Propagation: Paradise Hotel PSVR 2 Review

Game:	Propagation: Paradise Hotel
Genre:	Horror, Survival, VR
Developer:	WanadevStudio
Publisher:	WanadevStudio
Age Rating:	16+
Other Console/Handheld Formats:	Meta Quest 2
Related sites:	Wanadev Studio

Zombies are everywhere in flat-screen gaming, and VR is no exception. However, a zombie in virtual reality is an entirely different experience—no longer confined to a screen, they become a grotesque, in-your-face nightmare. Propagation: Paradise Hotel is one such game, and in no way is it paradise.

As you might have guessed, Propagation: Paradise Hotel is set in a hotel—but it’s far from welcoming. Overrun with zombies, its eerie halls make the search for your missing sister all the more difficult. Stepping into the shoes of Emily Diaz, she often finds herself completely alone in what can only be described as a one-star hotel.

The game offers plenty of exploring, often leading to the discovery of helpful supplies and key items, which can be crucial for your survival. However, those hoping for an abundance of puzzles may find themselves slightly disappointed. While puzzles do make an appearance, and some are quite engaging, they are relatively sparse throughout the game. That being said, Propagation: Paradise Hotel is best enjoyed for its chilling horror and immersive atmosphere rather than its puzzle-solving challenges.

The zombies in Propagation: Paradise Hotel are not just mindless, slow-moving enemies—they pose a real threat, requiring you to be on your toes to survive. You can sneak past them by avoiding making noise and staying out of their sight, but of course, combat is an option as well, especially with your trusty pistol. While you can take them down with a few shots, what makes them truly terrifying is their ability to rise again, keeping you constantly on edge. If a zombie gets too close, you can knock it away from you, but that only buys you a moment of reprieve. The unsettling experience of hearing their snarls, seeing their claws scrape at you, and watching them advance in VR is genuinely chilling—it’s enough to make you second-guess every corner you turn.

Whether wielding a trusty pistol or a powerful shotgun (which can actually kill the zombies by blasting their heads off), gunplay in Propagation: Paradise Hotel feels satisfying, with distinct reloading mechanics that enhance immersion. Beyond combat, there’s a strong focus on interaction, from inserting batteries into your torch Alan Wake style to cutting through chains with a bolt cutter and even unscrewing vent covers with a drill to access hidden areas. Healing is equally hands-on, requiring you to add antiseptic to your Resident Evil like health spray before using it to recover from damage. When it comes to evading danger, dashing out of a zombie’s reach adds a welcome sense of control and urgency, heightening the tension as the undead close in.

Atmospherically, Propagation: Paradise Hotel is as creepy as they come, and its impact is heightened by the confines of VR. Many of the locations are shrouded in darkness, requiring your torchlight to navigate through eerie corridors. Bodies are scattered throughout, and zombies will suddenly lunge at you from unexpected places, creating plenty of tense moments that will surely make you feel on edge. The sound design further elevates the atmosphere, with creaking doors, distant groans, and the unsettling shuffle of undead footsteps surrounding you. At times, the off-the-hook dial tones echoing through the hotel serve to add an extra layer of unease, reinforcing the sense of isolation and abandonment. While the voice acting does have its moments of inconsistency, the overall horror experience is undeniable, keeping you immersed in its chilling world.

The game can be completed in as little as three and a half hours, ending on a cliffhanger. However, at a reasonable price of £16, it delivers a high-quality VR experience that leaves you wanting more. There are purple octopus statue collectibles scattered throughout the game, with 30 to find in total. Tracking them down adds a layer of longevity for those willing to explore beyond the main objectives. I managed to collect 15 on my first playthrough.

Propagation: Paradise Hotel PSVR 2 Review Summary – A Haunting VR Experience with Relentless Zombies

Overall, Propagation: Paradise Hotel offers an intense and immersive VR horror experience that will keep you on edge from start to finish. While its relatively short playtime and limited puzzles may leave some wanting more, the eerie atmosphere, tense encounters, and engaging gameplay more than make up for it. Whether you’re a fan of survival horror or simply looking for a chilling VR adventure, this game delivers on its promise to scare and entertain. With its haunting visuals and spine-chilling ambience, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre, and a sequel would be a lot more welcome than the hotel that it takes place in.