Zero Punctuation Season 10 Episode 44 PlayStation VR

Zero Punctuation is a weekly web series hosted by sarcastic and scathing video game critic Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw. In season 10 episode 44, Yahtzee tackles the brand new PlayStation VR headset.

The episode begins with Yahtzee noting that he has never been a fan of virtual reality and describes it as "a fad that comes around every 10 years or so." However, he concedes that VR technology has come a long way in recent years and decides to give the PlayStation VR a chance.

Yahtzee starts by discussing the PlayStation VR hardware, noting that it comes with the headset, a processing unit, a power supply, an HDMI cable, earbuds, and a demo disc. He praises the headset's comfort and ease of use, citing its well-designed strap and adjustable visor. However, he takes issue with the processing unit's reliance on a power supply because it creates an unsightly mess of cords.

Moving on to the PlayStation VR's software, Yahtzee discusses the demo disc that comes with the headset, describing it as "a nice sampler platter of VR experiences." He highlights standout demos, such as the diving game Ocean Descent and the stylized shooter Until Dawn: Rush of Blood. However, Yahtzee notes that the demos are short and shallow, providing only a brief taste of what the PlayStation VR can do.

Yahtzee also delves into some full PlayStation VR games, such as the sci-fi shooter Farpoint and the survival horror game Resident Evil 7. He praises Farpoint's gunplay and use of the Aim Controller, a separate peripheral that mimics a gun in-game. He also applauds Resident Evil 7's use of VR to enhance its horror elements, calling it "the perfect marriage of [VR] technology and game design." However, Yahtzee also notes that not every game benefits from VR, citing the rhythm game Hatsune Miku: VR Future Live as an example of a game that doesn't gain much from being in VR.

Throughout the episode, Yahtzee is consistently impressed by the PlayStation VR's ability to create immersive experiences. He notes that games like Batman: Arkham VR and Job Simulator make him feel like he's genuinely inhabiting a virtual world. However, he also points out the limitations of the technology, such as the "screen door effect" caused by the headset's resolution and the occasional tracking issues that can occur with the PlayStation Camera.

Overall, Yahtzee concludes that the PlayStation VR is "a pretty neat gadget" that provides a glimpse into the potential of virtual reality. He notes that the technology is still in its infancy and has room to improve, but that the PlayStation VR offers a compelling experience for those interested in VR gaming. As always, Yahtzee's humor and critical insight make for an entertaining and informative episode of Zero Punctuation.