Vertigo 2 PSVR 2 Review – An Ambitious Solo creation
One of the most astonishing aspects of Vertigo 2 is that it is primarily the creation of one individual, Zach Tsiakalis-Brown. Over the span of six years, he took on nearly every responsibility imaginable, handling tasks such as visuals, programming, sound design, and writing. What’s even more impressive is that he is still in his early twenties, which indicates a promising future in the games industry for the ambitious young man.
Vertigo 2 expertly integrates exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, delivering a fluid and engaging gameplay blend. The unmistakable influence of the Half-Life series is apparent, and I even caught a hint of Portal in there. Drawing inspiration from these exceptional games, Vertigo 2 not only acknowledges its roots but fully embraces them, constructing a thoroughly playable and finely crafted campaign.
“The handling of the upgradeable weapons in Vertigo 2 is truly exceptional, and understanding the nuances of the reload mechanics is crucial, as each firearm has its unique operation.”
Combat in Vertigo 2 is a blast—swift, thrilling, and just plain fun. Teleporting becomes a viable strategy in those nail-biting moments. The array of weapons is impressive, from a powerful pistol and hefty machine gun to a robust shotgun. Adding a dash of creativity, there’s even a unique creature weapon that unleashes explosive projectiles, ensuring every battle is dynamic and engaging.
The handling of the upgradeable weapons in Vertigo 2 is truly exceptional, and understanding the nuances of the reload mechanics is crucial, as each firearm has its unique operation. Take the shotgun, for instance; after every shot, you have to pump it, and when reloading, the shells pop out, and you must insert a new one. The machine gun, on the other hand, requires pushing out the spent cartridge and replacing it with a fresh one. A magnum-like weapon involves replacing the ammo in a circular chamber and then closing it, and so on.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that there’s no need to collect ammo, as each gun’s ammunition recharges over time. While some guns ammo may take a bit longer to recharge, the game encourages you to switch between weapons, promoting a strategic and diverse approach to combat.
Vertigo 2’s storyline picks up where the original Vertigo left off. Given that the game hasn’t made its way to any PSVR headset yet, a recap becomes necessary, and fortunately, the game delivers this. The main objective is to reach the reactor core, but along the way, the narrative is enriched with humor and other elements that add depth to the story.
Vertigo 2 impresses with its truly memorable environments, marked by a remarkable diversity and grand scale. The journey kicks off in a laboratory and then takes you to places such as hot springs, the insides of a sea monster, and so on. Despite the wide-ranging settings, the game adeptly maintains a cohesive and immersive experience. While there’s occasional blurriness, frame rate drops happen from time to time, and some textures may not reach the highest quality, Vertigo 2’s overall visual appeal remains strong. The blend of expansive environments and cartoon-style character models adds to its charm.
Upon completion, Vertigo 2 unlocks a new game plus mode, allowing you to revisit the adventure with your upgrades as well as stronger enemies. Furthermore, the option to play as different characters, each with their unique gameplay styles, enhances the replay value. For those who find themselves enamoured with the game, the inclusion of these features provides ample reasons to return for another playthrough some time down the line.
Vertigo 2 PSVR 2 Review Summary:
With a gameplay duration ranging from 10 to 12 hours, Vertigo 2 offers a campaign length that’s all too much of a rarity in a VR game. The pacing is incredibly well-managed, featuring a variety of weapons, a diverse set of enemies, colossal bosses, and moments of slower-paced puzzles and narrative development. All in all, while lacking a little polish right now, it stands as a fantastic achievement and easily secures its place among the best VR games, period. Perhaps other developers should take note of what is one of the gold standards of what a VR game can be.
