Receiving a promised review code for Bulletstorm VR that never materialized was not a positive experience. Despite my attempts to follow up through emails, my requests were ignored.
This left me with no choice but to purchase the game myself and play it on launch day. Unfortunately, prior to playing, I had already come across negative previews and reviews that criticized various aspects, including VR implementation, AI, graphics, and overall performance.
Having been a fan of Bulletstorm on the Xbox 360, I approached this week’s VR Corner with the hope of giving it a fair chance. The video below captures my first hour of gameplay.
However, the reality was disappointing. Bulletstorm VR turned out to be a poorly executed VR port with numerous flaws. From graphical glitches to unattractive cutscenes and performance issues, the overall experience was far from satisfactory.
The PSVR2 launch day build I played did not even utilize the additional features such as haptic feedback and eye-tracking offered by Sony’s headset.
The implementation felt basic, and I couldn’t help but think that a Flat2VR mod of the original game might have done a better job.
Despite my disappointment, I acknowledged the effort put in by Incuvo and People Can Fly to bring Bulletstorm to VR—a commendable endeavor considering the limited number of developers exploring VR adaptations.
While I still hold a desire for more companies to port their old IPs to VR for modern audiences, the current state of Bulletstorm VR raises concerns. The negative response to the game may discourage these companies from attempting similar ventures in the future.
Despite the multitude of issues encountered during my playthrough, the ability to experience a beloved game in VR added a certain level of enjoyment. Immersing myself in the game’s world, despite its flaws, was a unique and positive aspect of the experience.
However, I couldn’t help but express the hope for potential updates that could address the existing problems. The uncertainty about the game’s future updates leaves me unsure if Bulletstorm VR will receive the improvements it needs. Regardless, Bulletstorm deserves better, and as VR enthusiasts, we deserve better experiences as well.
