Is the PlayStation VR Worth It?

Recently Sony revealed their answer to the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. Called the PlayStation VR, previously known as Project Morpheus, this headset is the most affordable VR headset available. It does require a PS4 and PlayStation to work but considering the PC requirements for run both Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive the PlayStation VR still remains the cheapest option. Many are clamoring over this new add-on but it the device worth it, not really.

The biggest appeal with VR headsets is plunging users into a virtual reality of their choosing. For gamers experiencing worlds such as Star Wars Battlefront or The Legend of Zelda through their own eyes has finally become a reality. I first experienced the allure of VR headsets two years ago at Comic-Con and have frequently used them afterwards at other conventions such as PAX South. However after a few moments the appeal drops quickly.

VR headsets need specific head movement to properly navigate environments and complete objectives. This can become extremely vexing during hectic matches, especially in competitive games like Smite or Call of Duty. This same problem can extend to single-player campaigns that require absolute precision, like Dark Souls. It can enhance the experience of games like Mass Effect or The Witness but these will simply be cosmetic. A visual enhancement to glee over. Most will purchase this device to gain a first-hand perspective of their favorite games and with over 200 developers working on content for the device we can expect a lot of future games to have VR support. But how long until this cosmetic wonder washes away?

We can expect the PlayStation VR to function like the Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive, look in a direction and your perspective shifts to that angle. Like I previously said this can enhance the graphical look of a game but becomes problematic when trying to complete objectives. Can you imagine attempting to defeat the final boss of Uncharted 3 while darting your head back and fourth while maintaining awareness of the environment? Yes, exploring the world of Uncharted from a first-person perspective would be incredible but eventually to properly play the game most of us will have to remove the device.

The PlayStation VR is an interesting device and no doubt it’ll prove exciting once released. Many of us want to enter the world of our favorite games, I would love to see Dragon Age: Inquisition from a VR headset but playing the game would become a headache. Too many distractions and lack of awareness of the battlefield would make the fights vexing tasks. While the $400 add-on would add a new glamorous viewpoint it’ll also prove detrimental in playing most games.  

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed
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