Most Anticipated PSVR2 Games Ranked
Sony has finally peeled back the curtain on its upcoming PlayStation VR 2 headset for the PlayStation 5. The headset comes with a hefty price tag of $550, but it also comes with some impressive specs. With a full OLED display and a resolution of 2000 x 2400 in each eye, the headset promises to deliver some really great visuals. The headset also comes with brand new controllers that integrate the PlayStation 5's adaptive triggers and haptic feedback as well as introducing finger touch sensors.
With the headset's new specs, it is no surprise that VR fans are excited for its release, and numerous VR titles have started announcing that they are heading for the platform sometime next year. Some of the games are ports of previous VR titles, while others are entirely new titles designed with the PSVR2 specifically in mind. So, here are the top twelve most anticipated games coming to Sony's newest VR platform.
19. Jurassic World Aftermath Collection
Dropping players into an island filled with hungry dinosaurs that are more than happy to chew on a human is a perfect recipe for a horror game. Sneaking through an abandoned amusement park trying to hide from nearby dinosaurs is always thrilling, and "Jurassic World Aftermath" captures that experience greatly. The "Jurassic World Aftermath Collection" contains the full game and an expansion with graphical and performance improvements made possible with the hardware of the PSVR2.
The games are both available on the Oculus Quest 2 and are coming as a non-VR title on the Nintendo Switch, which keeps it from getting any higher on this list. The collection coming to the PSVR2 will help it reach a wider audience, however, which is always welcome to see. The game's immersion will also be improved thanks to the new features of the headset, like its haptic feedback, rumbling headset, and 3D spatial audio.
- Genre: Survival Horror
- Release Date: February 22, 2023
- Modes: Single Player
18. NFL Pro Era
For fans of American Football, there may be no better to get more immersed in the fantasy of being a professional quarterback than by playing "NFL Pro Era." This game allows players to step onto the field to try and lead their favorite team to victory. Crowds are thousands strong, and the game processes real-time data to make them shout chants that reflect what's happening in the game.
In "NFL Pro Era," players take control of their team's quarterback as they throw passes and pick plays. The game's seasonal play mode even uses the current NFL season to dictate which teams the player will face in each game. "NFL Pro Era" rounds out the package with some online modes in which two players can face off against one another. It's about the closest to the real thing that a player can enjoy in VR.
- Genre: Sports
- Release Date: 2023
- Modes: Single Player, Online Multiplayer
17. The Light Brigade
"The Light Brigade" is a historically themed first-person shooter roguelite that takes advantage of randomly generated levels and backgrounds to always keep things fresh for players. It's inspired by "The Charge of the Light Brigade" by Alfred Tennyson, but seems to also draw influence from other sources, too. Interestingly, "The Light Brigade" utilizes a physics-based combat system, allowing players to interact with the world and their weapons in interesting ways only possible in VR. The game features numerous historical weapons for players to find throughout their runs as well as magical abilities.
What players can all expect from the magic options in the game remains to be seen, but the game's trailer shows a spell that attacks enemies with a barrage of light projectiles. The game has also provided peeks at mystical-looking locations and a crystal boss battle that stands in stark contrast to the more grounded historical enemies that the trailer shows the player fighting.
- Genre: First-Person Shooter, Roguelite
- Release Date: Q1 2023
- Modes: Single Player
16. Hello Neighbor: Search and Rescue
"Hello Neighbor" has a delicate balance of puzzle-solving and horror, which helped it become a viral sensation. The newest entry in the series, "Hello Neighbor: Search and Rescue," aims to raise the frights even more by bringing it to PSVR2. Not only will this open up the possibilities for new puzzles and interesting interactions, but it will undoubtedly raise the tension as players slink through the Neighbor's house as well.
"Search and Rescue" also brings an interesting new mechanic by introducing multiple playable characters. Players will be able to switch between a team of kids working together at any given time, with each one having their own abilities and unique tools to help them traverse the Neighbor's house. The game is being developed by Steel Wool Studios, the team behind the popular "Five Night's at Freddy's: Help Wanted," so it seems as though it is in good hands.
- Genre: Horror, Puzzle
- Release Date: February 22, 2023
- Modes: Single Player
15. What the Bat?
"What the Bat?" is a slapstick puzzle game that tasks players with stepping into the shoes of a girl who has baseball bats for arms (naturally). Players must learn to use these bat arms to do things like brushing their teeth, making toast, or painting. Of course, those are just the "normal" chores the game asks of players — the protagonist can also expect to complete humorous tasks like playing baseball in space or working at a fish restaurant that serves exclusively cats. The game has more than 100 levels, each with their own quirky challenges.
"What the Bat?" also features a charming original soundtrack to add to the wholesome, family-friendly vibe. Oculus players have already been enjoying "What the Bat?" for a while now, so PSVR2 gamers aren't going to want to miss this wacky good time.
- Genre: Comedy, Puzzle
- Release Date: 2023
- Modes: Single Player
14. Low-Fi
"Low-Fi" is an upcoming open world cyberpunk RPG that is heavily inspired by movies like "Blade Runner." The game has received a lot of praise for its gorgeous visuals and how immersive its world is. In the game, players take the role of a sheriff in the slums of a sprawling futuristic city. The player's actions are also promised to leave a large impact on the world as they make decisions and have to live with the consequences.
"Low-Fi" aims to deliver a life simulator experience that allows players to pursue whatever interests them in the city. They can solve crimes, explore the narratives of people in the city, or just hang out and enjoy their favorite view. The game is currently available on Itch.io and was developed by a single developer, but it is steadily updated with new features and content leading up to its full release in 2023.
- Genre: Open World RPG
- Release Date: 2023
- Modes: Single Player
13. Thumper
"Thumper" is an action rhythm game in which players control a space beetle as they race across tracks filled with traps, hazards, and boss battles at blistering speeds. The controls are simple and straightforward enough to be accessible, but beating the game is another story entirely. The incredible speed of the game forces players to have lighting-fast reflexes and put in tons of practice.
The PlayStation VR 2 version of "Thumper" is set to be the most technically impressive yet, and not just due to its 4K graphical presentation. The game's iconic soundtrack can be experienced with new 3D audio, and the haptic feedback of the PlayStation 5's controller adds weight to every bump and crash along the way. There is no other rhythm game like "Thumper," and its port on the PlayStation VR 2 will likely be as unforgettable as its other previous releases.
- Genre: Action, Rhythm
- Release Date: 2023
- Modes: Single Player
12. Runner
"Runner" is already available on Oculus headsets but has been announced to be coming to PSVR2 sometime after launch as well. With how extremely well received the game's Oculus release has been, its release on PSVR2 is definitely welcome. "Runner" is for players that are fans of neon-soaked environments, blistering speed, and waves of enemies to shoot, all punctuated with slow-motion effects.
In "Runner" players race a motorcycle through seven levels at extremely high speeds while being pursued by waves of robotic enemies. While driving, players also have to defend themselves by dual-wielding pistols and a sword that can be used to deflect enemy shots. The game is very difficult but offers a gorgeous visual style that also extends to its beautiful and stylish cutscenes that tell an anime-inspired story of a fugitive on the run as an entire city hunt for her.
- Genre: Arcade Shooter
- Release Date: 2023
- Modes: Single Player
11. Firewall Ultra
An exclusive new shooter for PSVR2, "Firewall Ultra" is the sequel to the original PSVR's "Firewall Zero Hour." The sequel builds upon the original and adds new features, content, and improvements over its predecessor to make it the next evolution of the series. The game features tactical objective-based gameplay that is similar to "Rainbow Six Siege," but with all the bells and whistles that come with being a blockbuster VR title.
The announcement of "Firewall Ultra" was met with a lot of excitement from fans of the first game, especially some of its technological improvements. The original "Firewall" featured matches that were only played out over a single round, which made them go by quickly despite long load times. "Firewall Ultra" has confirmed that it will feature significantly improved load times as well as matches that are played in a best-of-three format, answering two of the biggest complaints that fans had with the original.
- Genre: First-Person Shooter
- Release Date: 2023
- Modes: Online PvP, Online PvE
10. The Last Clockwinder
"The Last Clockwinder" is yet another PSVR2 port of an award-winning title, this time hailing from developer Pontoco. The game puts players in charge of a fleet of robots as they work to repair the Clocktower, an ancient structure that holds plants and seeds taken from throughout the galaxy.
To accomplish this mission, players need to solve multiple puzzles by cloning their movements with robots to construct assembly lines. The game's puzzles are designed to be open-ended, allowing players to accomplish each one in a variety of ways. "The Last Clockwinder" also introduces players to a gorgeous and whimsical world that feels ripped straight out of a film by Studio Ghibli. Its design elements lend a wonderful backdrop to the challenges the player is tasked with as they struggle to return the Clocktower to its former glory.
- Genre: Puzzle
- Release Date: February 22, 2023
- Modes: Single Player
9. Firmament
Cyan is the team behind one of the most classic puzzle games of all time, "Myst," and it is bringing its expertise to the PSVR2 with its new game "Firmament." The game was originally planned to be developed for the original PSVR, but support for the platform was dropped in favor of delivering a more visually consistent product using the new power of the PSVR2. Originally announced back in 2018, the game has been in development for a long time, but its gorgeous visuals seem well worth the wait.
While much of the game has not been shown to preserve its sense of mystery and the puzzles players will need to solve, the details of the game's world that have been shown have Cyan fans very excited. Cyan's worlds are known for being beautifully intricate, and "Firmament" looks as though it won't disappoint in that regard on the PSVR2.
- Genre: Puzzle
- Release Date: Q1 2023
- Modes: Single Player
8. Crossfire: Sierra Squad
"Crossfire: Sierra Squad" brings the explosive shooter franchise to the PSVR2. The game puts action and excitement above all else, and will feature more than sixty missions for players to tackle in single player or online co-op. The game does not have any online PvP, and instead focuses on delivering bombastic levels filled with excitement and fun set pieces as well as a selection of more than 40 weapons.
The game's trailer shows off a variety of different mission locations and some impressive motion tracking, allowing players to shoot from behind cover, give hand signals to teammates, and even catch grenades in mid-air to throw back at enemies. While some fans are disappointed at the lack of a PvP offering, the game still looks fun enough to have players excited and it looks like it will take full advantage of the PSVR2's hardware and capabilities to make it an unforgettable shooter experience.
- Genre: First-Person Shooter
- Release Date: Summer 2023
- Modes: Single Player, Online Multiplayer
7. Tetris Effect: Connected
It is hard to imagine a single gaming platform that doesn't have a version of "Tetris" available on it. A more recent form of the classic puzzle game, "Tetris Effect: Connected" has been very well received, with many even pointing to it as one of the best games included in the massive Xbox Game Pass library. "Tetris Effect: Connected" revitalized the franchise with a mesmerizing soundtrack, jaw-dropping visuals, and numerous game modes that give players numerous ways to challenge themselves.
"Tetris Effect: Connected" was released for the PlayStation 4 and PS VR, so owners of that release can upgrade to the new version for $9.99. On top of upgraded visuals, the newest version of "Connected" allows players to get even more focused on their game through eye-tracking integration and haptic feedback for both the DualSense and the PSVR2 headset.
- Genre: Arcade, Puzzle
- Release Date: February 22, 2023
- Modes: Single Player, Online Competitive, Online Co-Op
6. Before Your Eyes
"Before Your Eyes," a unique narrative adventure developed by GoodbyeWorld Games, allows players to explore the life and legacy of a man named Benjamin by visiting his memories. Its most interesting element, however, is how it's controlled by blinking. Whenever the player blinks, they are treated to a new memory — but there is no way for them to know just how much time will pass between the memories. Minutes, hours, or even years can suddenly pass the player by in a single blink of the eye.
"Before Your Eyes" was originally released on Steam in 2021 and was greeted with generally positive critical reviews. Some reviewers found that the game's blinking mechanic could get in the way of the fun. Still, the story of "Before Your Eyes" received universal praise, with reviewers appreciating the game for its emotional weight and depth.
- Genre: Narrative, Adventure
- Release Date: March 10th, 2023
- Modes: Single Player
5. Resident Evil Village
The most recent "Resident Evil" game will also be available on PSVR2 the same day that the hardware launches, allowing players to experience the game's frights from an even more terrifying perspective after recently adding a third-person option. "Resident Evil 7" also received a popular VR mode, but "Village" takes advantage of the new headset's improved capabilities to deliver a significantly improved experience that has series fans understandably excited.
The VR trailer for "Village" showcases some of these improvements in action, such as full support for motion controls. The trailer shows some impressive motion controls such as picking up objects in the environment and even tossing a pistol from one hand to the other. The trailer also shows players being able to dual-wield weapons like a shotgun in one hand and a pistol in the other, which carries some large gameplay implications with it.
- Genre: Survival Horror
- Release Date: February 22, 2023
- Modes: Single Player
4. The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners - Chapter 2: Retribution
The first "Saints & Sinners" was a very popular PSVR title, and its upcoming sequel seems to deliver more of what fans loved of the original. The new game's trailer has revealed that it will continue the story of the first game as it explores the politics and conflicts of the multiple gangs that have risen to power in post-apocalyptic New Orleans.
"Saints & Sinners 2" promises to continue the original's tense balance of gathering resources, brutal zombie combat, weighty story decisions, and managing one's stamina well enough to survive levels. The game also seems to include some really satisfying combat that is filled with gore, weighty weapons, and impactful firearms. There is a lot for fans to be excited about, and players will be able to experience the apocalypse more clearly than ever before thanks to PSVR2's vastly improved performance specs.
- Genre: First-Person Shooter, Survival Horror
- Release Date: 2023
- Modes: Single Player
3. Rez Infinite
"Rez Infinite" was released way back in 2016 for the original PlayStation VR and PlayStation 4, but the developers are now bringing it to PlayStation's newest headset. Players who own the PlayStation 4 version of the game are also able to upgrade to the newest optimized version for $9.99. The PlayStation 5 edition of the game will also be available for more traditional play, but being immersed in the game's world with a headset is a unique experience.
Not only does the game offer complete 3D immersion in the game's brightly colored levels, but it also uses the new headset's eye tracking technology to allow players to aim at enemies just by looking at them. The new version of "Rez Infinite" also includes haptic feedback effects for both the controller and headset, putting players in the action. It aims to be the best way to play "Rez Infinite" yet — an impressive feat, since it was originally considered one of the best games released in 2016.
- Genre: Action, Shooter
- Release Date: February 22, 2023
- Modes: Single Player
2. The Dark Pictures: Switchback
"The Dark Pictures: Switchback" is a spiritual successor to the studio's PSVR "Until Dawn" spin-off. It features very similar gameplay to its predecessor and sees players riding on roller coasters and having to shoot at enemies and targets to get points and survive its levels. However, it also introduces numerous new features and improvements that have VR fans looking forward to its release.
One of the biggest of these features shown in its trailer is its new and original story that can be explored through branching pathways in every level. This will greatly help the game's replayability, as well as make it feel a lot more like one of Supermassive's iconic horror games, which are filled with player choice. Another particularly interesting feature is enemies and other elements that have unique actions or behavior when the player blinks, allowing them to strike or move when the player is most vulnerable.
- Genre: Horror, First-Person Rail Shooter
- Release Date: March 16, 2023
- Modes: Single Player
1. Horizon Call of the Mountain
Perhaps the biggest title coming to PSVR2, "Horizon Call of the Mountain" brings one of Sony's biggest franchises to VR for the first time. The game is developed by Firesprite, the developers of previous VR titles like "The Playroom" and "The Persistence." The game follows an entirely new protagonist in the "Horizon" series, although the developers did confirm that players will interact with Aloy throughout its campaign (via GamesRadar+).
"Call of the Mountain's" trailer has given "Horizon" fans a look both at the game's incredible graphics and the sort of gameplay that they can expect. The game features exploration sections with multiple paths for players to follow, chaotic first-person combat, and interesting climbing sections. The developers have also stated that alongside the game's main campaign it will feature a more stationary experience, seeing players defending themselves while riding down a river. Perhaps the most exciting part of the game for fans, however, is its gorgeous graphics and the chance to see "Horizon's" iconic robotic dinosaurs up close and in first person.
- Genre: First-Person Shooter
- Release Date: February 22, 2023
- Modes: Single Player