Pistol Whip PSVR 2 Review
Game: | Pistol Whip |
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Publisher: | Cloudhead Games |
Developer: |
With its unique blend of rhythm and shooting, Pistol Whip delivers an adrenaline-fueled experience that’s quite unlike anything else in the VR gaming landscape right now. From the heart-pounding music to the fast-paced action, Pistol Whip is an endless adrenaline rush that’s sure to keep you coming back for more. It is the perfect game for anyone looking for a unique and thrilling VR gaming experience; the game’s simple and intuitive controls make it easy to pick up and play, but the sheer variety of levels, weapons, and modifiers means there’s plenty of depth to explore. The game’s responsive mechanics ensure that each successful run feels like a genuine achievement, and the combination of rhythm and action means that you will be fully engaged from start to finish.
Pistol Whip’s gameplay is designed to be fast-paced and intense, and sees you equipped with a gun, moving forward on-rails through a series of levels while dodging and shooting your way through waves of enemies to wrack up as high a score as possible. The game’s unique feature of timing shots to the beat of the music adds an extra layer of challenge.
Pistol Whip features many modes, including Arcade, in which there are a generous number of levels to complete that will give you ample practice; Contracts, in which you can take on a timed contract, with pre-determined gameplay styles; Training, which is the tutorial; Party, whereby you can pass around the VR set and compete with friends; and Campaign mode which features two stories, one called 2089, in which you play a ranger trying to escape a horde of robot enemies, and the second one being called Smoke and Thunder, and sees another ranger taking on hordes of cowboy enemies as she unravels the mystery of her missing sister.
The two story campaigns take you through a total of 5 different levels each, one western themed and one sci-fi. Each level features a unique set of enemies and different environments to navigate through, with the goal simply being to reach the end. They are designed to provide players with a fun and exciting experience, challenging you to stay on your toes and take down enemies while navigating through various obstacles and challenges.
The various enemies you encounter are a mix of robots, drones, and other futuristic automatons. As you battle your way through various levels, each level features a different group of enemies that you must aim and shoot with your virtual weapon. Pistol Whip features numerous enemies, from missile-seeking droids to storm trooper-style enemies that take multiple shots to bring down. There are also a couple of boss fights, which put your reflexes to the test. Enemy attacks most involve them firing projectiles at you, such as bullets and missiles. It’s essential to dodge and avoid these attacks while shooting back to defeat your enemies and earn those points. Sometimes enemies will rush you, and that’s where the pistol whip mechanic comes in, where you simply melee attack them with your gun. The difficulty increases as you progress through the game, but with practice and quick reflexes, you can take down any enemy that stands in your way. Just prepare yourself for a sweaty workout.
Each campaign uses still comicbook-style imagery to further their stories and the game’s music is also an integral part of the gameplay experience, used to set the mood for each level. The music also influences the pacing of the gameplay, with faster songs creating a more intense and adrenaline-fueled experience while slower songs allow you to take a moment to catch your breath. The game’s visuals also play a key role in setting the tone for each level, with a wide range of settings and environmental effects creating a different atmosphere for each stage of the game.
Levels range from futuristic cities to abandoned spaceships, areas having a basic and glitchy, polygonal-style effect environment. The game’s levels are full of dynamic elements like elevated platforms, from which many an enemy can spawn out at you from, to explosive barrels, and other obstacles, making each level a unique challenge to tackle. Levels are packed with enemies, making for intense and fast-paced battles that always keep you on your toes. Whether you’re racing through a futuristic city or dodging bullets on a fast-moving train, Pistol Whip’s levels makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
While Pistol Whip is a generally polished and well-built game, there have been some reports of bugs and glitches in certain versions of the game. Some players have reported issues with tracking, collision detection, and audio issues, among other things. I myself have experienced some tracking issues, especially when playing in bright sunlight. However, the developers have been working hard to address these issues and have released several patches since the game’s release to fix these problems. Overall, Pistol Whip is a solid game that largely runs smoothly.
What sets apart the PSVR2 version is its differences. The controllers and headset deliver immersive haptic feedback, allowing you to truly feel the rush as bullets whiz by your head. Additionally, the visuals are noticeably crisper compared to the Quest 2 version of the game. Overall, when it comes to playing Pistol Whip, the PSVR2 offers the best experience in multiple aspects.
It’s true that gameplay can feel slightly repetitive and monotonous at times, with you having to repeat sections multiple times to reach the end. It’s all very trial and error. Additionally, some may find the game too difficult, as it requires quick reactions and precision aiming, which can be difficult to achieve, especially for those with limited space to play in. Despite these very minor drawbacks though, Pistol Whip is still a very worthy game for those who enjoy fast-paced rhythm gameplay, high-octane energy and an adrenaline-pumping soundtrack. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or completely new to VR gaming, Pistol Whip is by far a must-play experience that is even better on the PSVR2.