PlayStation VR Catch-All

So, I got it hooked up, and am waiting for software to download and the kids to go to bed before I try it out.

However a few things.

1) every single online review/preview for the PSVR made a big deal about the physical demo disk, but there wasn't one in my package. I had to go to the PlayStation store and download it. If you have a system coming, it may not be a bad idea to go to the store and pre-download the demo disk (its free) so that you have something to play when you get it hooked up.

2) I won the Taco Bell version which came with the camera/move controllers. I expected that to include the VR Worlds like the regular version if you buy it with the full pack, but mine didn't. Kind of bummed about that. I could buy it I guess, but was more hoping to have it to show off those experiences to people.

#2 probably won't pertain to those of you who buy the combo, and I don't know if #1 is exclusive to my situation as well.

3) I haven't used the move controllers before, but I'm definitely going to have to invest in some sort of charging base or something for this. Now with a Dual Shock controller, and 2 move controllers to keep charged (both which use different cables) it'll end up as wired spaghetti everywhere without some sort of charging base.

I haven't put the headset on yet, so can't comment on comfort, but I'll answer any questions people have, when I finally get to test it out later.

Skraut wrote:

3) I haven't used the move controllers before, but I'm definitely going to have to invest in some sort of charging base or something for this. Now with a Dual Shock controller, and 2 move controllers to keep charged (both which use different cables) it'll end up as wired spaghetti everywhere without some sort of charging base.

I have the intention of picking up this stand/charging base when it releases:
IMAGE(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/413TNYb97GL._SY400_.jpg)

Skraut wrote:

1) every single online review/preview for the PSVR made a big deal about the physical demo disk, but there wasn't one in my package. I had to go to the PlayStation store and download it. If you have a system coming, it may not be a bad idea to go to the store and pre-download the demo disk (its free) so that you have something to play when you get it hooked up.

Thanks for the heads up. Downloading now.

Skraut wrote:

2) I won the Taco Bell version which came with the camera/move controllers. I expected that to include the VR Worlds like the regular version if you buy it with the full pack, but mine didn't. Kind of bummed about that. I could buy it I guess, but was more hoping to have it to show off those experiences to people.

I bought the headset only edition so knew I was going to have to buy VR Worlds separately. Used some Best Buy credits. Hopefully it arrives on time. Batman VR arrived yesterday.

Skraut wrote:

3) I haven't used the move controllers before, but I'm definitely going to have to invest in some sort of charging base or something for this. Now with a Dual Shock controller, and 2 move controllers to keep charged (both which use different cables) it'll end up as wired spaghetti everywhere without some sort of charging base.

I bought one of these. There's a used-like new for $9.99.

Got to spend a couple hours with the demos tonight.

Started with the demo of VR Worlds, which has a demo of a peaceful sea dive (something that I can show the kids and not freak them out) and a shooting gallery from London Heist. I was surprised how well the shooting worked in London Heist, I just wasn't any good at reloading. Kept dropping the magazines, or trying to jam another one in before the previous was spent. Fun to play with game conventions like that.

Played the demo of Thumper. Enough to know I'll never be good at the game, as rhythm games and I never really got along, but this game makes me want to pick it up and try nonetheless.

I also played through the demo of Battlezone. Lots of fun, but I did notice a bit of nausea creaping in when I was driving, strafing, and turning my head. I didn't get to play Rigs (still downloading) but it does make me worry that I may have issues with that if it even faster.

I didn't really know what to expect from Wayward Sky, and I won't spoil anything except to say this is the one that had me shouting "This is so cool!" even before the demo officially started, and then again when it began.

I was a big Rez fan on the Dreamcast, but worried that it would be just too intense and disorienting in VR. I was wrong. The look to target worked really well. I did start to feel like I was having some tracking issues towards the end though, as it felt like I had to keep turning more and more to the side to get back to "center." There also was so much head turning to target that my neck did get a bit tired towards the end of the demo.

I wanted to try some of the others, but after 2ish hours my eyes started to feel like I had had enough. I haven't played any other VR systems so don't have a lot to compare it to. I have a pretty bad astigmatism in my left eye, and even with glasses, still have blurry locations in it. I was surprised how well my eyes cooperated for so long in VR.

Some other thoughts after use:

As I just mentioned I don't have the best eyes. Text, and things with sharp edges and high contrast were blurry and hard to read (not sure if my eyes, or the system) but otherwise things looked pretty well in action games, or things with good AA.

When the screen is black, it isn't black, I can see greyish sparkles, almost like there is a bit of glitter all over the panel. Also appears a bit in dark scenes. Not noticeable most of the time, but it is there.

The playfield is really small. After having a Xbox 360 Kinect, it is a lot smaller than I anticipated. The playfield is 10 ft deep, and of course, my couch is right at 10ft. So relaxing in the couch, I'm out of the range, I had to sit on the front edge.

Also to go with small playfield, I had to adjust the camera up and down depending on if the game was sitting or standing. Yeah I'm 6'4" so there definitely is a range between when I'm sitting and when I'm standing, but it was frustrating to constantly adjust as I flipped between the demos. It wouldn't be such a big deal if I was picking a game and sticking with it, but it was annoying.

I need to find a better set of headphones. The earbuds don't work for me, and the headphones I planned on using have have a really long cord, when I really only needed a 2-3 ft. The long cord was constantly getting tangled with the cord for the headset.

I was right at the edge of tracking range. Head tracking was pretty solid with the exception of the drift I had during Rez. Controllers bounced around quite a bit as seen in some of the videos. It improved when I killed all the lights and was playing essentially in a pitch black room, and when I got a bit closer.

Again, this is probably a result of bouncing between demos, but I felt like I wanted an "assistant' there to help me. One game wanted the Dual Shock controller, the next wanted the move controllers, and the menu between them wanted the dual shock again. If I was playing just one game it wouldn't be as much as an issue, but it still wants dual shock to move around the menus, and launch the game, then switch to move controllers. Just swapping them out while having the vr headset on was awkward.

Just realized I wrote up a bunch of minor nitpicks. I don't want to hurt anyone's enthusiasm for it, as I definitely had a share of my share of moments where I felt like I needed to pick my jaw up off the floor. I'm enjoying the system, and already the list of games I want is bigger than I expected. It isn't a perfect system, but it is a hell of a lot of fun so far.

Thanks for the update!

Skraut wrote:

It isn't a perfect system, but it is a hell of a lot of fun so far.

This is basically where my expectations are for PSVR. Thanks for the impressions! Looking forward to jumping in to this Thursday night.

I ate a lot more taco bell than I want to think about. Sadly I did not win a PSVR set. I did win multiple evenings of intestinal discomfort.

Looking forward to seeing how this thing goes in the real world after watching some of the outlets showing it off.

lancejt wrote:

I ate a lot more taco bell than I want to think about. Sadly I did not win a PSVR set. I did win multiple evenings of intestinal discomfort.

Fun fact: You get the same prize if you had won the PSVR too!

Awesome update, Skraut. And despite having expressed skepticism about your own tracking info (congrats on winning the contest and getting it early), my own shipping info from UPS via Best Buy now says that my PSVR is in my town, on the truck for delivery today. So maybe I will have it tonight? That would be ideal for me, both because I am impatient and because tomorrow night my Nationals are in Game 5 of the NDLS and thus I won't be free to nerd out to the extent I otherwise would like to.

Anyone know if Rez Infinite is getting a physical release? Haven't seen anything on Amazon or Best Buy. All the talk suggests I should definitely pick it up, but not having especially enjoyed the version of Rez I got on 360 for kinect a while back, I'd like to be able to trade it in if I am not blown away (or if it just doesn't have much replay value).

CptDomano wrote:
lancejt wrote:

I ate a lot more taco bell than I want to think about. Sadly I did not win a PSVR set. I did win multiple evenings of intestinal discomfort.

Fun fact: You get the same prize if you had won the PSVR too! :lol:

Can confirm this is true...

CptDomano wrote:
lancejt wrote:

I ate a lot more taco bell than I want to think about. Sadly I did not win a PSVR set. I did win multiple evenings of intestinal discomfort.

Fun fact: You get the same prize if you had won the PSVR too! :lol:

Beautiful.

mrlogical wrote:

Anyone know if Rez Infinite is getting a physical release?

Yeah, iam8bit is doing the physical release on that one. They're also doing an artbook/vinyl release.

I didn't end up cancelling my pre-order, and my card got charged, so I guess I'm all-aboard the PSVR train. Haven't got a shipping notice, but I expect I'll probably get one later today. Amazon tends to get things to my location in one day. That said, I'm not going to be heartbroken if it doesn't show up. I still only plan to buy Rez and Super Hypercube, although I may go for Thumper if the demo grabs me.

ClockworkHouse wrote:
CptDomano wrote:
lancejt wrote:

I ate a lot more taco bell than I want to think about. Sadly I did not win a PSVR set. I did win multiple evenings of intestinal discomfort.

Fun fact: You get the same prize if you had won the PSVR too! :lol:

Beautiful.

I tried to pull off that joke a ways back and it wasn't nearly as expertly crafted. :sniff:

It sounds like the included earbuds are decent, but not great. The only way to get 3D audio is by plugging into the headset tether (sorry wireless PlayStation headphones). I'm guessing traditional over-the-ear phones won't be great due to the band of the headset. Any suggestions for good, short cord, inexpensive earbuds? Maybe something that loops the ear?

Amazon says my headset is "Shipping Now" and will arrive by 8pm tomorrow, but no tracking info yet.

Growat wrote:

It sounds like the included earbuds are decent, but not great. The only way to get 3D audio is by plugging into the headset tether (sorry wireless PlayStation headphones). I'm guessing traditional over-the-ear phones won't be great due to the band of the headset. Any suggestions for good, short cord, inexpensive earbuds? Maybe something that loops the ear?

Amazon says my headset is "Shipping Now" and will arrive by 8pm tomorrow, but no tracking info yet.

I don't have any suggestions for ear buds, but Plantronics is developing (has developed?) a headset designed specifically for the PSVR. I couldn't find a price, so it may be unreleased currently.

Don't the wireless Sony PS headphones have a wired option? PSVR will work with banded headphones. I'm not sure if all of them will work, but most should be fine. I'm in wait-and-see mode on that. I'm hoping I can continue to use big open over-ear headphones because they have a bigger soundstage which should help with the immersion factor. Also, they allow you to hear outside-real-world noises, so you should be able to pick up on someone trying to get your attention in the real-world much more easily.

If I'm completely blocking my vision, I want to at least have some access to real-world audio.

Wow, UPS claims to have delivered my PSVR bundle from Best Buy. If I weren't a responsible adult, I would just leave work now. Can't wait to try it out tonight!

tuffalobuffalo wrote:

Don't the wireless Sony PS headphones have a wired option? PSVR will work with banded headphones. I'm not sure if all of them will work, but most should be fine. I'm in wait-and-see mode on that. I'm hoping I can continue to use big open over-ear headphones because they have a bigger soundstage which should help with the immersion factor. Also, they allow you to hear outside-real-world noises, so you should be able to pick up on someone trying to get your attention in the real-world much more easily.

If I'm completely blocking my vision, I want to at least have some access to real-world audio.

I have giant open over the ear headphones, (made by Sony, I don't know the model number, 7-8 years old, nothing "gaming") The band goes over PSVR just fine, the only issue was that the PSVR band got in the way of the earphones squeezing over my ears. They were tight on the PSVR band, just not super tight on my ears. I kept thinking they would fall off because I didn't feel a lot of pressure on my ears, but they held snugly to the PSVR band.

And yes, having some outside real world access was nice when the 18 moth old wandered into my play space saying "dada dada" I knew to stop and not run him over.

The problem was the earphones are like old school headphones for plugging into your stereo system, and have a 12 ft cord on them so that you can sit in your recliner and listen to your hi-fi. I either need to find some cable ties and make that a 2 ft cable, or find a different headphone. Constantly taking off the headset to find the move controllers/Dual Shock system, or to adjust the camera for sit/stand, I was managing to get the headphones and headset cables tangled.

mrlogical wrote:

Anyone know if Rez Infinite is getting a physical release? Haven't seen anything on Amazon or Best Buy. All the talk suggests I should definitely pick it up, but not having especially enjoyed the version of Rez I got on 360 for kinect a while back, I'd like to be able to trade it in if I am not blown away (or if it just doesn't have much replay value).

Rez Infinite - Debut Trailer

Well, as expected, I got an Amazon shipping notification today, so I guess I'll be trying out some stuff tomorrow night.

Just received my shipping notification.

Skraut wrote:

The problem was the earphones are like old school headphones for plugging into your stereo system, and have a 12 ft cord on them so that you can sit in your recliner and listen to your hi-fi. I either need to find some cable ties and make that a 2 ft cable, or find a different headphone. Constantly taking off the headset to find the move controllers/Dual Shock system, or to adjust the camera for sit/stand, I was managing to get the headphones and headset cables tangled.

To clarify, are you saying the earbuds that Sony packs in the box aren't short cord but super long cord?

I'm still on the fence about an eventual PSVR purchase, but it seems like folks are loving Rez Infinite so far.

https://www.destructoid.com/review-r...
http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/rez-...
http://www.polygon.com/virtual-reali...

Growat wrote:

To clarify, are you saying the earbuds that Sony packs in the box aren't short cord but super long cord?

no the cords on the earbuds that come with the system are so short you probably can't use them for anything but PSVR. The cord wouldn't reach a pocket with an ipod in it for example.

The cord on the earphones I was using were stupid long and caused all sorts of issues.

Skraut wrote:
Growat wrote:

To clarify, are you saying the earbuds that Sony packs in the box aren't short cord but super long cord?

no the cords on the earbuds that come with the system are so short you probably can't use them for anything but PSVR. The cord wouldn't reach a pocket with an ipod in it for example.

The cord on the earphones I was using were stupid long and caused all sorts of issues.

Can you just use a few twist ties to shorten the headphone cord up? That's what I plan on doing.

I went ahead and bought Superhypercube, Rez, and Thumper. I also downloaded the demo disc. No plans to buy anything else unless multiple outlets rave about something. I have zero interest in something like Batman VR where it's just a quick in and out experience that you'll never want to check again.

I will totally buy Summer Lesson when that comes out. I hear that makes you super uncomfortable but in a good way that makes you think and question things.

tuffalobuffalo wrote:

Well, as expected, I got an Amazon shipping notification today, so I guess I'll be trying out some stuff tomorrow night.

Download everything from the store that you want tonight so that you have something to play. Lots of free demos, the demo disk itself and the Playroom VR

https://store.playstation.com/#!/en-...

Muahaha:

Jeff Gerstman tweeted in preparation for tomorrow's stream:

IMAGE(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CunCbAYVUAAOX0N.jpg:large)

(summer lesson)

So cool to see the Playstation store updated with the VR splash page.

Bought Rez, Super Hypercube, and Job Simulator.

Downloaded several of the VR cinema apps as well. Is it weird that I want to try out a bunch of world environments?

Took time to read more about Summer Lesson. Interesting. Hope they release it here.

I have to admit. Even after splurging on a Vive and building a whole new PC, I kind of want to get a PSVR too....