5 Best PSVR Games That Need PSVR 2 Ports

PlayStation VR2 is finally here, but with no backwards compatibility for Sony’s older headset, we’re looking at PSVR games that need PSVR 2 ports.

Alongside big hitters like Horizon Call of the Mountain, Gran Turismo 7 and Resident Evil Village, PSVR 2 is already home to some of the best PSVR games and experiences, like Moss and Tetris Effect. Better yet, some ports like Job Simulator,  Song in The Smoke and Pistol Whip offer free cross-generation upgrades if you bought them for the original PSVR.

There are many PSVR titles we’d love to see leap onto PlayStation VR2, like Superhot VR and those published by Sony. Considering Meta acquired Camouflaj in October, Iron Man VR seems unlikely, while games like Firewall Zero Hour and Until Dawn: Rush of Blood have upcoming sequels or spiritual successors on the way. Still, plenty of other excellent VR games are currently restricted to Sony’s older headset, and it’s time they had a second chance.

As shown in no particular order, these are our top five PSVR games that we’d love to see on PSVR 2.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Resident Evil Village is one of PSVR 2’s major launch games, so we’re hopeful that Resident Evil 7 will eventually follow. While official VR support remains PSVR exclusive for RE7, Capcom remastered the flatscreen version of this acclaimed survival horror for PS5 last year, adding ray-tracing support, improved framerates, haptic feedback and resistance triggers. This remains one of VR’s scariest games, and we’d love to see it back with further enhancements.

Blood & Truth

PlayStation VR Worlds might have been little more than a PSVR demo disc, but the London Heist minigame remains a standout. Sony London expanded this into a full release with Blood & Truth, which sees you saving your family from a London crime boss. With its high production values and entertaining set pieces, London Studio’s hit FPS deserves a second chance.

Wipeout Omega Collection

As the remake of a remake, Wipeout Omega Collection can feel overfamiliar for long-term fans, but it’s one of the best entries in this beloved sci-fi racing series. Elevated further through its optional PSVR support, Wipeout’s campaigns for HD, Fury and 2048 are all playable alongside multiplayer, and you can access three VR-exclusive ships. Omega Collection is highly polished, thrilling, and easily worth a second look.

Astro Bot Rescue Mission

Astro’s Playroom is an enjoyable showcase for the DualSense controller’s abilities on PS5, and we would love to see Astro Bot Rescue Mission back on PSVR 2. Initially featured in Sony Japan’s The Playroom VR mini-game compilation, Rescue Mission took this petite and adorable robot on a 3D platforming adventure to save his friends. It’s an absolute joy that remains the no.1 pick in our best PSVR games list.

Star Wars: Squadrons

Star Wars is already on PSVR 2 in Tales From The Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced Edition, but we’d never turn down more adventures in a galaxy far, far away. Alongside Vader Immortal, EA Motive’s Star Wars: Squadrons also released on PSVR and provided something completely different. Swapping lightsabers for X-Wings and TIE Fighters, this space dogfighter comes with a full campaign, online multiplayer, and optional VR support. Considering EA ported Jedi Fallen Order to PS5, we hope Squadrons will follow one day.

Star Wars Day Returns, Here’s How to Celebrate in VR

It seems to come around faster and faster each year, and so once again it’s May 4th, which of course means Star Wars day. Fans love it and everyone else may loath it but the day is now part of geek culture whatever your stance. And when it comes to immersive Star Wars content there’s plenty to choose from, with deals going on as well as special one-day-only content.

Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge

So let’s start with the brand new stuff that’s arrived, and that’s getting fit in Supernatural on Meta Quest. The fitness app is hosting a special promotion with an exclusive Star Wars Day workout. Supernatural’s  Coach Doc will take players on a heart-pumping workout featuring some of the franchise’s most famous tracks. These are; Main Title, Imperial Attack; Cantina Band, The Imperial March and The Throne Room & End Title.

Do be aware, however, that Supernatural is not only a subscription-based app ($19/month or $179/annually) but its also region locked to North America. So not all Star Wars fans worldwide can access the content.

If you do own a Meta Quest 1 or 2 then not to worry, there are still plenty of other ways to enjoy Star Wars Day. Until 11:59 pm PT on 5th May (7:59 am BST 6th May) there are a bunch of deals available via the Oculus Store, reducing prices by up to 50%.

Star Wars Pinball VR

Meta Quest will also be at Walt Disney World Resort until 21sy July where guests can preview ILMxLAB’s Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge and get free stuff!

As for the rest, here’s all the home Star Wars VR content gmw3 could find:

Should any more Star Wars games come to VR then gmw3 will let you know.

Get Lost in VR With Steam’s Open World Celebration

No Man's Sky

Just in time for payday weekend, Steam rolls out a limited time sale dedicated to exploration and open-world adventures, with some rather nice discounts on virtual reality (VR) compatible titles. So if you fancy spending the weekend shunning the outside world for one that’s digital, here might be a good place to start.

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

Steam’s Open World sale is fairly limited in time in comparison to its more seasonal events, with discounts available until 31st May at 10am PT (6pm BST). Discounts seem to range from a modest 20% off to the far more eye-catching 80%+ on a few select titles.

While some skirt the line between open-world and more linear, narrative-based adventures here are some which caught VRFocus’ eye. Hello Games’ sci-fi epic No Man’s Sky is one of the prominent of the bunch with a 50% discount dropping it down to £19.99. Staying with the sci-fi theme you’ve always got Elite Dangerous which only costs £4.99 thanks to a 75% discount – great for those who love HOTAS controls. Or there’s always Star Wars: Squadrons for a more arcade-action experience, currently retailing for £13.99 off a 60% discount.

Not into sci-fi? How about something a little more horrifying? Endnight Games’ The Forest is in the sale, pitting you against cannibalistic mutants for the rock bottom price of £6.97, a nice 55% saving. On the post-apocalyptic front, there’s Into the Radius VR where you can try and survive the Pechorsk Radius zone for £16.65, only a 30% saving on that one. But who doesn’t love a good zombie survival videogame? Arizona Sunshine always seems to be discounted, currently at £11.89, whilst the rather excellent The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners‘ 20% offer drops it to £24.79.

Ultimate Fishing Simulator

It’s also worth taking a look at:

Of course, there are plenty more VR titles in the sale so it’s worth taking a look. VRFocus will continue its coverage of the latest VR deals, reporting back with further updates.

Steam Open World Sale Includes Squadrons, Saints & Sinners, No Man’s Sky

The latest Steam sale includes a bunch of PC VR titles available with decent discounts, including Star Wars: Squadrons, The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, No Man’s Sky and more.

The sale is called the Open World Sale and features a bunch of VR and non-VR games that, you guessed it, feature open worlds. It’s live now and runs until 10am Pacific time on May 31.

There’s not a huge amount of prominent VR games in the sale but there’s still a few solid deals to be found.

Here’s some of the best VR deals we caught while browsing the store:

– The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners: $31.99 (20% off)

Vacation Simulator: $22.49 (25% off)

– No Man’s Sky: $29.99 (50% off)

Star Wars: Squadrons: $15.99 (60% off)

Arizona Sunshine: $14.99 (50% off)

– Trover Saves The Universe: $10.49 (65% off)

– Into the Radius VR: $20.99 (30% off)

– Thief Simulator VR: $13.39 (33% off)

– Elite Dangerous: $7.49 (75% off)

– Operencia: The Stolen Sun: $11.99 (60% off)

– The Forest: $8.99 (50% off)

– Nature Treks VR: $5.99 (40% off)

All the prices above are listed in USD, but the sale prices will adjust accordingly for your location and local currency. You can see a full list of the VR games currently on sale on Steam here.

In other sales, Wraith: The Oblivion – Afterlife is still available at 10% off, coming to $26.99, until June 2 as part of its launch sale. Meanwhile over on the PlayStation Store, Star Wars: Squadrons will be one of June’s PlayStation Plus titles, allowing anyone with a PS+ subscription to redeem a copy of the game and keep it as long as you’re subscribed.

The Steam Open World Sale is on now until Monday — you can view the sale home page, with VR and non-VR titles, here.

‘Star Wars: Squadrons’ Will Be Free to PlayStation Plus Members in June

Sony announced that Star Wars: Squadrons (2020), the PSVR-compatible space dogfighter, is going to be one of June’s free PlayStation Plus titles.

Starting June 1st, Star Wars: Squadrons will be free to keep for PS Plus members, and will be available to claim until July 5th. The game, which was launched back in October 2020, is regularly priced at $40.

Other free PS Plus titles include Operation: Tango (PS5 version only) and Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown.

Star Wars: Squadrons may not be a VR-only title, although EA’s Motive Studios impressed with its ability to not only put you into the digitally recreated cockpits from the storied franchise, but do so with enough flair to feel like a VR-native adventure.

Its campaign is engaging, multiplayer has continuously evolved since launch, and broad cross-platform support across console and PC has been a boon for both SteamVR and PSVR users looking for a healthy population of other players. Check out why we gave Star Wars: Squadrons a resounding [9/10] in our review.

The post ‘Star Wars: Squadrons’ Will Be Free to PlayStation Plus Members in June appeared first on Road to VR.

PSVR Compatible Star Wars: Squadrons Is Free On PS Plus In June

The rumors were true – PSVR compatible flight game, Star Wars: Squadrons is free on PS Plus next month.

The 2020 game will be available to download for members from June 1 until July 5, though you’ll keep it as long as you’re a Plus member. In Star Wars: Squadrons, players get behind the flight sticks of iconic series vehicles like the X-Wing and TIE Fighter and battle it out across the stars.

Star Wars: Squadrons Free On PS Plus

The game features a full single-player campaign and several multiplayer modes. In our 2020 review we said that, while Squadrons wasn’t perfect, VR support offered an incredible way to experience the game.

“While I would say that Star Wars: Squadrons has exceeded my already lofty expectations overall, it’s not without its faults,” we said, giving the game 4/5. “It still manages to out-perform every other VR space combat game I’ve tried across the board for my tastes and offers a ton of nuance in its gameplay and immense entertainment with its full campaign.”

Will you be checking out Star Wars: Squadrons on PS Plus? Let us know in the comments below.

Celebrating Star Wars Day…VR Style

Star Wars Day

It’s 4th May so you know what that means, Star Wars day! Not that fans of the sci-fi franchise need a day to celebrate but hey, it gives you all an extra excuse to travel to a galaxy far, far away. And virtual reality (VR) continues to play an ever-growing role with new titles adding to the canon material almost every year it seems. So today, VRFocus is celebrating all things Star Wars VR-related.

Star Wars: Squadrons

This is the deal you’re looking for…

So let’s start with the deals. Like any branded day there are offers to be had and Star Wars in VR is no different, so if you’ve been holding out for a particular title then now might be a good time to pick one up. Here’s what VRFocus has found:

Vader Immortal

The Star Wars VR games every fan should have

As mentioned, VR fans have an abundance of titles to choose from when its comes to Star Wars. Back when VR was emerging as a consumer technology with the launch of Oculus Rift and HTC Vive there were early experiments like Star Wars: Trials on Tatooine and Star Wars: Droid Repair Bay (both are still free). But the technology and gameplay has certainly moved on.

Previously location-based entertainment (LBE) solutions like Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire would’ve been worth a look but with The VOID now defunct that’s no longer a possibility. So here are VRFocus’ recommendations for enjoying Star Wars in VR at home.

  • Star Wars Pinball VR – Only just released for most VR headsets last week, Zen Studios’ latest pinball mashup features 8 themed tables, a customisable fan cave, and more unlockables than you could find in the hold of the Millenium Falcon.
  • Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – The most recent title from ILMxLAB, Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge takes you to the outskirts of the Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu. With the storyline set between Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker you end up in Seezelslak’s Cantina where you listen to his stories and go on missions. Part one is available now with part two due to arrive later this year.
  • Star Wars Squadrons – An all-action videogame with single-player and multiplayer modes Star Wars Squadrons you take command of both Rebel and Imperial craft, flying X-Wing and Tie Fighters across a range of missions. In multiplayer team-based 5v5 battles take place across gameplay modes including Dogfight and Battle Fleet. If you’ve ever wanted to be in the heart of any Star Wars space battle then now’s your chance.
  • Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series – For pure cinematics where you actually get to face Vader and use Force powers then give Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series a try. Split across three episodes explore Vader’s base on Mustafar and learn about the history and secrets of the planet, as well as your own. Then head to the Lightsaber Dojo to practice your Force powers and lightsaber skills against waves of enemies.

7 Times VR Did It Better Than The Original Game

Hopefully there will be a day when VR offers the definitive experience for most gaming series, but we’re a long way off from that.

Not only do the tight economics of VR support make it hard to justify for many developers but, even when they do add in support or make new VR spin-offs, early tech and development practises don’t always lead to the best possible experience. That’s not the case for these seven games. These are titles either with optional VR support or dedicated new VR games that surpass the experience offered by their flat screen counterparts.

Elite: Dangerous

elite dangerous

Many wonder when VR will start getting massive games with epic scope that can be played for hours. The irony is that headsets actually already launched with one such title – Elite: Dangerous. Frontier’s enduring sci-fi sim gives players the vast span of space to explore inside VR. It’s a deep, multi-faceted experience that can be intimidating to get started with, but once you lose yourself in its universe in VR, it’s tough to go back. The experience only got bigger with subsequent expansions although, sadly, the game’s most recent update didn’t include VR support. Hopefully Frontier will revisit the technology once more in the future.

Assetto Corsa

Assetto Corssa

Gran Turismo Sport aside, we could really put basically any driving simulator in this spot — Project Cars and Dirt Rally both deserve shout outs — but Assetto Corsa is our primary pick thanks to years of extensive support. On a 2D screen, this is one of the most authentic and rich driving experiences you can have in gaming today. And the game only gets better inside VR, delivering a truly convincing driving experience with tons of content to lose yourself in.

Granted there’s still work to be done. Even after all this time you still can’t launch the game natively in VR from within Steam and you need to use menus on the flat screen to get it all working between races. But it speaks to how powerful Assetto Corsa’s VR experience is that it makes the list all the same.

Resident Evil 7

resident-evil-7-gun

Resident Evil 7’s VR support definitely doesn’t feel like a fully native conversion of the game, with virtual windows for cutscenes (and even moments in the gameplay) as well as a reliance on the DualShock 4 controller with no motion-based interaction. But there’s two big reasons it stands out in VR even more than it did on traditional screens. The first is simply that the game’s already palpable atmosphere was kicked up to 11 inside a headset – so much so that many still struggle to play it to date.

But what’s often overlooked is just how well the game controlled when aiming with your head instead of analog sticks. It actually gave players a bit of an edge in combat and it’s something we’re surprised to see wasn’t replicated in other PSVR shooters later down the line. It doesn’t look like May’s release of Resident Evil 8 will include VR support, but we patiently await a possible post-launch patch for PSVR 2.

Star Wars: Squadrons

Star Wars Squadrons VR performance

15% of Star Wars: Squadrons players have experienced the game in VR. Some would say that only 15% of players got the full Squadrons experience. EA Motive’s smaller-scale Star Wars project was a joy on flat screens, echoing the X-Wing vs TIE Fighter series from the past, but VR support made too much sense not to happen, even for a company as entrenched in traditional gaming as EA. Sure enough, Squadrons’ hyper-detailed cockpits and thrilling combat proved to be a moreish treat in VR that delivered on childhood fantasies in spades. We can only hope to see more from the game later down the line.

Subnautica

subnautica image 1

Underwater survival might not be the first genre that comes to mind when you think about great VR experiences, but Unknown Worlds’ Subnautica gave us what we didn’t know we wanted. This features all the elements you’d expect from a survival game, perfectly translated into an undersea experience. But, while the aquatic life and bottomless caverns make for an incredible flat screen experience, the entire game really comes to life inside VR. Fish now feel real which, depending on their species, can be a good or bad thing, and buildable bases give you your own virtual hangout.

Superhot

superhot vr

Superhot is probably the most obvious example on this list. The slow-motion shooter took to Kickstarter in 2014, where its developers noted they hoped to include Oculus Rift support in the game. There was even a demo for the DK2 headset shown at a handful of events. But, what would become Superhot VR was actually an altogether separate game.

In fact, Superhot VR has generated more revenue than the original game. Surprising in terms of market metrics but it’s easy to see why if you play both editions. Don’t get me wrong, 2D Superhot is fun but once you’ve tried the full 6DOF experience in which every flick of a wrist or twist of a head moves the world along, it’s basically impossible to go back.

Wipeout: The Omega Collection

wipeout omega collection

We know, we know, we’ve already had one driving game in this list. But Wipeout gets a special mention because, symbolically, it’s not just a great way to play three already-excellent titles but the embodiment of the dreams many of us have had since popping the disc for the original Wipeout into our PlayStations over two decades ago. Wipeout’s VR support comes with entirely new sensations you can’t experience on a screen, from the jolt of a tight corner to the rattle of machine gun fire. We need more of Wipeout in VR – let’s hope we’ll get it on PSVR 2.

Half-Life: Alyx & Star Wars: Squadrons Among SXSW Gaming Awards VR Nominees

Half-Life: Alyx

South by Southwest (SXSW) has announced it’ll be hosting its annual gaming awards in March, revealing 43 nominees across 12 different categories. That includes a virtual reality (VR) category with some of the most prominent titles of the last 12 months in the running like Valve’s Half-Life: Alyx and Motive Studios’ Star Wars: Squadrons.

Star Wars: Squadrons

This year’s VR category features five nominees with few surprises. Half-Life: Alyx has been nominated in almost every VR award going whilst cross-platform Star Wars: Squadrons was a big hit towards the end of 2020. Also on the list are The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners one of the best zombie survival videogames in VR, and Down the Rabbit Hole, a little gem of a puzzle title from Cortopia Studios.

Possibly the most controversial on the list is Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond by Respawn Entertainment. The highly anticipated WWII shooter offers a single-player campaign, multiplayer and interviews with veterans, yet suffered from pacing, high specification requirements and other issues.

The 2021 SXSW Gaming Awards has partnered with IGN to produce the event, presented by Discord on Saturday, 20th March at 7:00pm CT, broadcast live on SXSW Online, ign.com, and on Twitch. Public voting is open now across the board with the winners decided by a weighted total between staff, advisory board input and public voting.

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

“Gaming is a key part of the creative ecosystem that makes up SXSW, and provides our community an opportunity to honour the achievements with the brightest minds in the field,” said Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer for SXSW in a statement.

“We’ve learned so much from our communities on Discord over the last year. The power that games can have in bringing people together no matter where you are in the world inspires us.”said Tesa Aragones, Chief Marketing Officer at Discord. “Creating space for people to come together to share the things they love – music, games, and anything else that interests them – is core to our beliefs and we are proud to support the SXSW Gaming Awards as the presenting sponsor.”

The main SXSW Online event runs from 16th – 20th March 2020 featuring keynotes, conference sessions, Music Festival showcases, Film Festival screening and more. Don’t miss the Virtual Cinema area where you’ll be able to view works including 4 Feet High VR, Finding Pandora X, Namoo, and Paper Birds to name a few. For further updates, keep reading VRFocus.