I invested nearly $1,000 AUD in the PSVR2 at launch, fully embracing the excitement. A significant upgrade from the bulky PSVR and Move controller setup, I was eager to experience the haptics with just a single cable connection.
While the initial batch of launch titles showcased the technology's potential and hinted at future possibilities, like many other buyers, I removed my headset and have rarely used it since February 2023. Despite some standout games like Synapse, they've been few and far between.
It's unfortunate, given how much I appreciate the device, but the reality is there aren't enough blockbuster titles to draw us back. However, that's about to change as 2024 comes to a close, with the PSVR2 entering its hottest streak since its release. Four AAA-caliber games are on the horizon, making Q4 2024 potentially the best and final hurrah for the hardware.
An unparalleled hot streak
Recently, the highly anticipated Metro Awakening was released. Though not a PlayStation exclusive, it fits well on PSVR2 and is reportedly another solid adventure in post-apocalyptic Moscow.Announced earlier this year at a State of Play event, the return of the popular FPS franchise generated buzz leading up to its launch. While it may not drive system sales or clear PSVR2 units from shelves, it marks the beginning of what's quietly becoming the device's most exciting quarter since launch.
In a few weeks, one of the most teased titles since the PSVR2's unveiling will arrive. Skydance Interactive is set to release Behemoth on December 5, 2024.
Whenever Sony has mentioned PSVR2 over the past few years, Behemoth has been part of the conversation. Footage was gradually released before full trailers helped build momentum, and now we're approaching the launch.
Created by the team behind The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners, one of VR's most well-rounded games overall, Behemoth carries high expectations.
Behemoth promises an action-packed VR experience with intense close-quarters combat, breathtaking graphics, and colossal creatures reminiscent of Shadow of the Colossus. While its success remains to be seen, it's been a key title in PSVR2's marketing efforts and is now just around the corner.
Hot on its heels comes Alien: Rogue Incursion on December 19, 2024. Fans of Alien Isolation will appreciate how well-suited the franchise is for virtual reality. Though unofficial mods have allowed VR experiences in the past, Rogue Incursion represents a significant leap forward. It's an officially licensed Alien game built specifically for VR, following in Isolation's footsteps. Players become the hunted, pursued by terrifying Xenomorphs – a thrilling prospect for horror fans.
Completing this trio of major releases is the PSVR2 version of Hitman World of Assassination. While previous VR iterations of the series have been hit-or-miss, this new version appears promising based on the reveal trailer from the recent State of Play. With 21 levels to explore, players can fulfill their assassin fantasies in various ways. Whether you prefer poisoning a target's drink or orchestrating a chandelier "accident," the choice is yours. If the quality holds up, this could become one of the platform's most popular titles, offering significant replay value.
Is this PSVR2's final act?
This sequence of four major titles represents the most impressive period in PSVR2's lifespan so far. But could it also be the last? Beyond this point, the future of Sony's VR efforts remains uncertain. The silence since launch has been noticeable, and the situation now seems more critical than ever. After this potential swan song, we're only aware of a few smaller titles and ports in development, with no significant projects from major studios on the horizon.It's possible that this could be the final batch of must-have games for the device before it fades into obscurity. The optimist in me hopes that Sony has a few surprises left and that at least one first-party team (perhaps Media Molecule, if I had to guess) is secretly working on a PSVR2 project. However, given the relatively small user base and waning interest from owners, it's more likely that the PSVR2 will soon be relegated to the sidelines for an extended period.
Despite this potential downturn, the upcoming releases offer a glimmer of hope for PSVR2 enthusiasts. These games showcase the platform's capabilities and provide compelling reasons for owners to dust off their headsets. Whether this surge of high-quality content can revitalize interest in the PSVR2 or simply serves as a final hurrah remains to be seen. Regardless, it's an exciting time for those who've invested in Sony's VR technology.
