PSVR: HALLOWEEN EDITION (PART 2)
Kona: I've always wanted to play a walking simulator in VR -- something like Firewatch would be perfectly suited to the medium -- and the experience does not disappoint. I never played this game before, but it seemed to me that VR mode simplified things a lot; you use teleport spots to get around (you can also switch to full locomotion with comfort mode in the options) so it's possible to get through the story without exploring the far reaches of the map. It took me about 4 hours to complete, but afterwards I looked at the trophy list and realized I missed a TON of collectibles that aren't accessible through teleportation (including one game spanning trophy which involves not using any vehicles). Narratively, the experience feels complete in VR (you basically get in your truck, drive around to locations, explore and find clues), but I always have to option to revisit it closer in 2D. My major complaint is the graphics, which look serviceable from afar, but writing (such as journal entries) are illegible up close. However, it gets an easy recommend from me, especially if you were already interested in the game prior to the VR patch.
Torn: The first thing I did when I started was turn on full locomotion (with segmented turning); believe me, it's the best way to play because teleporting sucks in this game and ruins immersion. I ended up playing the entire 6 hour campaign in one sitting without ever taking off the headset, and I never felt more comfortable in VR. Storywise, you're exploring an old mansion and discovering secrets. The bulk of gameplay involves using a wand device which emits a laser (not unlike a Ghostbusters proton stream) in order to move and manipulate objects at a distance. Most of the puzzles are repetitive and require matching patterns or activating pressure pads to proceed. While the game is beautiful to look at, my only issue is with how easy it is, and there is a lot of hand-holding throughout. Also, while it has a dark fantasy-mystery atmosphere, it's not spooky at all. Despite an ending which undermines everything that came before, I really enjoyed this game and would recommend it for $15 or less.
Transference: This isn't currently on sale, but I used my 20% code towards it anyway. I won't mince words here. The game is a massive disappointment. Especially coming off the demo, which is a terrifying experience in itself. The main complaint is the length, which takes an average of 2 hours (my second playthrough took me 30 minutes). I remember Elijah Wood claimed that this would "bridge the gap between film and games" but aside from some live-action video footage scattered throughout, it's no different than any other first-person psychological horror game. Gamewise, it takes place in an apartment building and you switch between two worlds/timelines using light switches. It never quite reaches the potential to be something like P.T., and the story is hardly explained so by the time it ended, I was left feeling confused and unsatisfied. Still, it's a worthy effort as long as you know what you're getting into. I would recommend it at a $10 price point. (Also, even if you buy the game, download the "Walter Test Case" demo which is a separate standalone experience and adds 15 minutes playtime to the grand total).
I have a few other horror-themed VR games I want to get to before the end of the month, but I'm running out of time. Not sure if there'll be a part 3.
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EDIT: Oh, and there's a new trailer out for Accounting+ Director's Cut, which I'm assuming will come as a free update for PSVR later today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlsWaMkKMtM
ing idiot already spent a 20% off code on it and could have saved an additional $6 if he waited another 7 days?
