The hotly-anticipated PlayStation VR2 is Sony's ambitious second effort to bringing virtual reality gaming into the console market. However, with a limited launch lineup and a hefty asking price, some feel the new device needs more killer-apps. This creates the perfect opportunity to combine the impressive features of PSVR2 and the powerful hardware of the PlayStation 5 to give fans of Star Wars: Squadrons a much-deserved sequel to the immersive space combat spectacle.
Sony's PSVR2 is set to release on February 22, 2023, and is currently available for pre-order for $549.99 USD. A bundle option includes the headset, controllers, and its flagship launch title, Horizon Call of the Mountain, for $599.99. There's also a controller charging station available for $49.99. The price is certainly steep, but PSVR2 will be loaded with features that allow a much better VR experience than its predecessor. Because of this, a sequel to Star Wars: Squadrons could take advantage of the headset's new rendering techniques, resolution, and haptics to provide the most detailed and immersive Star Wars game to-date.
PSVR2's Impressive Specs Deserve More Hits
The PSVR2 has been revealed to contain plenty of impressive tech, even for some of the most expensive VR headsets currently on the market such as the Valve Index or the Meta Quest Pro. For the more tech-savvy, these include a 4K OLED display, foveated rendering, up to 120Hz refresh rate, 110 degree FOV, and vibration feedback on the headset. The VR controllers will also include the same haptics and responsive triggers found in the PS5 controllers. One area that has many fans concerned about its value, though, is that it will not be compatible with original PS VR games.
Having to rely on ports and hope for more AAA games, some feel the PSVR2 needs more heavy hitters fast to ensure it stays relevant. Horizon Call of the Mountain is sure to be one of those hits, but where third parties are concerned, few brands spark as much discussion or excitement as Star Wars. When Star Wars: Squadrons was released in October 2020, it was praised for striking a solid balance between arcade and sim combat. This made it fun and intuitive enough for newcomers while providing nuances for those looking to take their dogfights more seriously, and a sequel would feel right at home on the new hardware.
A Squadrons Sequel Could Make Full Use of PSVR2
One of the biggest criticisms playing Star Wars: Squadrons in VR on PS4 was the noticeable drop in graphical quality, especially in the resolution. PSVR2 has double the resolution of the original PSVR and foveated rendering allows developers to only reduce the quality where the player isn't actively looking. This allows for higher quality textures and visuals overall instead of having to reduce the quality of the whole game to account for the heavy demands of VR. Considering one of the first game's best elements is its highly-detailed cockpits, improved VR graphics in a Star Wars: Squadrons sequel could go a long way to enhance player immersion.
In addition to better visual detail thanks to the PS5 and the updated headset features, the controllers for PSVR2 could also help increase the immersion in a Star Wars: Squadrons sequel. Similarly to how VR itself provides players with greater immersion in games, haptic feedback and adaptive triggers could have a similar effect. Instead of simply pulling the trigger to shoot, players could feel the recoil and vibration of each blast. Rather than relying on the UI to display damage or speed, players could feel the impact of shots hitting their ship and the power of their thrusters as they maneuver around asteroids.
Many fans of VR feel it's fallen into a bit of a lull lately, but innovative hardware like the PSVR2 and the rumored Meta Quest 3 could turn 2023 into a big year for the medium. For now, Meta continues to dominate the all-in-one space with its Quest lineup, and most companies have failed to capture the mainstream audience. However, thanks to all the exciting new tech included in Sony's PSVR2, gamers may soon get their hands on some of the best VR games yet.
Star Wars: Squadrons is available now on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
