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We tracked how many steps forward and how many steps back.
13.03.2023 22:15 | by Onimushaman | Description/test
In 2016, Sony entered the competition with its own virtual reality headset, for which it also revived the abandoned Move controllers. There were quite outstanding works, but after a while the big titles fell behind. Although there is still plenty of potential in the story, the first generation was the small-town VR, I am thinking here mainly of the hardware limit and affordability.
In contrast, PSVR2 arrived at the end of February as a luxury product, which is more expensive than the basic PlayStation 5. Previous games are not compatible with it, but many of them received free or paid upgrades. I must admit, I was really looking forward to the product, because one of my best video game experiences is related to the previous VR a Resident Evil 7 in person. You can’t even imagine how much my eyes lit up when the first day was announced Resident Evil: Village and the one in the works Resident Evil 4 Remake VR support as well. Let’s see if the increase in price has also brought with it a jump in quality, since it is a considerable investment to immerse yourself again in the promising virtual reality.
The hardware is delivered ready-made in a light box, in which lies the coveted headset, from which only one USB cable hangs out. There is no need to play tricks with all kinds of repeaters, HDMI plugs, and we can finally forget about the PlayStation Camera, because this was triggered by the 4 external cameras mounted on the headset. These are used to scan the environment, which will also help us in the design of our playground. The space can be shaped easily and quickly, thus eliminating the childhood disease of the first VR. The system signals if we leave the safety area, so we won’t break ourselves and the equipment (in the past, two of my lampshades were bothered by self-indulgent frolicking).
As before, you can connect a 3D stereo earphone with brain plug to the bottom, which was also included for us. And with the built-in microphone in the headset, we can chat while playing online. In addition, we can find a couple of brand new controllers called Sense. We also get a charging cable (USB-C type), and that’s really it: after a short calibration, the experience can start. During the game, with one of the buttons on the head, you can see your room in gray, so you don’t have to take it all off if you’re looking for something or are disturbed. A light source is essential for relaxation, but even at night a small lamp is enough to enjoy the adventures provided by the hardware without penalties.
The headset itself is similar in size to its predecessor, it is easier to put on, and it does not get wet during use. This device already shows us the sights in 4K HDR resolution (2 OLED displays with 2000*2040 pixels), so it’s up to the developers to decide what they can get out of the iron. By comparison, this represents a four-fold jump in resolution from the previous PSVR. The image refresh rate has also increased, the stuff is authentic up to about 120 Hz, whatever it is that will be used. Better graphics and sharper images provide a better, more realistic experience. Everything is pixel-free, which is a huge leap compared to its predecessor.
Those who have previously been ill or experienced motion sickness will unfortunately throw out their fox coma here too during works of a similar nature, offering free movement or a roller coaster ride. Fortunately, a lot of programs create alternative movement, for example teleportation, and many of them allow you to do things while sitting in one place. Those who are more sensitive should definitely try PSVR2 somewhere before buying. Of course, we can get used to it slowly, it’s a question of how much we feel better after a stronger illness. Fortunately, I can handle the training, so I didn’t experience any sickness.
PlayStation VR2 also supports 3D sound, and intelligent eye tracking has also been built in – this new function works smoothly even in the menus, which is guaranteed by 2 internal cameras. This is also how developers can cheat, so that by following our gaze, the focused parts are visualized more beautifully and elaborately by the given program (saving resources). It allows a 110-degree field of view, and with a dial on top, we can adjust the distance between the lenses to perfectly cover the position of our eyes, which is also new.
The sound works super well (Tempest 3D AudioTech in its full name), everything from the tiniest whisper to the position of the enemy sounds beautifully, and in space we immediately know how many meters to where. A motor has also been installed, which imitates vibrations that can be used very well. Sony is continuing what it already started with the PlayStation 5 console, i.e. it is again experimenting a lot with haptic feedback.
These things can be seen in action on the new controllers, PlayStation VR2 Sense. At first, we will only rotate the strange, individually gripped cones, which came already equipped with hinges. Once you get the hang of them, you can start to get used to them – essentially, a PS5 controller has been cut in half and stylishly rounded, ergonomically designed. All buttons can be found on them. What will be very unusual at first is that the upper triggers have been moved to the side, which we can press with our middle fingers. It’s all a matter of getting used to it, our hands will rest on it, and actually rest on it by default. The rear triggers are dynamically resistant, the adaptive feeling of life works here as well, as does the super vibration combined with haptics. Added to this is the touch sensor, so our hands in games can pick up similar movements, and we can show hand signals.
However, all of this comes at a serious price, and I’m not primarily thinking of the quarter million dollar expenditure here. The Sense controllers will run down very quickly, in a few hours, so we will definitely not be immersed in the virtual space for 4-8 hours at a time. As much as I could press at once was enough, and the devices are charged in a good half hour. I can’t say much else negative about Sony’s new VR gadget, and I can’t emphasize enough that it’s up to the developers from here on out.
In our next article on PSVR2, we will start presenting the games that came with its release.
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