Sony - PlayStation VR Launch Bundle

I was fortunate enough to handle the actual finished product at Sony's GDC 2016 PS VR event. My review is based on that experience and I will attempt to share my experience. PlayStation VR isn't a wild reimagining of the VR headset, but it's one of the most attractive efforts that i've seen so far... The head-mounted display or "HMD" screams minimalism with a tag team of black and white matte plastic finishes. This completed version sported seven blue lights that the PlayStation Eye picks up to track your location and head movement. It's a pretty appealing and accurate head-tracking solution. The design of the PlayStation VR's strap looks good and thankfully, also felt extremely comfortable. Inside the headset is a 5.7-inch OLED screen with 1920 x RGB x 1080 resolution, which comes out to about to 960 x 1080 for each eye. The PlayStation VR offers a 100-degree field of view and a 120Hz refresh rate. Thanks to the event at GDC 2016 I can now say that I've tried full-on games. The experiences varied in levity from casual, playroom escapades to hyper-intense combat and even a horror game for added measure. It did seem that the more intense the gameplay the more likely I was to start feeling nauseated. I experienced similar nausea effects with 3D initially. After sometime of use, I no longer felt the motion sickness effect and I'm hoping PS4 VR yields similar results eventually. The games I played: Morpheus Castle: Morpheus Castle is a smack-'em-up title that served to demonstrate how Move can be used so brilliantly with PlayStation VR. By pressing the back triggers you'll curl your fingers into a fist. Extend them rapidly and you'll throw a punch. Your target? A hanging dummy. Complete the task and you're rewarded with your first weapon, a sword. This was a smooth, seamless experience and gave me hope that the Star Wars game we've always dreamed of – the one where lightsaber duels are not only plausible, but an enjoyable part of the game – are within arm's reach. RIGS: Mechanized Combat League: The best way to describe RIGS: Mechanized Combat League is by labeling it as a Titanfall-esque shooter imbued with the adrenaline and setting of a professional football game. During a brief demo, two friends and I took our RIGs into the arena to test the mettle of opponents in a three-on-three battle royale that had us blasting each other to bits, picking up the pieces and then jumping through a hoop in the middle of the map to put points on the board. It was fast-paced and highly detailed – probably a bit more than the PlayStation VR could handle. A limited field of view made it hard to see everything happening in my peripherals, and the fast-paced nature just about resulted in me tossing my cookies. Those were the only full games I was able to experience at the show. Sony has said to expect over 50 games to become available sometime this year for the system, some of which will be developed in-house, although many will come from indie and third-party studios. Sony has also claimed there are over 200 developers with developer's kits who are actively working on titles to supplement the first 50 games, and that gamers could expect to see a good mix of genres when the unit ships. Finally, and this is important, the PlayStation VR requires a PlayStation Camera to function, I highly recommend picking up this bundle. Some games also require a set of PlayStation Move controllers. My conclusion: For now it's an excellent, if not absolutely perfect, experience that will be fun to show off to friends or play with yourself, in half-hour increments. It might not be the best for long term use, but that's a decision we can visit again when the PlayStation VR comes out in October.

I had the opportunity to use this system last year at SD Comic Con when it was still called Project Morpheus. The headset was very comfortable and when coupled with a good headset, you forget it's even on your face. Everyone is trashing the VR capability of this unit but MOST don't have first hand experience with the unit to begin with. I can honestly say you really feel like your in the game. The graphics haven't taken a huge leap that will make you feel like your in a live action movie so don't expect that. The quality is that of any high end game that is out right now except you're actually immersed in a truly first person perspective. I played London Heist and the game started in a getaway sequence when the character has to fire on vehicles that are pulling along side your vehicle as your hauling butt down the freeway. Every movement you make matters in the game. I had to reach for a glove box that was in this vehicle I was sitting in and reach in to grab a pistol. Then I had to reach in and grab a magazine and make the motions as if I was really placing a mag inside the gun that I was holding. I was ducking and moving side to side as my vehicle took several rounds and at one point I was reaching for another magazine to reload my gun when I accidentally dropped the dang mag because I was in such a hurry to get it loaded! I had to reach down to the floor and look for my the magazine that I dropped and pick it up while I was still being shot at! How is that for realism! The depth was amazing and left me wanting more. I tried other modes in the game that required that I utilize cover by ducking and weaving etc. It was truly impressive. The possibilities of this system are endless and I get way too excited when I think what something like this would add to a game like Fallout 4 or The Division or even an MMORPG (like Sword Art Online = the whole dying irl thing). As I true gamer that plays on a high end self built PC, owns a PS4, Xbox1, a Wii U, a 3DS etc, I can say that this truly excites me. I may even pick up the Occulus Rift. This system coming out isn't about whether PS4 is better than Xbox1. Who cares what someone else prefers! Unless you own stock in the company you shouldn't be a mindless cheer leading drone trying to tear down the other system just because you don't own one. A real gamer appreciates ALL systems and ALL games because they all have their positives and negatives. This system is worth the money. I do wish there was a larger amount of titles to expect but that will come with time. I've also done the math and you can get the extras for a pretty cheap price if you don't want the bundle but ultimately the bundle is the better deal for convenience and not having to settle for second hand hardware. Hope this helps you all make a decision.

I'll come straight out of the gate and say it... Absolutely mind blowing. I'm not a new gamer or a person who is naive to gaming technology. I've been gaming since I was 8 in the 1980's. My families mind was blown when Nintendo 64 came out and games went from 2D to 3D with Star Fox. Then I tried Nintendo's Virtual Boy in the 1995 and was fascinated at the idea of virtual reality BUT IT was really bad! Fast forward to the Playstation VR. Last night I set it up, put it on and I think I screamed like a girl in a candy shop. After waiting for close to 30 years for the technology to put their money where their mouth is, it's finally the real deal. A few things I'd like to note: 1. I read dozens of reviews, previews and heard alot of negatives about the 'screen door' effect, the low quality video, etc. I DID NOT see this as an issue while playing it. In fact, I was so immersed into the experience I rarely cared or pay attention to it. It's not an issue unless your a gamer who HAS TO HAVE the clearest, best sounding, latest 4K experience... If so, it won't impress you. If your an average gamer who just wants to experience cool tech, then this is the real deal. 2. CINEMA MODE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is legit. In fact, I had to take it off and text my dad and friends (they were waiting with baited breath to hear how it went). I turned on Hulu and it went into a VR lobby. When I turned on a show it literally felt like I was in an IMAX theater kicking back by myself. With the headphones it literally felt like I was in my own personal IMAX theater. Keep in mind, it's not a absolutely crystal clear screen / picture but it still looks really good and the overall effect is really cool. 3. GAMES. Most of them are just tech demos even in full game format. Although, a few really stand out and the ones that do are surprisingly simple but addictive. In fact, the game Job Simulator was addictive and really made me feel like I transported into a simpson's like world. My kids (10yrs and 13rs) loved this one the most. 4. CORDS, CORDS, CORDS. There's alot of cords and it's an awkward setup but very easy to setup to say the least. I highly recommend getting a headset stand and charger for the move controls. 5. Keep the glass cloth that comes with it near by. Sometimes your face touches the glass and the oil from your face can smear. Sounds gross but will happen. 6. NON-VR Games... Another feature that some reviewers crapped on. Honestly, I pulled up Dying Light and Hitman and with the cinema mode and enlarging the screen, I literally felt like I was playing the game on a IMAX screen. The screen quality isn't pure HD and it does have a small amount of blur but it reminds me of PS3 games and the quality. Honestly, I was stoked about this. Those complaining are gaming snobs that are spoiled and can't have anything less then 4K, 15.1 surround sound (there isn't 15.1 just exaggerating obviously). LOOK, after playing last night for 6 hours with myself and my two boys... I'm sold and literally can't wait for more games to come out. I REALLY HOPE this isn't a Wii scenario because it's new tech and it fades out BUT I'm pretty sure this is here to stay and that really excites me. I will most likely be playing this with all my games VR and NON-VR for now on. You can definitely wait until second generation or third generation but if you've been waiting years like myself, it's worth every penny.

I first tried this at a Best Buy though an in-store demo opting to try out the Shark Dive demo. It was cool but it was very blurry which had me worried. However I knew some of that must have been from having the Sony rep putting the device on me and not allowing me to fully fine tune it since they are tying to get people though fast. I was going to pick this up some time next year possibly after getting a PS Pro. Starting last week the reviews starting coming out from press with review units and I got swept up in the hype and checked out my local store on the way home from school and was able to snag a unit without a pre-order on release day. The product has a lot of cables and takes a little while to set up. The headset is of a nice build quality and is very comfortable resting on the forehead and having the strap come around the base of the skull. The google part can slide in and out to get the right focus for the user. Good: You get an amazing sense of presence. The aha moment for me was the the London Heist part of VR Worlds (the game that comes with the bundle). When you are in a van on the highway and you can open the door and look back and shoot at the cars behind you. There are points where you will attempt to reach out for something that isn't there. At one point you are sitting at a table and I went to put my elbows on the table. A decent launch lineup that runs the gamut from little downloadable experiences to full games. Bad: Screen is only 1080p which creates a screen door effect. It is very noticeable when the screen is mostly a single color however, once you get sucking into the action you don't notice it. Some games look bad. I would say try the demo that comes with the system before buying any of the more expensive games. Driveclub VR looks very bad, like PS2 level graphics. It seems to be more of an issue with taking a big budget AAA game and making it work in VR with the limited power of the PS4. The PS4 Pro should allow for better graphics. So far despite the fact that this isn't a perfect product, I am having a blast with it. Just realize that you are getting in on a new thing in gaming and the technology will improve. If you have the cash to blow on this and don't mind buying a new version in a couple of years then go for it. While I see this being compatible with the PS5 whenever that comes out, I would bet there would be a new version with higher resolution. Also remember that the simpler games will look way cleaner and more involved games will have to sacrifice image quality to properly function in VR at the required frame rates. I would say go find that friend of yours that has it and give it a try first if you are on the fence.

If you have a PS4 and have any interest in VR, you need to get the PSVR. Admittedly, I never once used Vive, Oculus or Samsung VR prior to purchasing PSVR. While I'm a Sony fan, the reason for not buying one of these VR systems was because I didn't have a Samsung phone or VR ready computer. Since I had a PS4, this was my opportunity to enjoy a new videogame experience. First, the set up. While the plethora of cables seem confusing, the set up process is pretty straightforward and simple. The instructions are easy to follow. But there's a big caveat to the setup!!! You are limited by the cables. Not everyone will experience the problems I have, as it depends on your entertainment setup, but I have a TV above a fireplace and have my receiver/PS4/router/modem, etc. on a stand to the side. I ran my wires through the wall, into my crawl space and back up to where the entertainment system is. Because of the short PS4 Camera cable, which should be under or above your TV, I had to physically move my PS4 and processing unit away and plug it straight into my TV. This wasn't a big deal on day one, as I was excited to play PSVR. But it wasn't a long term solution. I ultimately bought a PS4 camera extension cable and place the camera under my TV whenever I want to play PSVR. My other issue regarding setup, which is specific to me, but something to consider, is the requirement for an extra power plug. I literally have an Apple TV, modem, router, Logitech Harmony base, receiver, subwoofer, Xbox One, PS4 and Wii U plugged into my power strip. I had to unplug the Wii U, which is used the least, in order to plug in the processor. Again, you may not have this issue, but given that the PS4 processing unit needs to be in close proximity to your PS4, which needs to be in close proximity to the TV (because of PS4 camera cord shortness) it is something you need to plan for. The other thing to keep in mind is to take your time in setting it up and going through the menu options to optimize the PSVR settings, it will pay off in the end. I jumped right into playing after hooking the cables up and had difficulties with the tracking system. I also had difficulties setting up the PS Move joysticks. It was the first time I've ever used them and I had to figure out how to set them up too. Not difficult, just takes time. Second, experience. I was truly blown away the first time I put the headset on and was immersed in a virtual world. This portion of my review is short because no words can sum up that feeling of true audio and video immersion. You really, truly, have to see it to believe it. It's not perfect, maybe one will argue the Vive or Oculus does it better, but I don't care. It is a fantastic experience, even playing the demos. The only thing I worry about is shortage of games. There's plenty of keep me busy for the time being, but I don't knwo what's coming down the pipeline. All in all, a must have accessory for any videogame enthusiast.

Let me just say my PS4 was collecting dust before I bought this bundle. Finding this bundle was next to impossible and luckily, Walmart in the remote part of northern Rhode Island still had two left weeks after it was released. This bundle is the most cost effective purchase since the googles themselves sell alone for $399 and this bundle includes the googles, PS Play wands and the camera plus VR Worlds and a Demo disc. First experience with VR and not having tried Oculus and HTC I had no idea what I was in for. Playstation needs to work out some kinks and the graphics aren't the greatest in every game that is until the new PS Pro comes out in a few weeks, but this is the best VR on the street today under $1000 and with all the planned games and the backing of Sony, this surely will have the VR market cornered. With this I bought Batman and Rising Blood Rollercoaster game. Trying out VR worlds and the demo disc, some of the games are amazing and some really fall short. London Heist on the VR worlds disc is cool at first but it shakes all over the place and your hands keep going through objects. The most realistic game to blow your mind is on VR world disc and it is an ocean game essentially where a shark attacks your cage and you are under water deep in a reef area. I like that you can spin around and look behind you and lean over etc. The demo disc basically shows you all the upcoming games like the really scary Resident Evil (called Kicthen) which is complete horror and in VR makes your skin crawl. The old technology move wands are okay but they really need to come out with gloves of some sort and not holding a stick. Batman is pretty cool and the best game to get to try VR out. Graphics are great and real hands on with weapons and a good storyline. The VR google/mask is very comfortable and easy to adjust and aside from getting fogged up once and a while it is pretty cool. Set up is very easy and everything is numbered and the instructions are easy to follow. There is a lot of cords to wire in and out of PS4 but it is pretty easy. This system so far is worth every penny and a great addition to Playstation. Not sure though I could go back to regular games after this experience!

Okay so first thing is first, I have tried the Vibe, the oculus rift and the Samsung S6 Edge with VR. This one would be in last place. Don't get me wrong it is very fun and comfortable but we have all seen the "Youtube" reviews and game play but honestly it is not as nice as it seems. Graphics look like 480p on a CRT monitor. If you don't believe me try it out yourself. When I let my wife play and I saw the game play on my TV it looks awesome, very sharp and clear. The headset looks 480p at best. Again I did have fun and I even bought four launch games. So far I have played all the VR World games and the VR demos which I suggest you play first before buying any games. So I just want you to be aware that if you are expecting 1080p or even 720p resolution you will be disappointed. This is why I cannot give it 5 stars. I know I have the ability to return if I am not happy and I am not. I will keep it and see how the PS 4 Pro improves this. But honestly, I think this will be just like the Xbox Kinect and die off soon if the resolution does not improve. Again this is my opinion just thought you all would like to read an honest review before you buy. It has been fun so far but I am not yet convinced it was worth $499. Only time will tell. I plan to update this after the PS4 Pro releases which I have preorder as well. Try a demo first before you buy so that if you are indecisive you can finally see if it is worth it.

TLDR at bottom I've only used Playstation VR a couple of times at the time of writing this review, and this is the first time I've experienced any sort of VR. There are quite a few cables and connections required for setup, but the quick start guide made it very quick and easy to set up and once it's set up it's quick and easy to pick up and play. Pretty much any audio headset with a 3.5mm headphone port can be easily plugged into PS VR, it feels very light and comfortable to wear. Mine is set up in a small room that does not quite meet the recommended ranges and distances for the most accurate detection for the camera, yet it still works very good, with a slightly noticeable improvement in larger rooms. I did however, start to experience a form of motion sickness after about 2 hours of consistent gameplay and also noticed that games where your character is constantly moving in all directions like Driveclub vr, Battlezone, and Scavenger's odyssey tended to make me experience motion sickness faster or more frequently. VR motion sickness actually works in reverse to regular motion sickness, so I'd be willing to bet that people will be able to develop a tolerance for it just like I've developed a tolerance to the 3D feature on Nintendo 3DS systems to the point that I often forget I'm viewing in 3D. I feel like the quality of resolution and refresh rate / frame rate could be of better quality as these factors are known to influence VR motion sickness There are already a bunch of games that support Playstation VR and more AAA titles on the way. I'm not saying it's bad or anything, just that I wouldn't personally recommend this to a friend because I think that this is very early VR technology even for Sony, and the price isn't very affordable for a piece of hardware that's just an accessory, but as far as VR Headsets go, this is probably the cheapest decent quality one you will find. I would recommend waiting 6 months to a year for the price to drop a bit, or longer for if Sony releases a better version of this product. TLDR: Excellent product, easy and comfortable to use, Definitely room for improvement but amazing quality for price and how early this technology is, expect motion sickness, but also expect to develop a tolerance to it after continued use, plenty of titles available for PS VR and plenty more to come. Also works fine in small rooms.