Colin Cassidy
The Exciting Arrival of Resident Evil 4 Remake VR Mode on PSVR 2
The virtual reality (VR) port of the original Resident Evil 4 became an absolute must-have for every Oculus Quest owner. With its immersive gameplay and terrifying atmosphere, it was a no-brainer that fans would eagerly anticipate a remake for the new PSVR 2. And now, the wait is almost over.
At the recent Tokyo Game Show, we had the opportunity to get a hands-on experience with the new VR Mode of Resident Evil 4 Remake on PSVR 2. While the demo was limited to the early stages of the game, it showcased the potential of this highly anticipated release that offers more than just improved visuals on the RE Engine.
A Glimpse of Horror in Virtual Reality
The demo gave us a taste of the atmosphere and frights that await in the VR version of Resident Evil 4 Remake. With photorealistic visuals and clever use of lighting, the game feels even spookier than its Quest counterpart. However, it’s worth noting that the demo was limited to seated mode, which affected certain aspects like the positioning of equipment and holster.
One of the biggest criticisms of the Quest version was the use of third-person perspective cutscenes, which broke the immersion. Unfortunately, the PSVR 2 version also falls into this trap. Even the first-person cutscenes still take control away from the player, which can be disorienting for those prone to motion sickness.
But amidst these drawbacks, there is one change that deserves praise. In the Quest version, stunning an enemy with Leon’s roundhouse kick triggered a canned animated cutscene. However, in the PSVR 2 version, the camera cleverly shifts to a slightly raised position, allowing players to watch Leon charge forward and deliver the counter. This small modification maintains the context and keeps players immersed in the action.
Combat Mechanics and Thrilling Moments
In terms of combat mechanics, the PSVR 2 version feels similar to the VR Mode in Resident Evil Village. The demo only showcased the use of Leon’s pistol, but it provided a glimpse of how reloading is handled by pressing a button to empty the clip, inserting a new one, and pulling back the hammer.
Exploration remains a key aspect of the game, with players using Leon’s knife to break barrels and boxes for useful items. Unfortunately, the demo didn’t reach the point where players could parry the chainsaw-wielding maniac in the village. However, an interesting mechanic allowed players to channel their inner horror film villain by holding the knife in a downward grip to quickly finish off downed enemies.
A Promising Preview of What’s to Come
The demo for Resident Evil 4’s VR Mode left us wanting more, teasing the potential for an action-packed and immersive experience. If it manages to match the quality of the Quest version, then PSVR 2 owners can look forward to another must-have Resident Evil game within just one year.
Resident Evil 4 VR mode is set to release as a free update for PSVR 2 this winter, bringing forth an intense and terrifying adventure for horror fans and VR enthusiasts alike.
Sources:
– Upload VR
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