Developed by Fast Travel Games, Vampire: The Masquerade: Justice for PSVR 2 brings the world of vampires to virtual reality. While it offers a thrilling vampire fantasy, it falls short due to numerous bugs and polish issues.
A world of darkness awaits
In Vampire: The Masquerade: Justice, players don the virtual shoes of Justice, a vampire of the clan Banu Haqim, in the beautifully depicted setting of Venice. The game begins with a straightforward narrative: seeking vengeance for their sire’s death. However, as the story unfolds, it delves deeper into a conspiracy involving various vampire clans vying for power. Despite the intricate dynamics at play, the game’s plot remains accessible and easy to follow for newcomers to the World of Darkness universe.
Stealthy vampiric gameplay
This VR experience primarily focuses on stealth gameplay, encouraging players to lurk in the shadows, use distractions, and employ vampiric abilities to navigate the world. One of the standout features is the ability to climb and teleport, allowing players to reach elevated positions for a strategic advantage. The game wisely discourages direct confrontations, as players often face formidable foes armed with powerful weapons.
Embracing the darkness
Vampire: The Masquerade – Justice provides players with a range of vampiric abilities to dispatch their enemies creatively. The “blink” ability allows for ambushes by teleporting behind enemies, resulting in a satisfying ragdoll effect. Other abilities like the Cauldron of Blood and Shadow Trap offer different means of dispatching foes. For those who prefer subtlety, the Cloak of Shadows ability renders players invisible to all but the sharpest observers.
Blood, the essence of survival
Blood serves as both sustenance and a resource for vampiric abilities. Players can replenish their blood reserves by feeding on unsuspecting victims. This act is remarkably immersive in VR, with the sensation of leaning in and feeling the headset’s subtle feedback as the player drains their prey. There is also a degree of finesse to feeding, as timing the release of the prey provides an additional blood boost.
Progression and replayability
The game offers a progression system where players can spend experience points on various skills and ability trees tailored to their play style. Social-facing skills, such as intimidation, open up additional dialogue options, enhancing non-linear progression and replayability. Optional objectives within each mission and collectibles provide further incentives for players to explore and excel.
The missing masquerade
Surprisingly, Vampire: The Masquerade: Justice deviates from the concept of the “Masquerade,” where vampires maintain secrecy by avoiding overtly vampiric actions. This departure can be attributed to the game’s streamlined level design and more straightforward approach compared to other titles in the Vampire: The Masquerade franchise.
A beautiful but buggy Venice
Venice is portrayed stunningly in the game, with intricate detail and a romantic atmosphere that ranks among the best on the PSVR 2. The game’s support for a 120Hz display refresh ensures a smooth and responsive experience. However, the beauty of Venice is marred by a slew of bugs, starting from the introductory boat ride, where subtitle text shakes uncomfortably. Falling through surfaces and audio bugs further disrupt the immersion.
Limited interactivity and frustrating mechanics
While Venice is visually captivating, interaction with the environment is limited to opening doors and drawers that often contain nothing of interest. The game’s mechanics for summoning items at a distance can be frustrating, requiring specific gestures that don’t always work as intended.
A mixed vampire experience
Vampire: The Masquerade – Justice for PSVR 2 offers an immersive and thrilling vampire fantasy, with a stunningly detailed rendition of Venice. The game’s emphasis on stealth and creative vampiric abilities adds depth to the experience. However, a multitude of bugs and polish issues tarnish the overall quality, making it difficult to fully enjoy this otherwise promising VR title. Players who can overlook the technical shortcomings may find a captivating vampire adventure waiting for them in the World of Darkness.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Justice for PSVR 2 brings an enticing vampire fantasy to virtual reality but is held back by technical issues. Its immersive gameplay and captivating setting are marred by bugs and a lack of interactivity. Despite its flaws, it remains an intriguing addition to the World of Darkness universe for fans of the franchise.
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