Rez Infinite was a transcendent experience on PSVR. A game originally from the PS2 days, the title seems at home in virtual reality to such a degree that it might as well have been made with that in mind. And the PSVR2 glow-up actually makes things even better.
First and foremost, the graphical upgrade is immediately noticeable, like with so many PSVR2 updates. Though the core of the game is over 20 years old, the textures and levels of the game look crisp and delightfully colourful. The addition of HDR is very apparent as the game makes excellent use of high-contrast environments. Additionally, the shooting is much-improved thanks to the vastly superior tracking of the PSVR2 Sense Controllers. Aiming at enemies used to be a little wobbly, so the assured, steady hand of the new tracking is welcome.
Likewise, haptics are immediately noticeable. This is a musically driven title, and much like Tetsuya Mizuguchi’s other PSVR2 title, Tetris Effect, the haptics hone in on rhythm. The headset and controllers pulsing along to the beat of a song heighten the immersion, further encasing you in this digital world. Most new elements of the title offer a massive improvement on the previous incarnation.
However, implementation of eye-tracking is underwhelming. While a novel idea to be able to target enemies simply by looking at them, using the PSVR2 Sense Controllers is far more effective. When aiming with our eyes, the reticle usually moves properly, but it’s inconsistent at identifying highlighted enemies as targets. It’s a bit underwhelming, all told.
Quite the opposite is Area X, the level made for PSVR, which was reason enough to buy Sony’s headset all on its own. Despite how incredible an impression that area left last time, it’s that much better now. Between the resolution bump, the HDR, the upgrade from Unreal Engine 4 to 5, and the improved tracking, the newly refreshed Area X is every bit the must-play it was seven years ago. If you’re on the fence about dishing out for the relatively slight upgrade fee, rest assured, it’s worth it.
