Playstation VR made a strong initial impact in 2016. While VR adoption hasn’t exploded as some predicted, the VR/AR landscape continues to evolve, notably with augmented reality games like Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. The PSVR library receives a steady stream of new titles. While we regrettably missed acclaimed experiences like Moss and AstroBot, the recent release of Blood & Truth presents a compelling case for acquiring a PSVR kit for your PS4, if you haven’t already.
Blood & Truth can be considered a complete and expanded experience of The London Heist, which served almost as an advanced technical demonstration included on the PlayStation VR Demo Disc in 2016. You assume the role of Ryan Marks, a member of British special forces returning to London to attend his father’s funeral. However, the mourning period is cut short when London’s preeminent mafia boss and his enforcers disrupt the event, seeking to seize valuable assets. Armed and ready, you must confront gangsters and terrorists alike, including sequences set in the Middle East presented as flashbacks. Expect high-octane action, intricate plotting, and daring feats, such as leaping through windows and navigating precarious heights.
Blood & Truth delivers an exhilarating and deeply immersive gaming experience. The strong sense of presence and the satisfaction of engaging enemies from cover evokes a feeling of unrestrained enjoyment. While Virtual Reality technology hasn’t yet reached the fully realized potential envisioned in works like Ready Player One, with its photorealistic graphics and complete freedom of movement, it offers an engaging and captivating experience.
The audio design is consistently impressive, complemented by strong performances from the British voice cast, who deliver authentic Cockney accents. While the narrative might resemble that of a direct-to-video action film, the immersive character portrayals largely compensate for the somewhat generic storyline. Graphically, the experience is less impressive. Despite the enhanced processing power of the PS4 Pro, the limitations of the current console generation become apparent. Blood & Truth maintains a smooth frame rate, but this comes at the cost of reduced resolution and occasionally simplistic textures, particularly noticeable upon close inspection during lulls in the action. This is not a criticism of developer Sony London Studios, but rather a consequence of the aging hardware, originally conceived in 2012/2013. While the visuals remain acceptable and do not detract significantly from gameplay, we eagerly anticipate the advancements that Playstation 5 will bring to VR experiences, likely in autumn 2020.
The tracking system performs admirably, enabling intense and relatively precise action. Players can utilize cover, reload weapons, and navigate certain sections automatically (reminiscent of a rail shooter). Addressing the challenges of free movement in home VR setups (such as the need for omnidirectional treadmills) remains a key area for innovation. The game incorporates simulated movement, requiring players to physically climb (using hand motions) and manipulate objects like locks and explosives. These interactions generally function well, enhancing both immersion and gameplay variety. While the game is playable with the standard PS4 controller, utilizing the Move controllers is highly recommended to unlock the full potential of the experience.
Blood & Truth is perhaps best described as a polished game experience rather than a deeply complex game. However, it pushes the envelope for future VR titles intended for home use. While not overly challenging, a dedicated “VR trip” mode is available, offering a more accessible experience (approximately six hours in length). A forthcoming patch will introduce a New Game+ mode, promising a greater level of difficulty.
In conclusion, Sony has once again delivered a compelling title that serves as a strong argument in favor of PSVR. It is an engaging, fast-paced, and adrenaline-fueled VR experience, akin to playing the lead role in a high-octane Hollywood action film. This is no small accomplishment. If you own a PS4, we recommend acquiring a VR kit and this game!
