REVIEW: BEHEMOTH (PS VR2)

Skydance Game’s Behemoth arrives with the weight of high expectations, following the studio’s critically acclaimed The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners. As one of the most ambitious PS VR2 titles to date, it promised to combine immersive survival mechanics with heart-pounding action against towering foes.

While some technical missteps at launch have dampened its immediate impact, Behemoth largely delivers a gripping, visually stunning experience that showcases the unique strengths of the PS VR2 hardware.

Story

Set in a brutal, medieval-inspired landscape, Behemoth casts players as a lone wanderer called Wren grappling with the mystery of colossal beings wreaking havoc across the cursed ‘Forsaken Lands’. The central narrative, while straightforward, creates a compelling backdrop for the game’s exploration and combat.

The lore surrounding the Behemoths and the fractured world they inhabit is intriguing, with environmental storytelling doing much of the heavy lifting. Exploring dilapidated ruins or stumbling upon remnants of civilisation adds depth and mystery, even if the dialogue and quest design sometimes feel formulaic.

The story’s strengths lie in its atmosphere rather than its characters. NPCs exist primarily to drive the gameplay forward, and while their dialogue is serviceable, it lacks the richness of Skydance’s previous efforts. However, for those willing to delve into its secrets, Behemoth offers a rewarding narrative experience that unfolds organically through exploration.

Gameplay

Combat in Behemoth is where the game truly shines. The battles against both human foes and the giants are heart-pounding, visceral affairs that require strategy and skill. Every strike of your weapon feels meaningful, with weighty animations and precise mechanics that make each victory satisfying. The PS VR2 Sense Controllers elevate this experience through adaptive triggers, adding resistance when drawing a bow or the tactile sensation of pulling a blade free after a critical hit.

Survival elements are integrated seamlessly into the experience, requiring players to scavenge for resources, craft equipment, and manage health in a hostile environment. These systems deepen the immersion without becoming overwhelming, though some may find the resource scarcity challenging during extended play sessions.

While the core gameplay loop is solid, launch-day bugs occasionally reared their heads. From minor issues like clipping weapons to rarer but more disruptive glitches, these problems detracted from the otherwise stellar experience. Skydance has committed to post-launch patches, which have already fixed a lot of the initial issues and we can expect future updates to refine and improve things even further.

The Behemoth encounters are a particular highlight. Each battle feels like a David vs. Goliath struggle, demanding patience, observation, and careful execution. These moments are as much about preparation as they are about skill, and the satisfaction of bringing down a towering foe is unparalleled.

Visuals

Visually, Behemoth is fantastic. The game’s environments, from crumbling cities to dense forests shrouded in mist, are a testament to the power of the PS VR2 and Skydance’s own deft hand at striking art direction. The lighting effects, in particular, are stunning, with HDR bringing an extra layer of realism to torches, sunlight, and the glow of a Behemoth’s eyes.

The use of the PS VR2’s unique features further enhances the visual experience. Eye-tracking technology allows for foveated rendering, ensuring crisp visuals, no matter where you look, while the haptic feedback in the headset amplifies immersion. The subtle vibrations when a Behemoth stomps nearby or when you take a heavy blow add a visceral quality that makes the action feel real.

Character models and animations, while generally solid, show occasional rough edges. NPCs can sometimes appear stiff, and minor texture pop-ins detract slightly from the immersion. However, these are minor blemishes on an otherwise stunning visual presentation.

The scale of the Behemoths themselves is awe-inspiring, and the way they loom over the player creates a sense of dread and excitement. The game’s art direction consistently impresses, making every new area and encounter feel fresh and memorable.

Conclusion

Behemoth is a bold and ambitious entry into the VR landscape, and while its launch isn’t without hiccups, the overall package is an impressive showcase of what the PS VR2 can achieve. The combination of visceral combat, engaging survival mechanics, and breathtaking visuals makes it one of the standout titles of the year.

The game’s initial bugs and occasionally uneven storytelling may frustrate some players, but these issues are overshadowed by the sheer scale and intensity of the experience. For those willing to embrace its challenges, Behemoth offers a journey that’s as rewarding as it is harrowing.

In a year full of standout AAA VR titles, Behemoth earns its place as one of the most memorable. It’s a game that demands your attention, and with a little polish, it has the potential to be a classic in the PS VR2’s growing library. If you’re a fan of survival games or looking for a VR title that pushes the boundaries of immersion, Behemoth is well worth the plunge.

BEHEMOTH Pricing & Availability

BEHEMOTH is available now on PS VR2, Quest 2/3/3s/Pro, Steam VR. Pricing starts at €36.99 for the Meta Quest edition.