PSVR: Review of Rez, Battlezone, Eve:Valkyrie, Tumble VR, Super Stardust Ultra VR, Hustle Kings VR
Out since October 13th, the PSVR has several games and experiences to go with it. Instead of publishing several mini reviews, we want you to see our opinion on a selection of games like Rez: Infinite, Battlezone or even Hustle King VR. In the following paragraphs, you will see if the above-named games, and more, are advisable and offer and good balance between price and experience.
Rez: Infinite – 16/20
Rez:infinite is the best rated game so far, along with Tumble VR, for the simple reason that it features the most complete and immersive experience, with a concept that’s at least 15 years old. On Dreamcast, in 2001, REZ didn’t really receive the honors of the critiques, with a concept that was even frowned upon. To make it simpler, this infinite version continues the concept it had started and adds a few things. Graphics are in full 1080p with an incredible frame per second that might make PC users blush just a little bit.
Halfway between a shoot’em up and a musical game, Rez:infinite is incredibly immersive in VR and very few players will be subjected to motion sickness. We particularly enjoyed the gameplay that follows your every head movements with an OST that may be the best we have heard so far. As far as the lifespan is concerned, Rez:Infinite will keep you busy for a while, since the game features 5 playable levels in many modes, and the never-seen-before Zone X from which you will have a hard time getting away.
As many games available at launch on PSVR, Rez:Infinite is an experience that does not last very long, about 4 hours. The replay value, whether it is to improve the score or for pure fun is however pretty high, for a game that is retailed at 29 euros. Moreover, you can also join the fun if you do not have a PSVR, you will just need a DS4 or the PS Moves!
Battlezone – 08/20
Out of all the games we have tried so far on PSVR since it came here, Battlezone is probably the worst game we experienced. It is difficult to describe how boring and uneventful the title developed by Rebellion is. Retailed at 60 euros, Battlezone puts the player inside a tank and in a map made out of different zones to investigate, and where you will have enemies to kill. Battlezone is playable online and in solo, but the difficulty is so terribly calibrated that you will sometimes find yourselves short of reasons to continue through the pain.
The fact that the weaponry is entirely customizable is clearly the best feature of this Battlezone, as well as the relative variety in fights and combats. However, with a price tag of 60 euros, there is way too little to comfort us that this battlefield is not the greatest let-down so far on PSVR.
EVE: Valkyrie – 14/20
As opposed to Battlezone, EVE:Valkyrie is one of the best games we have played since the release of the PSVR. Even though the price tag set at 60 euros is still a bit too high, the immersive experience is well worth it. While the solo albeit short and quite scripted offers an experience that very few games have been able to give us so far, the true essence of EVE is in its multiplayer mode. The great graphics and the intensity of the space combats will make you stick around for much longer that you should and the game experience is about as satisfying as the possibilities you have to customize your spaceships. If there was only one shooter to buy, it would be EVE: Valkyrie. As simple and efficient as it is expensive.
TUMBLE VR - 16/20
As surprising as it may seem, this game based on sheer skill and reflection takes a whole other dimension once the headset is on our heads. Tumble VR makes great use of the PSVR to put you in simple, and complex situations with different puzzles to manage. Tumble VR features a total of 80 puzzles and other various activities. Retailed at only 10 euros, Tumble VR is the game that offers the best value for the money, providing you have a Playstation Move lying around.
Super Stardust VR – 15/20
Retailed 10 euros or free if you already own Super Stardust Ultra, this VR game is actually only a VR compatible mode more than a game in itself. Immersed in a spaceship at the surface of a planet, you will to kill as many waves of enemy as possible. If you like Shoot’em ups, we highly recommend this game, especially seeing its low price, even if the VR features not as much immersion as in the other products.
Hustle Kings VR – 06/20
The other rotten egg carries the name of Hustle Kings. Amusing albeit highly forgettable in its normal version, Hustle Kings VR is a very thorough pool game that just did not grab any bit of our attention. The culprit is an ill-adapted gameplay with a headset that limits the movements and localisation in space. Unless you’re a die-hard fan of pool games, spending 20 euros on this will hardly feel like a deal.
