We didn’t expect Drums Rock to be anything special prior to release, but we’ve been pleasantly surprised by this Guitar Hero-inspired rhythm game. While it’s fairly rudimentary at its core – you hit different coloured drums to destroy Iron Maiden album cover-inspired goblins – the feedback you feel through the PSVR2 Sense Controllers is seriously impressive, and it feels like there’s an actual drum kit in front of you, as opposed to thin air.
If Gran Turismo Sport on the original PSVR was a taster, then Gran Turismo 7 on PSVR2 is one of those all-you-can-eat buffets where they serve pizza, curry, and roast dinners all at the same time. This is the entire game, presented with minimal compromise, in virtual reality – and it’s incredible. Even if you’re not a fan of Polyphony Digital’s very specific style of racing simulator, we can’t imagine anyone being unimpressed with the immersion made possible here thanks to Sony’s next-gen headset.
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Horizon Call of the Mountain is the tentpole title in PSVR2’s launch lineup, and it stands to reason we recommend it as one of your first games. While it undoubtedly has some flaws – the story is difficult to follow and the combat is a bit bland – we absolutely love the emphasis on platforming, which allows you to scale cliff faces that pierce the sky. It’s also arguably one of the best looking launch titles by far; the HDR vistas are a truly sensational demonstration of Sony’s new tech.
Dutch developer Better Than Life lives up to its name with this hyper-real open water outing that’s a real star in PSVR2’s launch lineup. Getting to grips with the gameplay in Kayak VR: Mirage can take a hot minute, as you’re going to need to learn to paddle with your PSVR2 Sense Controllers like you would in real-life. But once you’ve mastered the mechanics, the sense of place is unbeatable here, as you drink in visually dense locations from all around the world.
Our CMS only allows us to tag in one title in list articles like this, but when we mention Moss, we’re referring to its sequel, too. This is arguably the most traditional title on this list, but it’s a demonstration of how virtual reality can be used to enhance more classic gameplay styles. A platformer at its heart, you’ll be controlling protagonist Quill in 3D dioramas, reaching into the world to manipulate it so the character can progress. Both games are charming, utterly gorgeous, and very comfortable to play – a perfect starting point for virtual reality rookies.
While it may have disappointed at launch, No Man’s Sky’s redemption arc has been quite unreal to witness. The game has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years, and is now comfortably among the best survival games you can play. Given its emphasis on exploration, it pairs perfectly with the PSVR2 headset, allowing you to actually exist within the limitless expanses of space. Landing on a new planet is always an exciting moment in this iconic sci-fi title, but it’s taken to a new level with PSVR2.
Beat Saber is still a little way away, but there’s no shortage of great rhythm-based games on PSVR2 at launch. Pistol Whip is probably the pick of the bunch, a John Wick-inspired dance of death where you need to time your bullets to the beat. This surprisingly physical release sees you weaving in and out of obstacles, dodging projectiles as they fling past your face, and popping off shots in the general direction of silhouetted adversaries. Despite already coming recommended on the original PSVR, the improved tracking and vivid visuals make it essential here.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard proved a fan favourite on PSVR, but Resident Evil Village is here to seriously raise the stakes. The game’s grim Romanian backdrop is transformed by Sony’s next-gen headset, with the scale of the release taken to an entirely new level. But it’s the use of the PSVR2 Sense Controllers, which allow you to physically connect with the game world in a way that’s impossible with the DualSense, that elevate this contemporary classic to an entirely different level.
A game that launched towards the tail end of PSVR’s lifespan, real ones know Song in the Smoke is up there alongside The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners as an immersive survival sim. Rather than simply port the original, developer 17-BIT has effectively remastered it here, implementing several quality of life enhancements and leveraging the full capabilities of Sony’s next-gen headset. If you’re looking for a longer game you can immerse yourself in for several hours at a time, Rekindled should be on your radar.
A borderline biblical experience on the original PSVR, this updated version of Tetris Effect for PSVR2 elevates the sensory experience to astronomical new levels. The vivid picture quality, paired with new sensory enhancing features – like the headset’s rumble motor – make this arguably the pinnacle of an iconic puzzle title. Once you get into the groove, nothing comes close to this classic.
These are just some of our early picks for PSVR2, but we’d love to hear about your favourites in the comments section. What will you be spending your launch day playing? Is there a title you’d highly recommend people check out? Step out of your virtual world for just a few moments to let us know below.
