The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR – Review (PSVR)
We were skeptical as well. But we shouldn't have been.
Skyrim, despite being hailed as one of the greatest RPGs of all time, has recently become the butt of many jokes and memes due to it’s numerous re-releases. Though the 4K remaster on PlayStation Pro and the portable Switch version are both interesting iterations of the classic, neither one changes the game in any meaningful sense. Now, Skyrim has made a surprising and unexpected jump to VR. Not only does the game now take place all around you, but it also has motion controls. With many VR developers claiming that games need to be built from the ground up for VR, how could an open world RPG from 2011 be possible?
Putting on the headset and taking your first look around the giant world of Skyrim can instantly make you rethink whats possible in VR. Until now, many titles have been confined experiences that usually don’t involve much movement. This is turned on its head, and it works. Yes, it’s the same game you’ve probably played before, but everything feels new with the wildly different and immersive perspective of VR.
There are two forms of control; using the standard PlayStation 4 controller or the PlayStation Move controllers. Using the normal controller is very similar to the original game, with the only major difference being that aiming is based on where you are looking. The Moves, on the other hand, are drastically different, with each controller becoming one of your hands in the game. Swinging a sword feels great but has its limitations due to the stamina system, making your hand disappear when you’ve run out stamina, creating a very odd disconnect. Where the Moves really shine is casting spells and archery. Having a fist full of flames is an enlightening experience, and dual casting spells will feel like your childhood fantasies of having magical powers have come to life. Archery is done through holding the bow in one hand, and pulling back the string with an arrow in the other. The first few shots feel off, but once you get a feel for it you’ll be shooting off arrows faster than Legolas, and feeling like a total badass all along the way.
What might be most impressive is the movement. One of the problems that has plagued PSVR is the lack of an analog stick on the Move controllers. Skyrim VR has two mode of movement. Pointing and teleporting is the default and is not great for immersion or combat, but the other option is smooth movement. The left move controller becomes like the left joystick, and the Move button when pressed pushes you forward, Pointing yourself in the right direction is done through the X and O buttons on the right Move controller. This method, on paper, doesn’t sound great, and the Move controllers don’t have a great reputation either. However, this method may be the best movement control for PSVR yet. With the control option comes the potential for motion sickness, and the game has in-depth customization to fit your needs, and sets a new standard for comfort options.
The biggest complaint is the downgraded graphics. Short draw distances, low textures and low resolution in the headset are all present. The draw distance is especially poor, with foliage and characters popping in at surprisingly close distance. All of these downgrades are understandable with the limited power of the PlayStation 4 and the 60 FPS per eye requirement of VR, but these downgrades can at times take away from the experience if you stop to look around up close and at a distance. The good news is, most of the technical shortcomings fade away once you get moving in the world, and all nothing else matters but the quest before you. Dungeons and caves are a standout. With a good pair of headphones, you’ll be surprised how creepy it can be.
Our Recommendation: Skyrim VR is not only a landmark title for PSVR, but for VR as a whole. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first visit to Tamriel or you’re a seasoned veteran who has played every re-release twice, this game is going to wow you and have you coming back for more. PSVR has come a long way, and Skyrim VR is its crowning jewel. With a lower price tag and numerous quality games and experiences, PSVR is now for everyone.
*Skyrim VR was provided to the reviewer by the publishing company but this fact did not alter the reviewer’s opinion*
