epic encounters I'm looking forward to tackling in VR.

Horror at its most beautiful

RE Village was a graphical showcase for Sony's headset. It's not the best-looking game on PS VR2, but it's definitely in the same playing field as titles like Horizon: Call of the Mountain when it comes to visuals. Capcom has managed to exceed itself with RE 4's VR mode, which serves up a gorgeously horrifying world with a level of sharpness that few games on t??he headset have managed.

The blurriness that tends to plague VR games is rarely seen, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the world you've been warped into. RE 4 has never terrified me nearly as much as its predecessors, but that changes drastically when I'm thrust into VR. Suddenly, being surrounded by ene??mies feels like a life-or-death experience that has my heart hyperactive and occasionall?y, even my hands trembling.

Don't expe??ct the same grap??hical quality as the flatscreen mode, but prepare for a visual feast. During my first gameplay session, multiple times I stopped to just appreciate my surroundings after dealing with the enemies. The visuals are complemented by audio that never lets up when it comes to raising the hairs on the back of my neck.

The 3D audio comes in handy in VR, as it's accura??te enough to use sound alone to determine which direction danger's coming from - all I had to do was follow the demented rambling from the Las Plagas-infected foes.

Fun with guns

Undoubtedly, the best part of the game is the gunplay. It's so satisfying. Before blasting baddies, you have to go through the motions of ejecting your empty magazine, reaching into your pouch for a new one, loading it, and cocking your firearm. It's a lengthy process that takes some getting used to before you can do it automatically under the most stressful of situations, but it adds an exhilarating layer of gameplay that even returning players can enjoy, not unlike RE 4’s VR version on Oculusâ€?headset. 

The various guns behave and function differently, which is forcing me to practice and gain experience with every firearm. For example, pistols require a magazine change while shotguns force me to load shells individually instead. Shotguns take longer to prepare, but it's worth it when I can finally pump and blast my way through a? mob.

If any of this sounds overwhelming, don’t fret. The game does offer a tutorial at the beginning, and you have the?? option to simplify relo?ading in the settings menu.

Action that's accessible

VR can be a tricky thing to get right, not least of all because of the variety of settings necessary to accommodate different people’s needs. For the most part, RE 4 VR does ?a great job in this department, allowing you to fine-tune several aspects of the ?game.

I hadn't used Sony's headset in ages, so I had lost my VR legs, a??nd it didn't take me long to feel nausea after jumping into t?he game. Fortunately, there are settings to help mitigate motion sickness, including snap-turning. There are also a few accessibility settings, including the ability to switch to left-handed mode if that's the way you roll.

The only complaint I have on this front is that the HUD can be somewha?t intrusive. You can switch it off complete?ly, but then you can’t spot what objects in your environment can be interacted with. Turn it on, and you can switch off a lot of unnecessary junk, except for that cursed ammo indicator.

I really don’t like the fact that my weapons have a floating HUD element telling me how much ammo I have left. Let me find it out the hard way when I hear that dreaded click instead of a bang.

Inconsistent immersion

Both RE 4 and RE Village prove that Capcom has what it ta?kes to?? craft some of the scariest VR titles possible. However, both games are also deeply flawed due to their flatscreen origins.

It feels a bit deceptive to call Resident Evil 4 Remake’s VR mode a first-person experience because it deviates from the perspective so often. It’s not just a matter of cutscenes being in the third-person. The problem is that the switch from first to third-person occurs at some of the most inopportu?ne moments, including during combat.

Attempt to melee an injured foe, and you’ll see Leon pull off his cool kick in third-person. It’s so immersion-breaking that I try to avoid melee moves as much as possible. You run into the same problem when interacting with the environment. You can’t just open shelves, and instead, you have to press X. This feels really off in VR where the desire is strong to see just how much you can ??naturally interact with everything.

The VR mode is an amazing offering from Capcom, and it's made more impressive by the fact that it’s a free download for anyone who already has the base game. If you own RE 4 Remake, and a PS VR2, this is an experien?ce that should not be missed.

Are you one of the rare few who haven't played this classic yet? It'll be an exhilarating adventure to try virtually first, and I envy you. Neverthele?ss, be aware that it's not flawless, and it constantly reminds you that you're dealing with VR slappe??d onto a title that's flatscreen at heart.

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Yet another Resident Evil VR title will be hitting the PS VR2 soon, as RE4 Remake's VR mode arrives on December 8. It's a free update if you've already purchased the base game, but there is a free standalone dem??o that'll be available on launch day if you want to try it?? before you buy it.

The upcoming mode will allow you to play the remake's entire main story in VR. Several features have been included to help increase imm?ersion. Haptic feedback has been used to allow all weapons to feel unique, and 3D audio will ensure you can never escape the horror even if you close your eyes. Commenting on the mode, director Keisuke Yamakawa states that it'll "allow players to truly become Leon and use a variety of weapons with their own hands to take on enemies which feel like they are standing right in front of you. ??This unique experience is only possible in VR."

Resident Evil 4 Remake VR mode has some big shoes to fill

Resident Evil 8 VR is one of the best games on the headset, and it's guaranteed to give you plenty of scares and tons of realistic gunplay. RE4 has the potential to be the?? superior VR game, as it has many more combat encounters, giving you even more opportunities to try out different weapons in virtual reality.

A shooting range will be available, which you can also try out in the demo to get a feel of all the different weapons. As has been previously noted, the Separate Ways DLC and The Mercenaries will not be available in virtual reality.

The mode will only be available for the PS VR2, though PC players aren't completely left in the cold, as a VR version of the original game is available on the Quest 2. RE4 Remake may be just what Sony's headset needs to boost sales during the festive season, as the VR2 has been experiencing a bit of a lull when it comes to system-seller titles.

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During the holiday season, a few games get Easter eggs. Better Than Life took to Twitter to reveal that the Christmas theme is returning to Kayak VR: Mirage, and it ??also gave an u?pdate regarding new content.

For the holiday season, Kings Canyon is spruced up with snowy mountains and flying sleighs. It's a minor change but it's a good way to get you into the festive season. The team also visited Reddit to address when new content is coming.

Better Than Life claims that development has been a hard process that took a toll on the? three-person team. Consequently, they couldn't keep working at the same pace they had previously been. The team writes: "this year has not been as productive as we would have liked it to be." If you're looking for more content, don't despair just yet, as it is still on the way, though it may take some time.

Part of the delay is ?coming from the team porting the game to Unreal 5. This is being done to include "?visual improvements like nanite that really make a difference." It's also necessary for the sake of future-proofing.

I previously discussed the current state of PS VR2, and Kayak VR: Mirage is one of the games?? that came up. Although it's a great game, I did point out that it gets boring quite quickly. With new content, I'll have a reason to revisit the vi??sually beautiful VR title.

If you're looking for more games that feature holiday season Easter eggs, keep an eye on Death Stranding which typically has Sam Bridges in a Santa hat, or GTA: Online which usually has Los Santos snowy ??durin?g December.

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The PlayStation VR2 isn't natively compatible with PCs, which is a disappointment to some players. Si?nce the headset launched, modders have been attempting to change this, and it appears that a significant breakthrough has been made.

Mediator Software revealed that it has gotten the PS VR2 to work in SteamVR. Currently, it only works under a narrow set of conditions. It is AMD-only?? and it requires DP-AUX emulator hardware. You'll also require a VirtualLink port on the GPU or the BizLink VirtualLink adapter.

The modders have experience with VR, as they're the creators of iVRy Driver, an app that lets you use your iPhone, Android, GearVR, Oculus Mobile, or Sony PSVR headset as a Virtual Reality Headset for your PC. They have revealed that they have had a tough time with the PS VR2,? describing it as the "first consumer VR headset that needed a hardware 'hack' to make it work on a PC."

This isn't the only project Mediator Software is busy with. It is also attempting the ambitious task of getting streaming headsets to work on the PS5. There are other modders also attempting to expand the capabilities of the PS VR2, including Rad, a team that managed to ??enable the sideloading of 3D videos on the PS V??R.

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Resident Evil fans have been waiting for Resident Evil 4 Remake's VR mode, and at this year's Tokyo Game Show, we saw a bit more of what's in store. The free VR mode, which will be released on PS VR2,? will allow you to experience Leon Kennedy's tale in the most immersive way possible.

As we learned from the latest trailer, the mode will feature realistic gunplay. You can experience this in Resident Evil Village's VR mode where guns need to be physically re?loaded and cocked back before you can fire, raising th??e tension in the game's most frightening moments. The ability to throw knives is also back.

Care ha??s been taken to ensure a smooth VR experience. Hence you'll be able to break crates holding loot with a single button press. You'll also get to enjoy immersive 3D audio, allowing you to sense which direction foes are coming at you from.

Resident Evil 4 VR mode questions remain

Though we've learned a lot about the upcoming VR mode, there is still a lot that is left unanswered. There's been no word yet on whether the DLC will support VR but if it's anything like Resident Evil Village, it'll be an exclusively main story feature.

There's also no certainty of whether you'll be able to transfer your progress from the regular mode to the VR mode. Village did not have this feature which doesn't gi?ve much hope that we'll get it this time around.

You can expect the game in Winter this year. Until then there's the action-packed Separate Ways DLC to indulge in.

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The paranormal horror game Phasmophobia originally launched on September 18, 2020, on PC where it enjoyed popularity among?? streamers. Kinetic Games has PS5 and Xbox Series X/S ports in the works, but you'll have to wait a little longer than expected before you can get your hands on them. The studio has announced that the game has been delayed, pushing its Early Access console launch from August to October, in the week leading up to Halloween.

//twitter.com/KineticGame/status/1694849069045194958?t=tRaDEz-xKbFYrOeZT2OxnQ&s?=19

As the studio explains on Twitter, the delay is the result of a "fire incident" in its office buildin?g, along with "unpredicted development issues." With the extra time gained by the delay, the studio hopes to perfect and fine-tune t??he ports.

[caption id="attachment_399024" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Kinetic Games.[/caption]

Phasmophobia lands just in time for Halloween

The delay isn't too long, and in the meantime, PC players can enjoy the recently released Ascension update which brings several changes, including a new l??eveling ?system with "new rates of progression, new unlocks, and a prestige system," along with several minor bug fixes.

PS5 owners will be happ??y to know that a PS VR2 version is also in the works, and crossplay will allow friends to play together regardless of what platform t??hey're on. The game has already demonstrated that it is capable of providing a terrifying VR experience thanks to its VR support on PC.

Phasmophobia's minor delay pushes it into an appropriately spooky time, which could end up being a positive for it. However, Phasmophobia will have to contend with several other headliners scheduled for October, including horror titles like Alan Wake 2 and Alone in the Dark.

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In the lead-up to the release of the Play??Station VR2, Sony ran a marketing campaign to hype up fans. One of the ads featured musician Ozzy Osbourne, who also promoted the VR2 headset on Twitter. One of? his tweets, posted on February 20, stated: “Did this spot with @Playstation team. We had a lot of fun. Their new VR2 is really amazing.�The tweet also included a PS VR2 video ad featuring Osbourne.

The seemingly innocuous message caught the attention of the UK's Advertising Standards Authority. The main complaint is that the tweet did not adequately identify itself as marketing material. On August 9, The ASA concluded that the “ad must not appear again in the form complained about.�Furthermore, Sony and Osbourne were also warned to “ensure that in future their ads were obviously identifiable as marketing communications and made clear their commercial intent.�/p>

[caption id="attachment_381372" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Sony.[/caption]

A little trouble from a little tweet

When the complaint was made, Sony responded by stating that it believed the word “spot�in the now-deleted tweet “would be clearly understood by T??witter users to reference an ad or advertising spot.�To bolster its case, Sony also provided media articles that use the word “spot�when referring to TV ads.

This wasn't enough for the ASA and it ruled that the word was “not sufficient to clearly indicate to consumers that the tweet was part of a commercial relationship between Sony and Ozzy Osbourne and that the tweet was therefore an ad.�?The ASA concluded that “the ad breached CAP Code (Edition 12) rules 2.1, 2.3 and 2.4 (Recognition of marketing communications).�The video ad is still viewable on the PlayStation YouTube channel.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XL2YASn9xE

Overall, it seems like the entire issue is just an oversight on Sony and Osbourne's part. Though the ordeal may be a little bump in the road for the PS VR2, its first year on the marke??t has been relatively ?strong. Titles like Tetris Effect, Synapse, Horizon Call of the Mountain, Resident Evil Village and VR Skater continue to make a strong case for the headset.

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Sony is sharing what's in store for the PS5 and PS VR2

A new PlayStation Showcase has been sche??duled, and it's airing fairly soon. Sony will host its PlayStation Showcase next week on May 24, with some news to share for both the PlayStation 5 and PS VR2.

The stream will go live at 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 24. You can follow it via the PlayStation Twitch or YouTube channels.

PlayStation's show will run for "a bit over an hour," according to the PlayStation Blog shared today, focused on PlayStation 5 and PS VR2 games. It will have "several new creations" from PlayStation Studios, as well as ?third-party partners and indie creators.

//twitter.com/PlayStation/status/1?658834831483060226

What's ahead for PlayStation

While this won't be PlayStation's first stream of 2023, this showcase does have a different air about it. The confirmation of first-party PlayStation Studios news is likely enticing, given that Sony's State of Play streams in 2023 so fa??r have focused more on third-party titles.

It's certainly an opportunity for something like Marvel's Spider-Man 2, which is expected to arrive this year, to resurface. Several other upcoming games from frequent PlayStation partners could be possible, too. I know I'd be interested in some more details on something like Death Stranding 2.

It also runs just a little bit ahead of June, where the summer of gaming news has slowly but surely congregated. Even without an E3 to bind them all together, streams from companies like Xbox and Ubisoft are still taking place, as well as Summer Game Fest and its kickoff stream.

PlayStation's getting ?a little ahead of that curve with a May 24 show. We'll see what Sony has in store for its first-party production a?t the PlayStation Showcase on May 24.

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Finally, Humanity is launching

It will soon be time for Humanity to? hit PC an??d PlayStation. Enhance and Tha Ltd.'s human-driven puzzle game will debut on May 16, and it will be a Day 1 game for the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog.

This curious mixture of puzzle-solving and barking orders debuted during a Sony State of Play earlier this year, alongside a demo. Now, the puzzler is ready to launch onto both PlayStation 4 and P??S5, as well as PC, and with VR versions on PS VR and PS VR2.

Additionally, Humanity will be one of May's PlayStation Plus Game Catalog entries. This means those who subscribe to the upper two tiers of PS Plus, either Extra or Premium, will get access to Humanity for no cost.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM1yO7bcqqk

As you can see in the frankly delightful commercial above, Humanity follows a service dog who can direct mass amounts of humans around puzzling stages. The glowing shiba inu ?can place commands for the hordes of humans to ??follow, creating a forward-marching line of people that's wild to watch.

The Humanity team is advertising a "90-plus stage single-player Story Mode," but there's even more potential in the level creator section too. Users will be able to create and share their own?? puzzle levels online.

Humanity's best friend

Every time I see Humanity, it feels like a PS1 puzzle game leapt forward in time. It's got such a markedly different look and feel from many other games out there right now, and I love the seemingly simple but extremely flexible set-up of the game. Suffice to say, this is on my radar for May, even if it's launching alongside one of the year's biggest releases.

This is also another get for the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, as having something like this Day 1 certainly makes the service look appealing. The open-air adventure Tchia was also a Game Catalog launch, and it's interesting t??o see Sony get?? more of these lined up.

Humanity arrives for PlayStation 4, PS5, PS V??R, PS VR2, and St??eam on May 16.

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The PSVR 2 Has a Vast Library

Before the PSVR 2's launch, there was some apprehension surrounding whether the headset would have enough content to keep gamers busy, especially because it lacks backward compatibility with the original PSVR. Sony's new headset proved that all the worrying was worthless, however, as the launch line-up has been nothing short of explosive. Titles like Horizon Call of the Mountain and Kayak VR: Mirage demonstrate the graphical power of the new headset, while games like No Man's Sky and Gran Turismo 7 bring the AAA gaming experience to the world of Virtual Realit??y.

Thanks to the increased immersion that the platform brings, horror thrives in virtual reality. Already, there is an assortment of titles available that provide plenty of heart-stopping mome??nts and stomach-churning scares. Some take advantage of the PSVR 2's unique features, including eye tracking, to provide immersive gameplay that cranks up the horror to almost unbearable levels. With the following four games, gamers can quickly turn the VR realm into a harrowing nightmare.

Resident Evil Village

The Resident Evil franchise won't be unfamiliar to many, and it certainly isn't new to the VR scene. With Resident Evil Village, Capcom provides what is perhaps the most blood-chilling experience in the franchise's history. Though the main game's story remains identical, the gameplay changes and shift in perspective are so transformative that it makes Ethan's story worth playing again. The changes are felt in the gunplay which is much more immersive when players have to physically reload and cock their weapons. The changes are also felt in some of the environmental ?puzzles which have a more physical element in VR.

[caption id="attachment_370719" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

It should be noted that Resident Evil Village's VR mode is played in a separate save file from the pancake mode, and there are some occasional wonky moments where Ethan's hand will pass through a solid object or just fail to appear, though none of this is enough to detract from the fun. As far as horror games on the PSVR 2 go, there is a good argument to be made that Village is currentl?y one of the scariest. Ex??ploring Lady Dimitrescu's mansion has never been this terrifying.

The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR

Supermassive Games is a studio that has impressive highs, as seen with Until Dawn, and some very disappointing lows, as seen with The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes. The latest release from the studio is Switchback VR which serves as a spin-off of The Dark Pictures Anthology and a spiritual sequel to Until Dawn: Rush of Blood. Switchback VR tak??es players on a terro?r-filled rollercoaster ride t??hrough various environments where monsters lurk. The rush of the rollercoaster combined with the shooting makes the game an adrenaline-raising on?e that is sure to earn a few screams.

//twitter.com/Supe??rMGames/status/1636804595308429336?cxt=HHwWsICw4e7GjLctAAAA

Unfortunately, it's impossible to discuss Switchback VR without mentioning some of its flaws. Graphically, it's not the best-looking VR game out there, and this does limit just how scary it manages to be. Furthermore, there are occasional glitches that many gamers have noted online. Supermassive Games has responded to the complaints, though, for players with a low tolerance for imperfections, i??t may not be the best title to spend time on in its current state.

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners - Chapter 2

The Walking Dead made a splash in the virtual reality realm with the release of Saint & Sinners in 2020 on many headsets, including on the PSVR. The sequel launched in late 2022, and it has finally been released on the PSVR 2. For gamers looking for an action-packed, immersive experience that forces players to make use of every aspect of their surroundings to survive, Saints & Sinners - Chapter 2 is not to be missed.

[caption id="attachment_370735" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Much like its predecessor, Saints & Sinners - Chapter 2 features violent gameplay that pits players against the undead. Defeating them involves the gory process of "braining" which can be done using various objects, including a chainsaw. When players aren't keen on getting up close with the marauding monsters, they can also switch to firearms, though ammo is often scarce in the apocalypse. Saints & Sinners - Chapter 2 certainly has its fair share of terrifying moments,?? but it excels with its fast-paced action that seldom gives players a chance to take a breather.

Resident Evil Village provides a suspenseful atmosphere that makes it a unique VR title, though Saints & Sinners Chapter 2 is one of the few titles that manages to give it a run for its money in terms of action-packed gameplay. Weapons such as screwdrivers and cleavers are available, making it gorier than Village, and the environments ??are far more interactable, resulting in a more satisfyingly immersive experience.

Jurassic World Afterworld Collection

The Jurassic World Aftermath Collection is a title that is very easy to miss. Licensed video games don't have the best reputation, and the game's cel-shaded visuals aren't too impressive. Nevertheless, those who are brave enough to take the plunge will quickly find that the Jurassic World Aftermath Collection is one of the best VR titles available on Sony's headset, and it provides a more than satisfactory survival horror ex??perience with tons of exploration and, of course, plenty of awesome dinosaurs.

[caption id="attachment_370736" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid.[/caption]

The gameplay mainly consists of exploration and stealth, and players sneak around to avoid raptors and other toothed terrors. It isn't particularly complicated, and while there are tense moments, it's never too overwhelming, making it the easiest game on the list to digest. In some ways, it seems to contain the best parts of all the other games, as it has Resident Evil Village's stealth elements, Saints & Sinners- Chapter 2's interactable environments, and Switchback VR's heart-stopping jump scares.

Although the PSVR 2 is still in its early days, the headset is already demonstrating just how capable it is when it comes to immersing players in new worlds. Several more horror games are lined up, such as Resident Evil 4 Remake which has already been breaking Steam records. Capcom has confirmed that the stunning reimagining of the classic horror game will be receiving a VR mode. For players who can't handle the scares, there are plenty of laidback titles including Tetris Effect which impresses with its psychedelic visual effects, and Before Your Eyes ??which tells an emotional story through its unique use of the headset's eye tracking.

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The Impact of VR on Resident Evil

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Over the years, Resident Evil has repeatedly reinvented itself. Some experiments, like the focus on action-oriented gameplay, haven't always been a hit, though some changes, such as the use of a first-person perspective, have managed to breathe new life into the franchise. In recent times, Resident Evil has been dipping its toes into virtual reality (VR?), and the results have been nothing short of phenomenal.

Since Resident Evil 7 received its VR mode in 2017, the series has remained the go-to spot for the scariest virtual reality experiences. Most recently, Resident Evil Village's VR mode has continued carrying the torch on the PS VR2, and gamers can look forward to Resident Evil 4's remake also receiving a VR mode. Judging by the success of Capcom's experiments, VR could be an integral part of RE's future if wielded correctly.

Resident Evil 7 is already a pretty terrifying game when played in pancake mode. When things are?? taken to into VR, a whole new realm of horror is introduced. It isn't possible to simply turn away from a scary scene anymore, leaving players feeling truly trapped in Ethan's nightmare as he tiptoes throughout the Baker family's house. The action elements that the franchise has increasingly embraced also benefit from VR, as the gunplay is far more realistic. Players now have to physically reload and cock their weapons before firing, which becomes an overwhelmingly intense task when hordes of enemies are approaching.

[caption id="attachment_370562" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid.[/caption]

Perhaps the greatest impact that VR has had on Resident Evil can be found in the way it has been able to revitalize titles, giving gamers a good reason to return to games they've already completed. This is true for Resident Evil Village which feels brand new when played in VR. The scares are taken to new heights, the gunplay is more involved, and the environments feel more immersive than ever. The same is also the case with Resident Evil 4,? a game that was originally released in 2005. Its VR version, released in 2021 for the Quest 2, was more than enough of a reason to revisit the classic.

VR in Resident Evil 4 Remake and Beyond

The size of the player base the Resident Evil VR games have generated gives a good indication of just how powerful virtual reality has been in intensifying the franchise's popularity and dominance within the horror genre. According to Capcom's official stat tracker, Resident Evil 7 VR has been played by over 1.17 million players, and this is a shocking number when one remembers that the PS VR has sold around five million units. Furthermore, at launch, Resident Evil 4 VR was the fastest-selling game of all time on the Quest 2. This is a clear indication of how well the franchise thrives in ??virtual reality, and the po??tential it has as a trailblazing VR horror franchise.

What is most striking about the franchise's foray into VR is that, despite providing unmissable horror experiences, the games are undeniably flawed. With Resident Evil 7, this is most apparent with the visuals which take a significant nosedive in VR mode. In Resident Evil Village, interacting with one's surroundings is sometimes an immersion-breaking experience because not everything is manipulable. Resident Evil 4's upcoming VR mode has a chance to learn from the mistakes of its predecessors, though it is not likely to be flawless as, like RE Village, it is not a native VR title.

Nevertheless, VR paints a deliciously dark future for Resident Evil. The platform could continue to be used to revitalize classics, with Resident Evil 2 Remake and Resident Evil 3 Remake being prime candidates. The revitalizing power of VR could also be applied to some of the less popular entries in the series, including Resident Evil 6. In addition to bringing renewed attention to the franchise's best titles, it would also help to cement RE's reputation as one of the scariest experiences available in VR. With virtual reality gaming still in its adolescent stage, RE has the chance to establish itself as a leader in VR horror, much like it has,?? through years of impactful entries, made itself synonymous with the survival horror genre.

Although virtual reality gaming is certainly not new, it still feels like the platform is gaining its footing as it tries to establish itself as a worthy companion to traditional gaming. Resident Evil has made the transition easier for some, as it illu??strates that the platform is not only capable of providing full-scale AAA experiences, but it is also able to greatly enhance them. Though the franchise still has? a long way to go before it presents a perfect VR horror experience, it already seems to be miles ahead of many of its competitors.

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VR, fighting, adventuring, and some superhero co-op

Sony has just wrapped its first State of Play for 2023, showing off what's in store for the PlayStation 5 and its newly released PlayStation VR2 headset. There were some usual suspects, but also a decent number of pleasant surpri?ses.

From the release date and console debut of Baldur's Gate 3 to that wild, wacky-looking new Enhance game, there were definitely a few reveals that caught us off guard. Other parts of the State of Play were a little more what you'd expect, but even then, I'm not going to turn my nose up at more Street Fighter 6 footage, especially with both Zangief and Cammy looking fantastic in the n??ew entry.

Here's all the news to know from today's show.

Everything shown in the February 2023 State of Play

• Virtual reality took the stage first with The Foglands, a shooting gallery-style game with some card elements in play. It's definitely got a bit of a look to it. This was followed by survival game Green Hell VR, first-person shooter Synapse, and Asimov-adaptation Journey to the Foundation.
• It's a decent block for folks who just picked up a new VR2 headset and are looking to some new games to play, but I'd like to draw special attention to Before Your Eyes, a captivating game that was playable through webcams already, and will likely be even more emotional and special in a VR2 headset. That arrives on March 10.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9OhfCk51Mo

• Destiny 2 gets a trailer for its imminent Lightfall expansion, showcasing all the weird space-magic happenings set to take place in Neomuna. I'm once again drawn into the Destiny 2 expansion hype, I'm afraid.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmAqQDRoI0Q

• There are some indie gems lying in wait every year, and I have a feeling Tchia is one of them. This action-adventure game lets you shift into animals and explore a beautiful world, inspired by real-life New Caledonia. I love the art style and mechanics, and it just genuinely seems like a pleasant experience. Subscribers to PlayStation Plus' higher tiers also get a bonus, as Tchia takes the Stray route of launching Day 1 on PS Plus Extra and Premium. Tchia is out on March 21, 2023.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbuZbzO5ghU

• Humanity is difficult to describe, and I mean that for both the game and, you know, all of us. This new game from Enhance has you taking on the form of a glowing Shiba Inu, leading flocks of humankind through strange levels. I could try to describe it more, but why not try it yourself? A limited-time demo is available today. The full game arrives in May.
• Dino-teen drama machine Goodbye Volcano High returns to State of Play, and still looks to bear all the narrative emotion amid an impending meteor impact. Even as someone not too wild about the designs, I'm incredibly impressed by the animation work and storytelling devices being used here. Narrative fans might want to keep an eye on this one when it launches on June 15.
• Confession: I have only ever seen one episode of Naruto, the first one. Didn't do a ton for me. But I do love some Ultimate Ninja Storm, so I was very excited to see Naruto x Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections appear during the State of Play today. It's set to combine pivotal moments from the first four Storm games, and have new playable characters alongside the 124 ninjas from the past. That is a lot of ninjas.
• Here's a surprise: Baldur's Gate 3 is coming to PlayStation 5, day-and-date with the PC and Mac launch. So not only do we get a release date of August 31 for Larian's take on the Baldur's Gate series, we also get a console version with confirmed cross-progression, and JK Simmons voicing one of the big antagonists. Rad!

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-KF9iueE0

• AIrship Syndicate's Wayfinder shows off some of its action co-op gameplay, detailing how players can team up to take on enemies in dangerous areas. A friend remarked to me that this reminds them of Dauntless, and they're not totally off-base. A beta is going live on Feb. 28 for those who want to check it out.
• Street Fighter 6 takes the stage to spotlight three characters. Zangief's looking even more muscle-bound and powerful than ever, newcomer Lily has the spirits on her side, and Cammy is back to break some backs. The next Street Fighter keeps looking great, and June 2 feels just too far away.
• Also here from Capcom is Resident Evil 4 Remake, showing off more gameplay footage. Leon's refreshed journey is just a month away at this point, but Capcom confirms there's a "special demo" on the way for those who can't wait.
• Lastly, we close the show with some detailed gameplay footage and discussion of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. There's a good glimpse of the co-op action these four anti-heroes will get up to, and Rocksteady's still locked in for its release date of May 26. The big surprise arrives at the end as Wonder Woman herself decks the Brainiac-controlled Flash and demands answers. Turns out we will, actually, have to Kill the Justice League.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBczhEOp-m0

That's all for today's third-party-centric Sony State of Play. Let us know what you thought of the show in the comm?ents!

The post Everything shown off at Sony’s first State of Play for 2023 appeared first on Destructoid.

Rev up those VR headsets

Both Nintendo and Xbox have broken the seal on 2023, and now it's PlayStation's turn. Today, Sony is airing its first PlayStation State of Play for 2023.

The stream goes live at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT on the PlayStation streaming channels. You can also watch via the embed below:

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGkP6D5lJcw

The?? show is expected to have a decent number of announcements, ranging from virtual r??eality to indies and big, blockbuster games. So what are we looking forward to for this particular stream?

The state of play in 2023

Sony has already pretty well-established that this is going to be a stream laden with third-party news. The headliner is Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, and we're expecting to see a chunk of gameplay for the upcoming Rocksteady game. Given its new release date is just a few months away, this should hopefully lock the date? in for good.

PlayStation VR2 is also set to play a big role in today's stream. Five games coming to PS VR2 later this year are going to get shown off. While hopes are high that some big names may make a console debut, it's probably worth keeping expectations in check?? for what Sony w??ill show for its brand-new headset.

Lastly, we are also going to get "new looks" at anticipated games from third-party partners. There are a number of usual suspects that have made previous PlayStation stream appearances and are due to launch this year, like Street Fighter 6 and Final Fantasy XVI. Plus, never discount a little indie surprise.

Today's stream is, much like the Xbox Developer Direct and Nintendo Direct, a tone-setter going forward. 2023 still feels a bit uncertain for Sony's console aside from Marvel's Spider-Man 2, but today we'll hopefully see some updat?es on what the future holds, both for PS5 and its brand-new VR headset.

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This new stream looks focused on third-party games

A? new State of Play is on the way, spotlighting upcoming games for Sony's consoles. The PlayStatio?n State of Play airs on Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.

The focus for this stream ?looks to be third-party titles. Sony will kick things off with some looks at "anticipated" games from its third-party partners, including indies. Five new Play??Station VR2 titles are also due to be announced.

Then, we'll get over 15 minutes of new gameplay details and updates on Rocksteady's upcoming Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. No estimated runtime was given, though it sounds at least somewhat lengthy from the amount of Suicide Squad alone.

//t?witter.com/PlayStation/status/162807715038??0363777

The year ahead for PlayStation

This PlayStation State of Play is the first of the year for Sony, and looks set to spotlight what's on the way for its hardware, both in the PlayStation 5 and the imminent PlayStation VR2.

We've already seen 2023 kick-off streams from both Xbox and Nintendo. So with this stream, Sony is taking the opportunity to set the tone for its year ah?ead.

With that in mind, the lack of first-party games here does feel a bit surprising. We don't really know what Sony's first-party lineup looks like for 2023, outside an assumption that Marvel's Spider-Man 2 will play a part in it.

Still, Sony State of Play streams have had some surprises before, and the third-party developers could bring some surprises. There are other games we've yet to hear more about due out later this year, including Street Fighter 6 and Final Fantasy XVI, both of which have featured in Sony??'s previous stre??ams.

PlayStation VR2 is also front-of-mind for Sony, it seems. With five games, that will make up at least a decent chunk of the stream, and probably be exciting for anyone picking up the new headset this week. We'll see what all Sony has in store for its Play??Station State of Play on Feb. 23.

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A hefty hardware haul

Sony's new generation of Pla?yStation VR is due to roll out in 2023. And from the sounds of a new report, the PS VR2 wi?ll be moving quite a few units out.

According to Bloomberg, ??Sony plans to make 2 million units of the PS VR2 headset by March 2023.

Bloomberg's sources say mass production of the new VR headset began in September, and it hasn't dealt with any supply chain constraints yet. Those figures could be adjusted, the report notes, depending on how the device sells upon its?? rele??ase.

A s?pokesperson for Sony Interactive Entertainment declined to comment on the report to Bloomber??g.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5L9Mvh7tAk

The future of PlayStation VR

Sony's new PlayStation virtual reality headset is currently set for an early 2023 date, with no hard launch locked in just yet. The hardware is set to make use of the PlayStation 5's power, as the PS5's VR headset. It also has new controllers and a new headset design.

PlayStation has some big plans in store for the PS VR2, including a VR version of the Resident Evil 4 remake. It's also making a big generational jump by not supporting PlayStation VR 1 games.

"PSVR games are not compatible with PSVR2 because PSVR2 is designed to deliver a truly next-generation VR experience," said Sony's senior VP of platform experience Hideaki Nishino on the Official PlayStation Podcast. "PSVR2 has much more advanced features like all-new controllers with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, inside-out tracking, eye tracking, 3D audio is coming together, [and] 4K HDR, of course. This means developin??g games for PSVR2 requires a whole different approach than the original PSVR."

That's a bummer for those looking to play something like Astro Bot Rescue Mission on their new headset. Still, there are a few things left up in the air for PS VR2, including?? its actual launch date. Either way, this new report makes it look like Sony is put??ting their arm into the pitch for PS VR2.

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Stay away from the boundary

Sony's ?upcoming PS VR2 headset will feature some useful features for those who like to avoid bumping into things. Today, the company is spotlighting some user experience features that seem pretty handy for headset owners.

A big upgrade is that, as part of the PS VR2's camera set-up, Sony is incorporating a see-throu??gh camera. This is a handy tool for say, finding where you set your controllers down without taking the? headset off. Or just double-checking to make sure your play area is clear.

This view can be accessed through the card in the control center, though i??t can't be recorded. It's a handy feature that other headsets like the Meta Quest have, and that's not the only similar functionality.

The play area for the PS VR2 can also be customized, using the PS VR2 controllers an??d cameras. Basically, you can establish a custom play area in your living room or gaming space, to fit the layout. Maybe you have a funky-shaped couch, or a little outcropping on one side.

Now, you won't be bumping into them anymore! Or at least, you'll get a warning indicating you're about to. Again, much like the Quest, a boundary will appear and warn you when you're veering too?? close to the edges.

A new kind of audience

Today's PlayStation blog also confirms that users can film themselves while playing, assuming they have a PS5 HD Camera connect?ed?? to the console. Virtual reality content being made all the easier to share with friends.

PS VR2's VR Mode and Cinematic Mode wer??e also detailed. VR content is displayed in a 400??0 x 2040 HDR format (2000 x 2040 per eye) with 90Hz/120Hz frame rate.

Cinematic Mode, meanwhile, allows PS VR2 users to view the PlayStation 5 UI and non-VR games or media on a virtual cinema screen. This will be shown in 1920x1080 HDR, with 24/60Hz a?nd 120Hz frame rate.

No re??lease date has been set yet for the PS VR2, though the blog closes by saying a launch date and additional games coming to the platform are coming soon.

The post ??Sony shows off some PS VR2 features, including a customizable play area appeared first on Destructoid.

Ponder the orb

Sony has revealed a first look at the design of its PlayStation VR2 headset?. It's sleek, and also quite orb-like. That's on purpose.

In a PlayStation Blog post, Sony's senior VP of Platform Experience Hideaki Nishino says the PS VR2 headset is designed to have a similar shape to its controllers. The P?S VR2 Sense controller has an orb-like shape, and th?e rounded edges are similar to what Sony's done with the DualSense and Pulse headset.

It's not just aesthetic, though. Nishino writes that Sony considered feedback on the ergonomics of the he??adset, working to balance the weight. There will also be a lens adjust??ment dial, adjustable scope, and an overall slimmer design.

Strangely enough, alongside the motors and adjustments, the PS VR2 headset also has a vent. Sony senior art director Yujin Morisawa writes that he wanted to create a vent in the headset, between the top and front surface of the scope, similar to the vent in the PlayStation 5. The idea is to allow air to vent out and prevent lenses from fogging up during play. Nice, especially for those who play more intense work-out games like Beat Saber or Pistol Whip.

The pre-order site for the PS VR2 went live not long after some details went live at Sony's 2022 CES presentation. With a? full headset design to show off now, pre-orders seem a little bit more solid.

As someone who already owns one headset (an Oculus / M??eta Quest 2), I dig the design of the PS VR2. It seems a little bit more balanced, and the straps look pretty comfy. Even the idea of using those special Sense controllers, rather than the PlayStation Move controllers, ??seems interesting.

No date's been s??et yet for the launch of Sony's second VR headset.

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