I played the original Rez back in 2001 on the Dreamcast and again in 2016 when it launched on the PS4 and PSVR as Rez Infinite. Coming back to it nearly seven years later, not much has changed with the game, but the technology driving it has totally evolved, so whether you are playing on a traditional flatscreen or diving into the new PSVR2 version, the power of the PS5 and its new VR accessory guarantee this is the best version of the game to date.
Rez Infinite on the PS5 brings 4K, 60fps visuals to the standard version and the VR version comes in just under 4K per eye along with 120fps and support for the new eye-tracking targeting assist mode. In prior versions you had to hold down a button and move your targeting cursor with the analog stick or PS Move. Now, you merely hold down the fire button, look at your targets and release the trigger to unleash instant digital carnage. It’s one of few games that support eye-tracking for actual gameplay and it’s amazingly accurate and fun.
In additional to gameplay enhancements the visuals have been fully remastered for all five levels of the original Rez along with the Area X level. The HDR support adds inky blacks and vivid contrast and color to the entire experience that still mimics the 90’s vision of the Internet seen in movies like Hackers, Lawnmower Man, and Weird Science. The audio has been enhanced for 5.1/7.1 setups and the icon soundtrack has never sounded better.
Rez Infinite can be played on the PS5 on a normal TV, and it will play and look much like the same game from 22 years ago, but once you slip on the PSVR2 and that entire world of lights, shapes, and music envelops you…well nothing can prepare you for that experience. At its core Rez is a rail shooter and there are several of those available at PSVR2 launch; games like Dark Pictures: Switchback, Pistol Whip, and Thumper, but Rez Infinite takes the concept to new heights by seamlessly integrating the shooting mechanics and the resulting sound effects right into the epic soundtrack.
By being on rails the game is in control of where you are looking; either forward, left, right, or behind, and you can move your head for more casual viewing and then aim by quickly glancing at a target while holding down the trigger to paint your enemies then release swarms of lock-on missiles to take them out. As mentioned above, it’s a pretty cool mechanic but far from game-changing. If anything, it seemed to make the game almost too easy, as my eyes are definitely faster than my thumbs.
The pacing is frantic with throbbing techno beats to match. Enemies swarm into view in various formations and the occasional mini-boss or main boss will appear to demand some more aggressive shooting skills. It’s very easy to slip into the rhythm of the game then smile in delight as your destroyed enemies add their own musical notes and sound effects to the mix. To add to the immersion the PSVR2 supports haptic feedback in both the controllers and the headset that sync vibrations and subtle tingles to the experience.
Thanks to a flawless 60fps on the big screen and 120fps inside the VR headset there is no chance of motion sickness – at least not due to framerate. The sensation of floating in this wild electronic dream world is perfectly suited to the VR experience. It really is like stepping into another disembodied reality. Rez was ahead of its time when it debuted on the Dreamcast, and even when it made its way to the Xbox and PS4 it remained an underappreciated cult favorite, but now with the power of the PSVR2 and its ability to actually insert you into this dynamic and futuristic new world, you can now experience the definitive version of the game.
Owners of the PS4 version can upgrade for a discount, and you can even transfer your old saves if you want to maintain your scores and progress from the past. First-timers will need to pay $30 for this virtual rail shooter, and with only five levels plus the bonus Area X you might find the replay value a bit lacking unless you like to chase leaderboards. I do like that you can still play Rex Infinite without the VR headset, and the game is just as fun on a screen as it is in VR; just not quite as immersive and obviously no eye-tracking.
Rez Infinite seems to resurface with each new generation of VR, so this probably isn’t the last we’ll see of it, and I’ll be curious as to what they do next. And while it may only be a simple rail shooter, it’s one of the best rail shooters you can play at launch, especially if you already own the PS4 version; then it’s a must-upgrade title for anyone with a new PlayStation VR2.
If you want to see Rez Infinite in action, we have a first-look video showing off the game on the new PSVR2 right here.
Total disappointment.
It lacks 3D.