The Facts

What is it?: A VR sci-fi action-adventure where you defend this world against mechanical creatures. Platforms: PC VR, PlayStation VR2 (Reviewed on PS VR2 with a PS5 Pro) Release Date: Out now Developer: VitruviusVR Price: $39.99

There aren’t many VR games where I’d consider haptics to be a standout feature. It’s a welcome addition that complements immersion if implemented effectively, sure, but that’s rarely anything exceptional on PlayStation VR2. In that regard, Arken Age surprised me during my first enemy encounter. Parrying an enemy’s sword attack leaves a lingering vibration like your blade is actually recoiling, and it’s that moment where I realized this is something special.

Arken Age immediately shows proficiency in VR-first design. That’s evident from the very beginning of Arken Age through its pleasingly tactile menus, giving you effectively a tablet-like device that acts as your menu. Grabbing said tablet off your body would’ve been preferable over pressing a face button to summon it, even more so when you realize your weapons and batteries to power them are conveniently holstered across your body.

Arken Age Review - Final Verdict

Arken Age delivers clever VR-first gameplay design for a great sci-fi adventure. The intense motion makes this unsuitable for VR newcomers and the narrative isn’t especially compelling, yet the vibrant presentation and rewarding combat makes this easier to overlook.

Between combat’s great integration of haptic feedback, strong enemy variety and satisfying kills, Arken Age is an easy recommendation.