REVIEW: Reach (PS VR2)

Reach, nDreams Elevation’s new action-adventure game for PlayStation VR2, is a big deal. For years, VR has had a tough time trying to deliver experiences that match the sheer scale and spectacle of 2D blockbusters, often feeling restrictive or compromised in one way or another. Reach changes that.

The developers clearly focused on making a game that feels massive while really focusing on the unique gameplay mechanics that make VR special: presence, freedom, and physicality. The result is a mechanically strong experience that genuinely puts you into the action hero role. It’s an ambitious game, and while it mostly succeeds, it’s worth diving into how its systems hold up under scrutiny.

Story

The narrative starts simply enough: you’re just an ordinary person whose life is violently upended by a sudden, world-breaking disaster whilst filming an action movie in your hometown. This cataclysmic event isn’t just a plot device; it’s the mechanism that throws you down into a sprawling, subterranean world. The main thrust of the story quickly becomes about uncovering the secrets of this underground civilisation, a place filled with impressive, crumbling architecture that suggests a long, forgotten history.

The journey soon introduces you to an ancient guide figure, Atlas, who equips you for the difficult road ahead. From there, the stakes are continually raised. You’ll encounter colossal, persistent enemies like the Terracore and cross paths with the powerful antagonist, Lithos. The overall flow builds nicely from low-key exploration to high-stakes confrontations, ensuring that the demanding physical challenges you face always have a sense of purpose. It sets up a strong, compelling framework, even if the core premise of a ‘reluctant hero’ feels familiar.

Gameplay

This is where Reach makes its most convincing case. The traversal system is designed for complete player autonomy; there’s no fast travel or easy mode to skip the physicality. You have to jump, climb, and swing, often chaining these motions together seamlessly across huge environments. It’s demanding, requiring you to commit to your movements, which can be a little daunting at first, but is immensely rewarding once it clicks.

As you progress, you unlock a smart set of multi-functional tools. You get a bow that can be used for distant combat, but also to fire arrows into specific surfaces to create handholds for climbing—a clever twist on platforming. The grapple hook and multi-purpose shield further expand your options.

The shield, for example, isn’t just for blocking; you can throw it to solve puzzles, activate switches, or even grapple onto it yourself. The game constantly rewards improvisation, allowing you to use your tools not just for combat, but to access new routes in old areas after acquiring upgrades like the Mag Gloves. While the complexity is high, it encourages experimentation, which feels great when you pull off an inventive move.

Visuals

Visually, Reach is certainly polished on the PS VR2. The development team has used the headset’s 4K capabilities to render both the surface and the underground environments with good clarity. The lighting in the caverns and ruins, in particular, helps sell the scale and grandeur of the hidden world.

However, the real technical star here is the use of the PS VR2 Sense controllers. The developers have integrated adaptive triggers and haptic feedback in a way that goes beyond simple rumble effects. When you grab an uneven surface, you feel it; when you land a jump, there’s a noticeable, satisfying thud.

The controllers sell the weight and resistance of objects, making every physical interaction, from drawing an arrow to gripping a zip-line, feel immediate and tactile. This is a perfect example of how the hardware should be used, creating that deep sense of presence that ties directly into the ‘action hero’ fantasy.

Conclusion

Reach is a genuine success for nDreams Elevation, managing to pull off the tricky feat of making a massive action-adventure game that doesn’t compromise on the tactile, physical requirements of VR. The emphasis on freeform movement and tool-based improvisation gives the game a fantastic core loop that keeps you engaged throughout.

It’s a challenging yet enjoyably immersive experience that sits comfortably among the best VR titles for its sheer scope and mechanical ambition. If you’re looking for a VR game that makes you work for your action-hero status, Reach is certainly worth picking up.

Reach (PS VR2) Pricing & Availability

Reach is available now for PS VR2 on the official PlayStation Store. It’s also launching on Meta Quest 3 & 3S and Steam VR.