5 must-play PSVR2 games at launch

Rory Cashin

There will be over 30 games available on the PSVR2 within a month of its launch.

The PlayStation VR2 launches in just a few days time, and we’ve been lucky enough to spend some time with both the device itself and some of the games prior to launch. You can check out our review of the PSVR2 right here, but below are some of the games that can be played on the new system. No matter what kind of genre of game you prefer, there will be something to satisfy your preference from the initial slate of releases. But here are five that we’ve picked will be must-plays right from the off, starting with…

Horizon: Call of the Mountain

Visually gorgeous, technically incredible (really showing off what the PSVR2 can do), and literally so much fun that I often found myself stopping entirely just to look around and drink it all in. THAT is how good this game is. Controlling a character who isn’t Aloy within the well-developed world of Horizon is a clever move, allowing for a sense of danger that wouldn’t necessarily be present when controlling the one person we know can’t be killed off in this story.

The brilliant combat system, which includes some spot on archery and kinetic flexibility to stay out of the robo-dino’s teeth and claws, is properly tremendous, but truly what takes the cake is the jaw-dropping platforming sections. Climbing about the post-apocalyptic ruined Earth like a Mad Max/Nathan Drake hybrid, heaving yourself hand over hand up and over vertiginous mountains and through claustrophobic chasms makes for a truly unique and never-not-enthralling experience. The fact that it is all tied together with an actually interesting story only makes it all the better.

Resident Evil Village

One of the best horror games of recent years, and one perfectly matched to the series’ switch-up to the first person perspective. As you control Ethan Winters in his travels around Castle Dimitrescu and its spooky surroundings, put a weapon into each hand as you try to fend off or escape from the vampires, werewolves and [SPOILERS] that are waiting for you around each and every turn. If you already own Resident Evil Village, this PSVR2 mode will be available to download and play for free.

Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced Edition

This updated version of the incredibly fun game set a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away has you controlling a droid repair technician who gets swept up into a grand adventure after crash landing in the wilds of planet Batuu. Over the course of the story, you’ll cross paths with R2-D2, C-3PO, Jedi Master Yoda, and Hondo Ohnaka (all voiced by their original performers), while also encountering new characters, infiltrating the First Order, and face off against Guavian Death Gangs. If you’ve ever actually wanted to be a part of a Star Wars story, this is about as close as you’ll get without being cast in one of the movies.

Kayak VR: Mirage

And now for something completely different. Get ready for one of the most relaxing experiences you’ll have with a gaming system, as you paddle around some of the most gorgeous vistas to be found on Earth. Check out the penguins in Antarctica or the lush ecosystem in Costa Rica, sail through a thunderstorm in Norway or the sheer rock faces of a canyon in Australia, there is something just very zen about this game. All while adhering to the physical rules of, y’know, actually using a kayak.

Moss: Book I & Book II

Unlike the other games above, which all put you in the position of the leading protagonist, Moss is almost a god-like sim, in which your controllers control the small mouse as he jumps and sword-slashes his way through his little civilisation, but your on-screen “hands” have the power to control the environment he is interacting with. It makes for a unique puzzle platformer that will be equally appealing to younger and older players.

Other games also set for release from launch and within the first month of the launch window are as follows, as per PlayStation, including which games will include a free upgrade of already purchased titles for the PSVR2 version: