MADiSON VR PSVR 2 Review
| Game: | MADiSON VR |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Perp Games |
| Developer: |
MADiSON made its debut in 2022 and quickly gained scientific acclaim as the most terrifying game ever created. This assessment stemmed from a study measuring the heart rates of 200 participants who had experienced over 45 different horror games, with MADiSON averaging a heart rate of 97 beats per minute while playing. The release of this VR version may very well exceed this threshold, as any aficionado of horror games in VR can attest—there’s an unparalleled intensity to the fear experienced in virtual reality.
The game opens with teenage protagonist Luca waking up in a locked room in a creepy house, his hands stained with blood, initiating an unsettling journey into the depths of the unknown. While the storyline promises chilling suspense, Luca’s voice acting isn’t all that great—it tends to veer more towards a whiny tone rather than conveying genuine terror, potentially undermining the intended atmosphere. If you dislike the voice that much, it can be silenced though.
MADiSON VR excels as a 6 to 8 hour horror game, crafting a chilling atmosphere punctuated by shocking jump scares. You’ll witness eerie changes in the environment, including flickering lights, sudden movements as well as demonic presences, accompanied by unsettling sounds of bumps, creaks, and doors slamming shut. The immersion is heightened in VR, intensifying the experience, while the visual detail retains much of its impressive quality, enhancing the overall atmosphere of dread.
In MADiSON VR, the heightened immersion stems from the expanded interaction facilitated by the Sense controllers. This includes actions like opening drawers, pressing switches, or picking up items to add to the inventory. Moreover, the instant camera, pivotal in the game, offers a more engaging experience in VR, allowing for shaking pictures to aid in their development. Haptic controller feedback also adds to the experience, with sensations felt upon simply making contact with the house’s walls. Furthermore, occasional and sensible use of headset feedback further deepens the sense of immersion, culminating in a truly absorbing gameplay experience.
As previously mentioned, the camera plays a major role in MADiSON. Its quick accessibility underscores its importance. Throughout the game, it is essential for solving puzzles, frequently leading to changes in the environment. Moreover, in moments of darkness, its flash provides a brief burst of light, aiding navigation.
Despite its commendable atmosphere and horror elements, MADiSON’s puzzles present a mixed bag. While some solutions are straightforward, many lean towards obscurity, lacking clear clues. Unlike the logical and coherent puzzles found in Resident Evil style games, MADiSON’s puzzles may prove frustrating due to their design, potentially detracting from the overall experience.
MADiSON imposes a restriction on inventory space, permitting you to carry a maximum of 10 items at any given time. However, you have the option to unload surplus items at designated safe points, meaning that the game can have its fair share of backtracking. The inventory system is easily accessible, ensuring that you can efficiently manage your items as needed during gameplay.
In MADiSON, combat is non-existent, and the rare encounters with enemies revolve around evading them. However, the running speed in this VR rendition is not particularly swift. Nonetheless, you have the ability to adjust several parameters, such as turn speed, and choose between smooth or snap turning. Additionally, a convenient height offset slider is available, enhancing the customization options for a more comfortable gameplay experience.
MADiSON VR emerges as one of the most chilling VR experiences, thanks to its thoroughly creepy atmosphere, which is intensified within the PSVR 2 headset. However, despite its clever design, the game falls short of the pinnacle of VR horror due to its sometimes obscure puzzle mechanics. Having to remove the headset to figure out the next step can disrupt immersion, detracting from the overall experience. Nevertheless, for those seeking pure horror thrills, MADiSON VR delivers in abundance, making it a compelling choice for fans of the genre.
