Virtual reality is taking players closer to their favorite games than ever before. Practically into their favorite games, in many ways. But even cutting-edge technology always continues to evolve. Recently, PlayStation announced their latest VR offering for the PS5 Console, the PlayStation VR2 and VR2 Sense controller. In addition, the company shared a teaser for the first game announced for the console: Horizon Call of the Mountain.
In a panel at CES 2022, Jim Ryan, president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, introduced the new system. Among other things, the VR2 and VR2 Sense controllers offer visual fidelity, head-set-based controller tracking, new sensory features, and eye-tracking.
A release about the new PlayStation VR system shared more about its updated features. It noted the PS VR2 offers 4K HDR, among other features that allow excellent display resolution and smooth frame rate. Additionally, the system “tracks you and your controller through integrated cameras embedded in the VR headset.” No external cameras are necessary.
This evolution in virtual reality also detects eye motion. Eye-tracking brings more lifelike social and emotional interactions to the gaming experience.
Most exciting for our money, the system allows for subtle responsive vibrations to heighten the in-game experience. For instance, “gamers can feel a character’s elevated pulse during tense moments, the rush of objects passing close to the character’s head, or the thrust of a vehicle as the character speeds forward.” We can imagine something so visceral as a pulse will enhance heart-pounding moments. Our bodies can be easily tricked by the correct stimuli, after all.
All of this technology feels like it will fit right in with the new Horizon game. Although we don’t get to see much from Horizon Call of the Mountain, our pulse rate already feels like it’s escalating. Tall trees, giant monsters, what more could anyone want?
PlayStation has not yet revealed a release date for its VR2 or for Horizon Call of the Mountain. So, for now, we wait in suspense.
