Feature: Celebrating PlayStation VR's Second Anniversary

PlayStation VR turns two years old today. Hip hip hooray! With over three million headsets out in the wild and more than 22 million software purchases to accompany them, it's fair to say that Sony's virtual reality gamble has more than paid off. The headset continues to receive one unforgettable experience after another, with 2018 alone boasting about the likes of the speedy Sprint Vector, the lovely and adorable adventure of Moss, and of course, the peripheral's best game yet, Astro Bot Rescue Mission. There's already a gigantic pool of quality titles to choose from for those jumping in for the first time, and when you take a peak at what's coming in the near future, things just keep on getting better. PSVR is here to stay.

To mark today's occasion, we've quizzed Push Square's editorial team and pool of contributors on what their first experiences with PSVR were like, the games that have stuck with them, and what they're looking forward to next.

Sammy Barker, Editor

What was your first experience using PlayStation VR?

It was the infamous Kitchen demo, which would later become Resident Evil 7. I'd tried the very early Oculus Rift development kits and was already a virtual reality believer, but my first time with PSVR really blew me away. Reviewer Simon Fitzgerald likes to remind me that I screamed during that demo; I regret nothing.

Which have been your favourite games so far?

Most recently I've been blown away by Astro Bot Rescue Mission, but SUPERHOT VR is probably still my absolute favourite -- I just love how empowering that game is with PSVR. I've got to give a special mention to an underrated release called The Invisible Hours, though -- I adore the concept of that game.

Have you showed any of your family or friends the PSVR? How did they react?

I love watching people experience PSVR for the first time, because it really is technology that needs to be seen to be believed. I showed my Mum the underwater section from PSVR Worlds and she was really, really impressed with it. Both my Dad and I saw huge potential in the World Cup broadcasts that the BBC did, too.

Which upcoming PSVR games are you most looking forward to?

Blood & Truth is the one for me. We haven't seen many huge budget story-driven games on PSVR yet, and I think London Studio's really going to show what's possible when you have a lot of cash behind you. Outside of that, it's going to be fascinating to see what the PS4's community does in Dreams.

Liam Croft, Reviewer

What was your first experience using PlayStation VR?

Much like everyone else's first time, I got my hands on a PSVR for the first time at a videogame expo, namely EGX 2017. I was a bit of a late bloomer when it comes to VR, always holding an interest in the tech but never getting the chance to actually play around with it. Once I did, though, I was sold. Moss was my first experience of PlayStation VR at the event, followed by the likes of Shooty Fruity. Shame how that one turned out.

Which have been your favourite games so far?

Moss has definitely been my favourite so far, but I do have Astro Bot Rescue Mission sitting in my backlog so that could soon change. I was also a big fan of Sprint Vector; the locomotive mechanic that allowed you to generate speed is one of the greatest feelings in VR.

Have you showed any of your family or friends the PSVR? How did they react?

Surprisingly, I haven't actually had anyone else demo virtual reality using my own headset. My parents don't seem particularly interested, and when they do come into my room and I've got the PSVR on whilst staring at my wardrobe, they probably think it's all a bit weird.

Which upcoming PSVR games are you most looking forward to?

Beat Saber is the one for me. I'm incredibly excited for that game, and it shouldn't be too much longer until I get my hands on it.

Graham Banas, Reviewer

What was your first experience using PlayStation VR?

My first experience with PSVR came at PAX East 2016 when I got to play Thumper not once, but twice. This was still before the headset was on sale, and I was immediately smitten. It was really exciting to be seeing the future firsthand, and I haven't looked back since. I love VR.

Which have been your favourite games so far?

So many of the VR experiences I've had have been wonderful, but Thumper holds a special place in my heart as my intro to VR. Plus it's an incredible game. I also adored Moss, which is one of the most charming games I may ever have played. And 'Area X' in Rez Infinite is a transcendent experience that anyone interested in VR needs to give a try.

Have you showed any of your family or friends the PSVR? How did they react?

I have shown as many people as possible VR, including my family. Both my parents and grandfather -- none of whom are gamers themselves -- were absolutely blown away. Ocean Descent in VR Worlds was especially useful for that. My Mom, in particular, wasn't brave enough, but everyone I've shown VR to has been at least impressed, if not enthralled!

Which upcoming PSVR games are you most looking forward to?

PSVR already has a really impressive portfolio, but there's quite a bit on the way still that I really want. If Golem ever actually comes out, I want that very badly. A little nearer is Tetris Effect, which I've been incredibly excited for since its announcement. Star Child is another I'm really excited about actually. There are almost too many upcoming games to count!

Simon Fitzgerald, Reviewer

What was your first experience using PlayStation VR?

My first experience of PSVR was at EGX 2016 in a small room crammed with various other Push Square scribes. We had the chance to try out the Kitchen demo and it absolutely sold the device to me there and then. I can still recall Sammy’s screams to this day as he physically recoiled in fear from the spooky woman attacking him.

Which have been your favourite games so far?

My favourite titles that I’ve played on PSVR are (in no particular order): Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, The Playroom VR, Statik, How We Soar, Thumper, and SUPERHOT VR.

Have you showed any of your family or friends the PSVR? How did they react?

When PSVR first came out I was showing everyone: family, friends -- no one could escape it and the majority of them enjoyed it and were surprised how immersive it was. A few found they experienced motion sickness and were very quick to remove it but on the whole it got positive reactions.

Which upcoming PSVR games are you most looking forward to?

Beat Saber is the one VR title I am really looking forward to. I can’t wait to listen to some great tunes whilst waving around lightsabers in time to the beat.

And there we have it, two years of PlayStation VR have flown by just like that. The headset is in a great position with a slew of quality exclusive games, a ton more experiences on the way, and an attractive price point. Let's pour one out for PSVR as it enters its third year on the market, having never looked better. Cheers PlayStation VR!

What were your first experiences like with PSVR? Which games do you look back on fondly? Join the celebrations in the comments below.