Climbing to New Heights: A Review of the PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain™ Bundle
The launch of the PlayStation VR2 (PSVR2) marked a significant leap forward for console virtual reality, and the Horizon Call of the Mountain™ Bundle served as its spectacular flagship offering. Combining Sony's next-generation VR hardware with an exclusive, AAA title set in the breathtaking world of Horizon, this bundle is not just an entry point into PS VR2, but a powerful statement about the potential of high-fidelity VR gaming.
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| Climbing to New Heights: A Review of the PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain™ Bundle |
The Hardware: PlayStation VR2 – A Technical Marvel
The PSVR2 headset itself represents a massive upgrade over its predecessor, designed from the ground up to leverage the power of the PlayStation 5.
Ergonomics and Setup
The headset maintains the comfortable, halo-style head strap design of the original, distributing weight effectively and making long gaming sessions manageable. Setup is dramatically simplified: a single USB-C cable connects directly to the PS5, eliminating the clunky external processing box of the PS VR1. The system features inside-out tracking, using integrated cameras on the headset to track the player and the controllers, meaning no external camera setup is required.
Key Technical Features
Display Quality: The dual OLED displays offer a 2000x2040 resolution per eye, supporting 4K HDR. The visual fidelity is remarkably crisp, with vibrant colors and deep blacks. This, coupled with a wide 110-degree field of view, creates an incredibly immersive visual experience.
Haptic Feedback: The headset incorporates subtle haptic feedback, adding a new layer of immersion. Feeling the rush of a machine flying overhead or a low rumble during an explosion directly on your head is a game-changer.
Eye Tracking and Foveated Rendering: This is arguably the most revolutionary feature. The headset tracks the player's gaze, allowing the PS5 to render the area the player is looking at in maximum detail while intelligently reducing the resolution in the periphery. This technique, called foveated rendering, ensures stunning visual fidelity with optimal performance, as the PS5 isn't wasting resources rendering unseen pixels.
PS VR2 Sense Controllers: These controllers are a revelation. They feature advanced haptics (similar to the PS5's DualSense), adaptive triggers for tactile feedback, and excellent finger-touch detection, making interactions feel incredibly natural and nuanced. Drawing a bow, gripping a ledge, or feeling the tension of a trigger pull all become highly realistic.
The Game: Horizon Call of The Mountain™ – The Ultimate Showcase
Horizon Call of the Mountain is not a direct sequel to Zero Dawn or Forbidden West, but a bespoke, linear adventure crafted specifically for the PSVR2. You play as Ryas, a former soldier, and the story focuses on his journey to clear his name amidst the stunning, machine-dominated landscape.
Spectacle and Immersion
The game functions as the definitive technical showcase for the PSVR2. From the very first moments, players are treated to breathtaking vistas and the awe-inspiring scale of the colossal machines. Seeing a Tallneck stride past, or a Thunderjaw loom over you, in true first-person VR is an unforgettable experience. The visuals, powered by the PS5's fidelity and the PSVR2's 4K HDR display, are easily among the best ever seen in a VR title.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
The gameplay in Call of the Mountain is streamlined to suit the VR format, focusing primarily on two core mechanics: climbing and combat.
Climbing: Much of the game involves ascending towering cliffs, ruined structures, and icy peaks. The climbing mechanic is tactile and satisfying, utilizing the Sense controllers' grip buttons and haptics to simulate grabbing and pulling yourself up. While some players find the frequency of climbing can become slightly repetitive, the breathtaking views and the sheer verticality of the experience justify the effort. It truly evokes a sense of height and peril, making it a powerful experience for those prone to vertigo.
Combat: The intense, arena-style combat against the iconic machines of the Horizon world is a highlight. Armed primarily with a bow and arrow, players must physically aim, draw, and fire, often moving around the combat zone to dodge and find strategic weak points. The integration of the Sense controllers' adaptive triggers makes drawing the bow feel authentic, and the quick-dodging mechanic, often performed with a flick of the analog stick, is fluid and responsive.
A True AAA VR Experience
The 6-8 hour campaign offers a rich, narrative-driven experience with plenty of small world interactions—like smashing pots or playing a simple drum—that enhance the feeling of "being there." The inclusion of a dedicated River Ride mode also serves as a peaceful, guided tour of the game's stunning environment, offering a perfect, low-stress demonstration for newcomers.
Conclusion: A Must-Have Bundle
The PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain™ Bundle is an exceptional package and a landmark release for console VR.
| Feature | PSVR2 Headset | Horizon Call of The Mountain™ |
| Pros | 4K HDR visuals, Single-cable setup, Eye-tracking/Foveated Rendering, Headset haptics, Excellent Sense Controllers. | Stunning visual showcase, Unforgettable sense of scale, Satisfying climbing and combat mechanics, Full AAA production value. |
| Cons | Requires a PS5, High overall cost of entry. | Climbing can become slightly repetitive for some, Linear experience, Shorter campaign than mainline Horizon games. |
While the overall investment—requiring a PS5 and the cost of the bundle—is high, the PSVR2 and Call of the Mountain deliver an experience that justifies the premium price. It successfully combines cutting-edge technology with a visually magnificent and well-crafted game, setting a high bar for the future of VR gaming on the PlayStation platform. For those looking to experience the true potential of next-gen virtual reality, this bundle is the clearest and most spectacular recommendation.