Horizon: Call of the Mountain PSVR2 Review
| Game: | Horizon: Call of the Mountain |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Developer: |
The experience of Horizon in VR is quite distinct from that of Horizon outside of VR. Unlike the open-world nature of the normal series, VR spin-off Horizon: Call of the Mountain has more in common with Climax’s The Climb series, and it also places series heroine Aloy in a secondary role. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of elements that connect it to the main series.
Rather than Aloy, Horizon: Call of the Mountain stars brand new lead character Ryas, a former Shadow Carja. He’s a disgraced soldier looking for redemption, and you’ll also come into contact with a handful of other characters across your journey. While the story may not be particularly outstanding, it is still enjoyable and serves its purpose of enriching the world of Horizon with its own distinctive side story.
At the start of the game, you embark on an eventful boat ride, where the size and presence of the machines in the world are impressively conveyed through the headset. As the first exposure to PSVR2 for many players, this is where you’ll appreciate the enhanced immersion provided by the headset vibration as the massive machines go about their business around you. All in all, this cinematic boat ride is a worthy introduction before getting to both the climbing and the fighting of the game.
The opening of the game also showcases the substantial improvements that PSVR2 offers over the original PSVR, with an abundance of additional details enhancing the visuals. The colours are more vivid, the environments are more realistic thanks to the higher level of detail, and some of the vistas are breathtaking as you ascend to new heights throughout the game. Admittedly, it may not compare to the graphics of the primary series, but this is still one fine looking VR game.
Horizon Call of the Mountain offers the flexibility to be played while seated or standing, and features various movement options, including traditional stick-based movement and an enjoyable motion-based movement that mimics walking or running by swinging your arms while turning in your desired direction. While both methods are effective, the motion-based movement does not feel as natural during combat as simply walking around the game’s world. Throughout the environments, players can discover relics, crafting materials, and extra challenging climbs, with Ryas’ instinct providing guidance if you’re uncertain of what to do next by highlighting your path.
The primary gameplay mechanic in Horizon Call of the Mountain is climbing, which differs significantly from the open-world nature of the primary series and is more linear in structure. With the PSVR2’s Sense controllers, climbing is both enjoyable and straightforward, allowing you to grip onto ledges, handholds, ropes, ladders, and other objects with ease. Unlike other games like The Climb, there’s no need to worry about stamina or chalk since Ryas apparently possesses unmatched superhuman climbing abilities. Additionally, you’ll acquire various climbing tools such as pickaxes and grappling hooks throughout the game, but they must be assembled first.
Combat is a secondary gameplay element in Call of the Mountain, with less emphasis placed on it than climbing. While the combat shares some similarities with other games in the Horizon franchise, such as targeting machine weak points and utilizing different types of arrows, there are some major differences with some of the mechanics. Players are limited to circling enemies and dodging away from attacks, and while it is enjoyable and precise thanks to the sense controllers, the combat can feel a bit basic and restrictive at times. With health pickups that respawn, battles can feel a bit too easy as well.
In addition to the 7-8 hour main game, Call of The Mountain offers a few bonus modes. One of them is an alternative boat ride that lasts for five minutes and is definitely worth trying out. Like the game as a whole, it’s also a great way to introduce someone new to the world of VR. Another mode is the challenge mode, which allows you to hone your climbing and archery skills.
Horizon Call of the Mountain distinguishes itself from the mainline series and offers a memorable experience with multiple locomotion options, appealing to both novice and experienced VR players. The game boasts stunning landscapes, straightforward and enjoyable climbing mechanics, and combat that may be somewhat simplistic but is still satisfying enough. Although not without its flaws, Call of the Mountain serves as a shining example of the capabilities of PSVR2 and is highly recommended as one of the best early titles for Sony’s new headset.
