DOOM VFR is a very handsome game with PlayStation VR, a statement we’re noticing ourselves make more often as virtual reality titles mature. Bethesda’s also gone out of its way to support all three of Sony’s PSVR controllers: the DualShock 4, the PlayStation Move, and the (underused but outstanding) PlayStation VR Aim Controller. Unfortunately, none of them feel quite right.
For those who don’t know, this is a new game set within the world of id Software’s excellent 2016 reboot. It really does look stunning with PlayStation VR, but for once it’s not the scale that stands out, but the sheer clarity of everything. Enemies move incredibly convincingly, and despite being quite confined, the world feels like a very real, futuristic place.
Games are really starting to look very good with Sony’s virtual reality hardware, then, proving that developers are beginning to grasp what the hardware can do – especially on the more powerful PS4 Pro. One thing that they’re still struggling with, however, is controls – and the few hours we’ve played of DOOM VFR so far prove that there’s a lot of work left to do.
The problem is that, while the game features admirable support for all the PS4’s peripherals, none of them feel like the game’s been designed with them in mind. Take the PSVR Aim Controller, for example, which we love using given the opportunity; the game’s oversized guns are supposed to be held in one hand, but Sony’s plastic firearm requires two hands, so you end up with a grenade randomly floating around in your peripheral vision.
Switch to the PlayStation Move and everything suddenly makes sense: you have a grenade in your left hand and a gun in your right. But now, without the analogue sticks, you lose the option to rotate either incrementally or smoothly – and you’re forced to teleport unless you dash. The DualShock 4 gives you better control, but you aim using head tracking, so it feels like your guns are protruding out of your neck. It’s just not quite right.
The real issue is that you can see the trap Bethesda’s fallen into: it’s designed the game first and then forced the controllers to fit, when it should have considered the controllers first and built the game around them instead. You’re left with a lovely looking release that gives you a ton of options, but none of them suit the title like they should.
It’s interesting because the developer’s clearly thought about how DOOM’s frenetic pace would fare best in virtual reality; teleportation is used as a navigation method here, but it’s also a key game mechanic, allowing you to finish off stunned enemies by warping into their bodies. It’s a cool system that maintains the notorious speed of the series without making you chunder.
But the controls, the controls, the controls. We unlocked half of the Trophies in just over an hour of play, so we’re going to assume this isn’t going to be the longest of spin-offs. But considering how much Bethesda’s charging for it that seems fine. We just wished it controlled better, because as things are, we don’t feel truly comfortable with any of the trio of options available.
We’ll have a DOOM VFR review in the coming days. In the meantime, let us know how you’ll be playing the game with PSVR in the comments section below.
Comments 20
I weakly pre-ordered this during black Friday for under £14 which I don't normally do on games I haven't seen reviewed but I just want to use my Aim controller!
I was worried about the controls which is a real shame. Length seems about average for a VR game which again, I don't mind too much. I'll give it a go.
Which control feels the best out of the three?
Move 2 for PSVR 2 alongside PS5?
Maybe that's what mM has been working on for Dreams all this time, getting the controls just right. Yes, I know it's not VR, but if they are trying to build a 3D level creator around the Move controls but also a platformer like LBP that requires DS4 analog sticks they could be running into controller problems and hoping for Move 2.
@Rudy_Manchego PSVR is probably the best and how I'll finish reviewing it, but they all have different strengths and weaknesses.
EDIT: *PSVR Aim Controller.
@get2sammyb PSVR?
@Octane Sorry, PSVR Aim Controller.
@rjejr At launch, I thought that reusing the Move controllers was a smart way to reuse existing technology but now I have played a lot of VR they need to have sticks and be their own thing. The Aim controller is awesome because I can move and aim/interact but it is only useful for FPS games.
My worst fears realised regarding movement. This game is a No from me until they allow you to run round like a normal FPS game.
Thanks for the heads up.
@YETi Erm. I think you maybe need to read the article/watch the video again. You can run around like in a traditional FPS.
@Deadstanley I honestly can't remember if RE7 did headtracking, but if it did, then yes it's the same.
@get2sammyb unable to watch the vid at the moment but will read the hands on again. I thought it was teleport movement. Thanks
@YETi On PSVR Aim or DualShock 4 you can control like a traditional FPS if you want. Teleport is still there, but it's a game mechanic.
No plat Bethesda why u do dis?
@YETi Well you can run freely around with the aim controller or the dualshock.
@YETi Well you can run freely around with the aim controller or the dualshock.
I honestly don’t understand why Sony hasn’t thrown a tracking mechanism onto the PS3’s Move Navigation Controller. It seems like an easy solution.
They had the Move Navi controller which has the anologue stick but that's been ignored for VR entirely. I know it doesn't have any motion controls but it's essential the left side of a pad and easier to hold with a Move in the other hand. Don't see why it's been ignored.
Btw @get2sammyb This article and Attached video has helped me massively. I had no idea the game had full range to movement at all. Thought it was full teleportation even with the Aim controller but glad to hear it does. Along with the price point it's pretty much sold me on the game and they may patch the grenades thing out hopefully.
@Sanctanox cheers for that Ive got it and going tomorrow to buy the game 😁
@Dange Cool, glad it helped!
Maybe we can try to grab the Aim Controller with just one hand, punisher-style... And a Ps Move in the other hand for grenade xD
@Bobobiwan agreed thought that myself. Another control system haha
There's a petition summarising all the requested tweaks for the otherwise decent aim controller option:https://www.change.org/p/bethesda-better-aim-controller-support-in-doom-vfr-psvr
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