After a successful launch for PC virtual reality (VR) headsets a few months ago, 3rd Eye Studios has today released the second installment of its sci-fi thriller Downward Spiral: Horus Station for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation VR.
Continuing on from 2017’s short introduction Downward Spiral: Prologue, Downward Spiral: Horus Station takes that initial idea and expands on it greatly. Players find themselves in a zero-g environment, a deserted space station, seemingly completely alone with not a crew member in sight across the vast complex.
“Combining the thought-provoking mysteries of sci-fi classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Solaris with interactive exploration has been a dream of ours for years, and we can’t wait for PlayStation players to experience Downward Spiral: Horus Station’s unique atmosphere and story,” said Gregory Louden, Lead Designer of 3rd Eye Studios in a statement. “While entirely captivating on a flat screen, Downward Spiral: Horus Station cranks the immersion up to 11 for those with PlayStation VR – especially if used in tandem with the PlayStation Move controllers!”
Players have to uncover the story through their own close observation and interpretation of the environment, as 3rd Eye Studios has provided no cut-scenes, dialogue or text to figure out what’s gone wrong. But Downward Spiral: Horus Station isn’t purely and exploration/puzzle experience as players will soon find dangers lurking in the shadows. Luckily they’ll be able to find maintenance hardware – like bolt throwers, rail guns, and arc welders to take out threats.
The studio has ensured the space station can be traversed as easily as possible, either through direct contact with the environment by grabbing and launching of objects, or using the grappling hook to tether to distant objects and reel yourself in.
Downward Spiral: Horus Station isn’t just a solo campaign to play through. You can also co-op with a buddy to make the process easier plus there’s even a game mode that removes combat entirely from the campaign for players who prefer a more relaxed experience. In addition to the story campaign, there’s eight-player PvP and PvE multiplayer modes including Deathmatch and Horde to increase the gameplay variety.
Downward Spiral: Horus Station is out now on PlayStation 4, with optional PlayStation VR support, for $19.99 USD / €14.99 EUR / £11.99 GBP / $22.95 AUS. For any further updates keep reading VRFocus.