The Verge: PlayStation VR has had a quietly awesome year

[takoyaki]

PlayStation VR has had a quietly awesome year
by Sam Byford
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But while Oculus’ future is unclear and HTC has turned to China, enterprise markets, and the ultra high-end, PlayStation VR has quietly established itself as the strongest platform for most people. VR gaming still has the same drawbacks it did two years ago, and Sony hasn’t done much to solve any of them. What it has done, is provide a reasonably convenient home for what has turned into an increasingly impressive stream of games.

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On the top of that list is Astro Bot: Rescue Mission, the endlessly clever and inventive 3D platform game from Sony’s own storied Japan Studio. The game doesn’t have a ton of visual personality, and its status as a spin-off from a minigame in Sony’s Playroom app meant it somewhat flew under the radar at launch. But it’s the best thing Japan Studio has done in years, and one of the best VR games ever made.

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Moss launched on PC a few months after PSVR, but it was the perfect fit for Sony’s less technically capable platform. It doesn’t benefit from a large playing space or advanced motion tracking — just a comfortable place to sit and a regular controller. It’s the kind of relaxing experience that plays to PSVR’s strengths. Déraciné, the slow-paced, haunting adventure from From Software, is another example.

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Beat Saber, for example, is easily the most buzzed-about VR game of the year. I wasn’t sure how well its fast-paced blend of rhythm action and lightsaber combat would translate to the Move controllers, but the new PSVR version actually does an admirable job keeping up.

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And while Tetris Effect is one of the best PS4 games of 2018 even when played on a TV, it becomes a truly transcendent experience in VR.

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Many people go through a honeymoon period when they first get into VR. During those early days it feels like you won’t want to play anything on a flat screen ever again. That can lead to disillusionment when the reality sinks in that the technology just isn’t appropriate for the majority of games right now. Once you accept that reality, though, it’s hard to imagine PSVR having turned out much better than it has. Two years on from launch, there’s a ton of original and hugely entertaining content to play, and Sony doesn’t seem to have lost interest yet.

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More at the link, interesting read.

I think there’s a general sentiment that PSVR had its best year yet, that Sony’s continued commitment to the platform really started to pay off in 2018 and that things could have turned out quite differently after the initial VR hype started to cool off last year.

Thoughts?

 

[____]

My PSVR would quietly agree

 

[Bundy]

Yep. With Astro Bot as its king :)

 

[Toriko]

Yup. Astrobot is killer.

 

[patapon]

Very true. PSVR has such an amazing year, and I am really happy with the support Sony is showing for VR. Can't wait for the next iteration, it's only going to get better from here, and Sony will be leading the charge for VR in console space.

 

[phant0m]

Got Astrobot and Beat Saber on launch, I’m hoping for a sale on Tetris Effect next week.

 

[Benji]

Yeah PSVR has a really healthy lineup at this point. If your someone who drives in now you've got quite a library to dig through.

Honestly this year has just gotten me really excited for PSVR2 on next-gen. It feels like devs are really starting to figure out what all works best in VR and once there is significantly better technology to take advantage of it, VR gaming could be incredible on PS5

 

[samthebreadman]

So I'm interested with this. Is PSVR on same level as Oculus Rift in terms of immersion or do I need to look elsewhere?

Seems that the game library is strong.

 

[kennyamr]

I've being playing a few games since I bought it this past Nov. Astrobot, Beat Saber, and a couple of others.
It's extremely good! I love my purchase and I haven't even touched 20% of my VR library.

 

[Sonicfan059]

Can’t wait to see what Manchester Studio is cooking up. Sony set them up and not a peep!

 

[LonestarZues]

I was worried early in the year when both The Inpatient and Bravo Team ended up being horrible games. That worry was unfounded when both Astro Bot and Moss ended up in my top 5 games list for this year.

 

[Android Sophia]

Some of the deals they had were worth it just for Beat Saber. Add in Astro Bot, Tetris Effect, and Moss and you had one hell of a lineup of quality games.

 

[BrickArts295]

Agreed. I barely used it in 2017 so I got a bit worried since I was a Day 1 buyer. But man 2018 has turned it around. The Impatient was OK, Rick and Morty was hilarious, Moss was cute and great, Firewall was awesome, Creed made me sweat like crazy, Zone of Enders 2 was pretty cool and Astro Bot is pretty much self explanatory...

And I have yet to play Wipeout, Beat Saber, Tetris, Deracine and others.

Can't wait for Blood and Truth and Ace Combat 7.

 

[wafflebrain]

So I'm interested with this. Is PSVR on same level as Oculus Rift in terms of immersion or do I need to look elsewhere?

Seems that the game library is strong.

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The resolution is higher on the Oculus, though PSVR has a surprising lack of screen door effect compared to all the headsets. Tracking is more precise and the Touch controllers for Oculus are more immersive for 'hand presence' for games that use grabbing motions like Lone Echo. The Oculus has a decent library of games too, Lone Echo being one of the best.

With that said...as someone that just picked up a PSVR after using PCVR for most of the gen, I'd say the average production quality (ie graphics) of psvr titles is a cut above sans Lone Echo. Astro Bot is legitimately impressive and instills that Mario 64 feeling of wonderment, and Resident Evil VII is a very impressive VR port of the base game considering the hardware it's running on. I'd say the library is definitely PSVR's strong suit, but if you're more sensitive to things like resolution and tracking accuracy then Oculus is certainly worth looking at.

edit: Also keep in mind with Oculus there may be a concern that going forwards you'll see less games on the level of Lone Echo production wise. They have no plans currently for a second gen headset for PC, and seem more focused on their mobile headsets like the forthcoming Oculus Quest.

 

[VanDoughnut]

What makes me hyped for the PS5 is PSVR2. Which is something I didn’t imagine myself saying.

If they keep at it with games like Astro Bot, next gen VR will be unreal. I imagine VR developers will only get better, and next gen technology will allow them to do more.

 

[takoyaki]

So I'm interested with this. Is PSVR on same level as Oculus Rift in terms of immersion or do I need to look elsewhere?

Seems that the game library is strong.

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I agree with the author that PSVR is "good enough" for most titles that are currently available. Combined with the recent price cuts and the fantastic lineup of games, it's the best way to get into VR right now (imo). All three platforms offer you a level of immersion that's much better than phone VR solutions.

Tracking with the PS Camera isn't as reliable as on Vive and the Moves aren't as good as the Oculus Touch controllers, but PSVR offers you the easiest user experience and a very comfortable headset. The biggest hurdle for full immersion is still the cable that runs to the headset, that's something you have to deal with on all three platforms (unless you spend a lot on a wireless receiver for the Vive).

 

[Callibretto]

I wonder if psvr2 will be stand alone mobile headset like oculus quest but with added optional wired connection to ps5 for the high end vr games.

I assume that will increase the cost quite a bit since the headset will have to include the processor and battery.

One thing I do wish it has is camera on the front so that I can see my surrounding without the need to take off my headset.

 

[bear force one]

It's been pretty amazing and Astro Bot is a game of the generation contender. I look forward to seeing what the PS5 solution looks like.

 

[henhowc]

i hope my psvr will continue to work for ps5

 

[Cess007]

I need Tetris Effect. I fucking need it.

 

[cnorwood]

Firewall is my surprise hit of this gen so far

 

[Sonicfan059]

The resolution is higher on the Oculus, though PSVR has a surprising lack of screen door effect compared to all the headsets. Tracking is more precise and the Touch controllers for Oculus are more immersive for 'hand presence' for games that use grabbing motions like Lone Echo. The Oculus has a decent library of games too, Lone Echo being one of the best.

With that said...as someone that just picked up a PSVR after using PCVR for most of the gen, I'd say the average production quality (ie graphics) of psvr titles is a cut above sans Lone Echo. Astro Bot is legitimately impressive and instills that Mario 64 feeling of wonderment, and Resident Evil VII is a very impressive VR port of the base game considering the hardware it's running on. I'd say the library is definitely PSVR's strong suit, but if you're more sensitive to things like resolution and tracking accuracy then Oculus is certainly worth looking at.

edit: Also keep in mind with Oculus there may be a concern that going forwards you'll see less games on the level of Lone Echo production wise. They have no plans currently for a second gen headset for PC, and seem more focused on their mobile headsets like the forthcoming Oculus Quest.

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That’s because PSVR has a full RGB display with three sub pixels per pixel. It really helps with the screen door effect.

 

[ryseing]

I need to get Firewall, Moss, and Beat Saber. Astro Bot and Tetris Effect will be on my GOTY list.

Really a fantastic year for the platform.

 

[nStruct]

I just completed Astro Bot last night and it completely validated my purchase of the PSVR. Moss and Tetris are next!

 

[bane833]

Recently got PSVR myself and it really is amazing so far. Still have to get Moss and Tetris Effect but for Astro Bot alone it's already worth it.

Could really see this taking of next gen with a smaller wireless headset and improved technology.

 

[ry-dog]

I think it's been an acceptable year making up for a lackluster previous year. Hopefully it continues. It's what every VR company should be doing, investing in the games for their expensive as fuck hardware

 

[Moose the Mooche]

Played the kitchen demo yesterday and this is the first time since i was a kid that media legit scared me. The moment when the lady dissapears around the corner and the noises behind you appear it got me pause the game and take of the set. It was scary.

Also played the demo of Moss.. really really loved what i played. The same level as Astrobot i think.

I am a fan of VR but in small doses tho.

 

[apocat]

It's my favourite platform of the year, with my favourite games of the year, so I can only agree.

What makes me hyped for the PS5 is PSVR2. Which is something I didn’t imagine myself saying.

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The same. If VR is this good NOW, in a few years it will be absolutely incredible.

 

[Nessus]

I figure people in this thread might know: is it worth it to get a PS4 Pro over a PS4 Slim for PSVR? (I don't have a 4K TV and have no interest in getting one) I'm just wondering if it'd be a mistake to get a PS4 Slim for VR.

 

[Stinkinmushroom]

Yes, for anyone hesitating go for it. Its definitely worth it

 

[pswii60]

Quiet? We've had a new Astrobot thread approximately every 5 minutes since it launched :)

But yeah, between the improved library and price reductions, it's more appealing than ever. We need fully wireless for PSVR2.

 

[Chessguy1]

I have my unit in the mail /w beatsaber and borderlands 2 VR.

have astrobot, tetris, resident evil, playstation worlds, eve valkyrie, moss, statik, rush of blood, wipeout, carnival games, thumper, rigs already installed and ready to play.

a few more games on the list when i'm done with that, like superhot.

pretty excited.

 

[takoyaki]

I figure people in this thread might know: is it worth it to get a PS4 Pro over a PS4 Slim for PSVR? (I don't have a 4K TV and have no interest in getting one) I'm just wondering if it'd be a mistake to get a PS4 Slim for VR.

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PSVR games definitely look better on Pro. From what I understand, the main advantage is increased rendering resolution that leads to a clearer picture. Some games might also have a more stable framerate or use the additional power for better lighting or higher quality assets.

Digital Foundry has a good article with comparison videos, but it’s from 2016 and some things might have changed since then.

https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2016-how-does-ps4-pro-improve-the-psvr-experience

 

[Fisty]

PSVR owners, please don't sleep on Déraciné

 

[Yautja_Warrior]

Definitely been a great year for PSVR.

 

[apocat]

PSVR owners, please don't sleep on Déraciné

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Agreed. It's not for everyone, but if you click with it you'll likely love it.

 

[ffvorax]

I figure people in this thread might know: is it worth it to get a PS4 Pro over a PS4 Slim for PSVR? (I don't have a 4K TV and have no interest in getting one) I'm just wondering if it'd be a mistake to get a PS4 Slim for VR.

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I did the upgrade, and I don't regret it.
Games are MUCH sharper, it's clear the step up on quality for the PSVR with a PS4PRO.
I just got a 4K tv, but when I got the PRO I did it for the PSVR, and I was really surprised about the upgrade of some games. I could also say that if you don't know the difference, you just get used to it, but after you see how sharper are on the PRO, it's a no go back.

 

[RagdollRhino]

The Persistence is one of the best games of the year and only on PSVR to my knowledge. It's like Dead Space and Dark Souls had a baby, not sure how to describe it. Sci-fi horror roguelike I guess.

 

[ffvorax]

I have my unit in the mail /w beatsaber and borderlands 2 VR.

have astrobot, tetris, resident evil, playstation worlds, eve valkyrie, moss, statik, rush of blood, wipeout, carnival games, thumper, rigs already installed and ready to play.

a few more games on the list when i'm done with that, like superhot.

pretty excited.

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Highlighted games are really great VR games, you will be quite happy! :P

 

[Optional Objectives]

.

 

[SkyMasterson]

When you factor in the cost of entry for a PSVR headset, a pair of moves and two games is only $250, you'd be crazy to at least not try it out(assuming you have a PS4/PS4Pro).

Combined with the current PSN sales, You can build up all of the above mentioned and all the must have PSVR games for just under $400.

 

[Dave.]

I figure people in this thread might know: is it worth it to get a PS4 Pro over a PS4 Slim for PSVR? (I don't have a 4K TV and have no interest in getting one) I'm just wondering if it'd be a mistake to get a PS4 Slim for VR.

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It's a noticeable improvement in most VR games, but it isn't mandatory. It's a very similar situation as it is for TV games - If you can afford the Pro then yes it's well worth getting, but if you can't then a Slim is absolutely fine. What I'm trying to say is the sentence "I can't afford a Pro so I won't bother with PSVR even though I am interested" is incorrect and should not cross your mind.

 

[Dphex]

The Persistence is one of the best games of the year and only on PSVR to my knowledge. It's like Dead Space and Dark Souls had a baby, not sure how to describe it. Sci-fi horror roguelike I guess.

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saved myself the game for the holidays, got it for cheap a month ago, looking forward to it

 

[Emilijo]

And 2019 is looking great, too with games like Blood and Truth, Ace Combat, Dreams, Everybody's Golf,...

http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2018/12/guide_upcoming_psvr_games_in_2019

 

[Coztoomba]

How much space do I NEED for this. Can I play sitting on a bed or a couch or do I need a bigger living room type area?

 

[MrKlaw]

How much space do I NEED for this. Can I play sitting on a bed or a couch or do I need a bigger living room type area?

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Sitting down mostly fine. Something like Beat Saber you need to be able to stand up and wave your arms about, and take maybe one step to either side.

 

[MrKlaw]

for what its worth, I prefer the image on the PSVR to Oculus rift or vive. Lower resolution but better fill ratio, larger sweet spot and fewer lens artifacts.

Tracking isn't as good but the actual headset competes well IMO.

 

[Coztoomba]

Sitting down mostly fine. Something like Beat Saber you need to be able to stand up and wave your arms about, and take maybe one step to either side.

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Awesome. Next question. I have a LG OLED with next to no bezel. How would I go about mounting the camera on top?

 

[Betty]

I’m already factoring in a PSVR2 day-1 purchase because of how good the support has been for PSVR so far.

 

[Clive]

I tried out VR earlier this fall and was sold so I decided to buy a headset on Black Friday. I hadn't followed PSVR closely before so I was pleasantly surprised by how much there was to play. It's true that the "big", "GOTY-style" action adventure games are lacking a bit but VR is such a unique experience that it makes everything fun. It's fantastic for horror too. I can only speak for myself but if comparing the four console platforms (PS4, PSVR, Switch, Xbox One) and I bought the most exclusives for PSVR from 2018. PS VR "won" 2018 by standing out and offering me experiences I can't play elsewhere.