Zach Tsiakalis-Brown’s highly anticipated sci-fi game, Vertigo 2, is finally set to release on PSVR2 next week, on January 15th. This solo-developed VR adventure has already garnered positive feedback on Steam, heightening excitement among PS5 owners.
My experience with Vertigo 2 suggests it’s a VR adventure with a Valve-like feel, reminiscent of titles like Half-Life: Alyx. While it may not match Half-Life’s production value, it shares a similar level of creativity and dark humor akin to Stress Level Zero’s Boneworks, seemingly inspired by Aperture Labs from the Portal series.
In terms of its PSVR2 compatibility, the game handles movement and interactions smoothly, but I noticed framerate drops when transitioning from tight corridors to larger spaces, as demonstrated in my video. The PSVR2’s haptic feedback seems underused, with some weapons lacking a strong haptic response in the Sense Controllers, and headset haptics being barely noticeable, if present at all.
Vertigo 2 offers an option for gore, turned off by default, which can be activated in the graphics settings for those interested in a more visceral experience.
A standout feature is the interaction of your virtual hands and weapons with the game’s environment; they react realistically to walls and objects, unlike in some VR games where they pass through. However, this immersion is slightly reduced by the absence of corresponding sound effects when touching or hitting objects.
Despite these minor critiques, the overall quality of Vertigo 2 is remarkable, especially considering it’s the work of a single developer. It’s a compelling reason to add Vertigo 2 to your PSVR2 library.
Early into the year, Vertigo 2 already seems like a highlight of 2023’s PSVR2 lineup. For those seeking a humorous, engaging sci-fi adventure with impressive graphics, Vertigo 2 is a must-try.
