Jurassic World Aftermath Collection PSVR 2 Review

Game:	Jurassic World Aftermath
Publisher:	Universal Games
Developer:	Coatsink
Genre:	Stealth/Adventure
Players:	1
Age Rating:	12+
Other Console/Handheld Formats:	Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, PSVR
Related Sites:	Jurassic World Aftermath

Jurassic World Aftermath Collection PSVR 2 Review – A Tense but Limited VR Stealth Experience

With VR excelling at creating an immersive sense of place, a Jurassic World VR game seems like a perfect fit. Originally released in 2020 for the Quest, Jurassic World Aftermath was divided into two parts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the game has been re-released in an enhanced version for the PSVR2.

Jurassic World Aftermath is set on Isla Nublar, two years after the events of Jurassic World, which marked the fall of the iconic park. You take on the role of Sam, a security expert sent to the island to retrieve critical information. However, as is typical with anything involving Jurassic World (or Park), things quickly go awry when your plane crash-lands on the island within the first ten minutes of the game.

Thankfully, you’re not entirely alone. Dr. Amelia Everett, a fellow passenger injured in the crash, provides guidance remotely from another part of the facility. The story is serviceable, with a nice touch of nostalgia, including audio snippets from franchise veterans like Jeff Goldblum and BD Wong.

The first thing you’ll notice in the headset is the game’s visuals, which might come as a surprise to many. Developer Coatsink has opted for a cel-shaded art style, giving the game a more accessible and slightly less intimidating aesthetic. While this approach doesn’t capture the cinematic realism of the films, it still delivers attractive visuals. That said, don’t be fooled—the stylised graphics do little to detract from the game’s nail-biting tension. This is further enhanced by the impressive sound design, with every distant roar, echoing footstep, and chilling raptor screech adding to the immersive and suspenseful atmosphere.

At its core, Jurassic World Aftermath is a linear first-person stealth game with light adventuring and puzzle-solving elements. The stealth gameplay centres around avoiding three raptors hunting you, with no combat options available. Reckless behaviour, like running around carelessly, will almost certainly result in one of the raptors spotting you, chasing you down, and ending your run—though it’s worth noting this isn’t a gory game. The sound of approaching raptor footsteps instantly ratchets up the tension, and you’ll need to rely on hiding under desks or inside lockers to survive.

Puzzles in the game are straightforward, often involving tasks like hacking into computers or re-routing systems. While these mechanics are well-implemented, the limited interactivity elsewhere might leave some feeling underwhelmed. The environments, although atmospheric, can feel static at times. For example, objects like mugs or other scattered items are purely decorative—you won’t have the option to pick them up or throw them around just for fun, which slightly detracts from the sense of immersion.

One of the scariest moments occurs when a raptor spots you slipping into a vent or under a desk. The tension peaks the first time it happens, as the raptor snaps at you in an attempt to reach you, creating a truly heart-pounding experience. While the shock diminishes slightly with repetition, these encounters remain nerve-wracking throughout the game.

With the raptors being your main adversaries, some may be disappointed with the underuse of other dinosaurs and worried about repetition setting in. While this may hold true in some instances, Coatsink has done a commendable job of making certain stealth scenarios stand out. Some sections challenge you to hack into a computer or attach cables while a raptor roams nearby. The tiny Compys also add an extra layer of tension, as getting too close to them causes them to make noise, which in turn attracts the raptors. These added elements ensure that the stealth encounters stay dynamic and keep the tension high.

While the game is centred around the raptors, it does feature a few other dinosaurs scattered across the island. I won’t spoil who or what they are, but they help to add some variety to the world, even if they don’t play a large role in the gameplay.

Another feature of the game is the gallery, where you can view the different dinosaurs you encounter during the game in all their 3D glory. While there is no additional lore or in-depth information about them, it’s a chance to admire the designs of the various species as you progress through the game.

The game typically takes around six hours to complete, making it a relatively short experience, but one that’s packed with tense moments and thrilling encounters. While some may find the length a bit too brief, it’s well-paced and doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Jurassic World Aftermath Collection PSVR 2 Review Summary – An Engaging Yet Constrained VR game

Overall, Jurassic World Aftermath offers a tense and immersive VR experience that captures the essence of the franchise, but it’s not without its flaws. While the raptor encounters and stealth mechanics provide thrilling moments, the limited interactivity and slightly one-note gameplay may leave some feeling underwhelmed. The lack of variety in dinosaurs and the relatively short, static environments hinder the game’s potential, and the simplicity of the puzzles doesn’t add much depth. With its six-hour length, it’s a compact adventure that may appeal to fans of the series, but those looking for more dynamic gameplay or a deeper experience might find it lacking. It’s an enjoyable ride, but one that feels a little too constrained in its execution.