Rez Infinite was a transcendent experience on PSVR. A game originally from the PS2 days, the title seems at home in virtual reality to such a degree that it might as well have been made with that in mind. And the PSVR2 glow-up actually makes things even better.
First and foremost, the graphical upgrade is immediately noticeable, like with so many PSVR2 updates. Though the core of the game is over 20 years old, the textures and levels of the game look crisp and delightfully colourful. The addition of HDR is very apparent as the game makes excellent use of high-contrast environments. Additionally, the shooting is much-improved thanks to the vastly superior tracking of the PSVR2 Sense Controllers. Aiming at enemies used to be a little wobbly, so the assured, steady hand of the new tracking is welcome.
Likewise, haptics are immediately noticeable. This is a musically driven title, and much like Tetsuya Mizuguchi's other PSVR2 title, Tetris Effect, the haptics hone in on rhythm. The headset and controllers pulsing along to the beat of a song heighten the immersion, further encasing you in this digital world. Most new elements of the title offer a massive improvement on the previous incarnation.
However, implementation of eye-tracking is underwhelming. While a novel idea to be able to target enemies simply by looking at them, using the PSVR2 Sense Controllers is far more effective. When aiming with our eyes, the reticle usually moves properly, but it's inconsistent at identifying highlighted enemies as targets. It's a bit underwhelming, all told.
Quite the opposite is Area X, the level made for PSVR, which was reason enough to buy Sony's headset all on its own. Despite how incredible an impression that area left last time, it's that much better now. Between the resolution bump, the HDR, the upgrade from Unreal Engine 4 to 5, and the improved tracking, the newly refreshed Area X is every bit the must-play it was seven years ago. If you're on the fence about dishing out for the relatively slight upgrade fee, rest assured, it's worth it.
Comments 27
I don't understand the eye-tracking con. To me this is the only way to play that makes the game truly shine and actually makes it fun. With the sticks it's a bit boring! When I played it in non-VR back in the day, I uninstalled after level 1, almost like Thumper. But the eye tracking feature makes it a lot better
I wish there was a whole game of just Area X. It's one of the best experiences in VR, it's such a shame it's a small one-note area. It's really exceptional. The main game is good, but the on rails part of it doesn't really impress for VR like Area X does.
@AFCC The sticks are boring, but they eye tracking is just kind of bad and bland and not really as good as it sounds once you're twisting your head like you're whipping. But the POINTER aiming with the VR Sense is great! Makes it like a Wii game, which isn't a bad thing, really in this case.
Absolutely stunning, downloaded upgrade last week. Unfortunately was to slow to upgrade thumper it was £3.99 Unfortunately offer ended. I think personally if you have the original that option should be there permanently.
Controversial Perhaps, but I never really felt Rez on PSVR, so don’t know if I’ll go for this. It’s just not my genre really. I tried numerous times, but just like with FFXII and Uncharted, no matter how much I try it’s just not for me I don’t think.
@Axelay71
It’s still £3.99 to upgrade when I look on the app
@thefourfoldroot1 that's strange just went into the playstation store on my phone. It's saying £15.99 for Thumper no upgrade option.
@Axelay71
Really? It still says £3.99 for me. Went to the psvr2 section but also tried to search and on both it says £3.99 (actually says “upgrade” under the thumbnail in the PSVR2 section).
Are you on the app or just the webpage? Maybe they differ in being able to track if you have the game or not.
This is a 10.
Not many games better than this in the genre.
@thefourfoldroot1 you genius thanks I was looking on the playstation store Web page. Downloaded app. Now have upgraded Thumper psvr2 later!! Thanks
Bought it today and can't wait to give it a try for the first time. Wish more ports to PSVR2 would offer an upgrade instead of having to buy them again full price.
@naruball
Isn’t it only Moss (kind of) that requires another purchase? Everything else is either free (GT7, Res8, Song in the Smoke, NMS..) or an upgrade path (Rez, Tetris, Thumper, S&S…). Maybe I’m forgetting some.
@AFCC same here, i had a great time with the eye tracking and never had an issue locking on to enemies, if anything it's the best way to play it for me.
GT7 is the best game I played on PSVR2, this is a very close second
@AFCC Have to agree with you, the eye tracking completely enhanced the experience even further for me once I got my head round it.
So for non-PSVR2 users, is it worth upgrading to the standard PS5 version from the PS4 version I have? I’m guessing the haptics alone will be nice, but I guess it’s worth checking.
@NEStalgia Yes! Full Area X game please! Either that or a VR port of Child of Eden. Or both!
@AFCC It's a con because it didn't work terribly well.One of the paragraphs in the review is about that! Agreed that the controller version is less exciting, but it was more reliable. The eye-tracking had a lot of trouble actually picking up enemies even though the reticle was directly over them.
@The_Pixel_King It depends on how much that's worth it to you. You'd get improved haptics and HDR, and I'm pretty sure a resolution boost, but I wouldn't say the non-VR upgrade is essential in the way the PSVR2 version is! 9.99 isn't a big askl, but it's down to how much you enjoyed the game if those upgrades would be worth it to you!
The existence of a PSVR2 version of REZ simply shows how far ahead of its time it really was.
@gbanas92 yes I read it but I'm having trouble understanding why did you think this because in my experience it worked well
@AFCC Could just be an individual basis type thing, where the tracking just works differently from person to person.
For me, the reticle moved really well, it moved where I was looking with a fast response time, but whenever I was trying to get it to actually highlight enemies once the reticle was on them, it just....wouldn't. Once in a blue moon it did, but not remotely reliably enough that I felt like I could actually use it to beat the game. I ended up being disappointed with it given how cool it seemed like it could have been.
Firstly, Rez is an incredible game. I loved it on PSVR.
But it was a Dreamcast game well before it was a PS2 game. Why does this site continue to pretend that nothing other than PlayStation ever existed???
I can't wait to buy a PSVR2. Does anyone know when they'll be available in regular stores outside of Sony direct?
@thefourfoldroot1 are you sure about Tetris? I don't get that option.
The ultimate way Rez should be played it feels like Rez was designed for this all along.
Ive been a hugh fan of Rez since the dreamcast and has it on ps2 with the rumble pack as well.
@naruball
Pretty sure, although you need the right one. I think the one on Plus Extra is the PS4 version which can’t be upgraded (or maybe they just don’t let you upgrade the free one, I don’t know).
I also don’t get the option, but I remember reading that if you have the PS5 edition it’s £10.
I’ll try to find a link.
Edit: I think they just might not let the plus version have an upgrade path
https://tetris.com/article/290/tetris-effect-connected-is-now-available-on-playstation5-and-playstation-vr2?amphtml=1
@naruball @thefourfoldroot1 At least in the US the Tetris upgrade is definitely $10, I just bought it for the deal over the weekend after telling myself I wouldn't for months. I had the PS4 version, purchased shortly launch for PSVR1 back, in, what was that, 2017? 2018? I THINK you might need a Plus subscription though (I just have essentials.)
if you log in on the console or logged in on the store app, you should see it. Weird if you don't, but maybe it's by region?
@thefourfoldroot1 @NEStalgia
Ι think I got the plus version for free. I have a UK account, so that may be the reason I can't access the $10 upgrade (£10 would have been fine, too, but alas). Guess I'll wait for a price cut :/
@naruball That stinks... I guess it makes sense the freebie doesn't get the discount, but it's a downer.
Total disappointment.
It lacks 3D.
What a shame.
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...