Released Date: February 22nd, 2023
Developed by: X R Games
Published by: X R Games
Available on: PlayStation VR2, Quest 2 & PC VR
Reviewed on: PlayStation VR2
▫️ code provided by the publisher ▫️
With a new headset entering the market, now is an excellent time for already released VR games to get a second chance at a first impression. If you are a developer that believes in your product, you absolutely need to be thinking about a PlayStation VR2 version. The headset comes sporting some excellent features like eye tracking and haptic feedback in both the controllers and the headset itself.
Zombieland: Headshot Fever Reloaded is one such title. Originally released in 2021 on both Steam and Meta Quest 2 minus the Reloaded tag, the game received positive reviews and word of mouth. I mean who doesn’t want to blast zombies in the head for shits and giggles? Well now with some extra levels, an overhauled cel-shaded art style and some new weapons, developer X R Games is hoping to make a splash on PS VR2.
The gameplay is pretty simple. You remain in a fixed position and shoot all the zombies in front of you, before moving on to the next area. Think House of the Dead, Time Crisis and others. In lieu of free movement, once you have dispatched the undead in any given screen you use the PS VR2’s impressive eye tracking to beam to the next encounter. This is a smart and snappy way of getting around, and it feels really seamless to pull off. My only issue is that when you shoot the last enemy you sometimes don’t have time to grab any collectables or currency before accidentally glancing at the next marker.
It may be a disappointment to some that there isn’t free movement in Zombieland, but that just isn’t what this game is about. It’s not made to be explored, or tackled in your own way. The game is about set pieces that are intentionally the same for everyone and so the fun comes from chasing high scores in the leaderboards. Headshot combos, a better time… there is always a reason to go back and revisit a level you have competed.
Speaking of headshots – as the name suggests, popping undead brains plays a large role in your success. Sure, you can unload a clip in the general direction of a walker, but chances are it’ll take so long to go down that another will be all up in your grill by the time you have done so. Instead, the dispatch method of choice is double headshots, known as a double-tap. Executing one of these will not only take down the standard-level enemies, but it grants you a few seconds of slow-motion to gain the advantage on any remaining foes. Chaining these double-taps together increases your multiplier, which boosts your score and so on.
It all sounds like pretty basic stuff, and it is – but it’s really hard to convey just how fun and immersive it is going from scene to scene exploding heads. Upgrade points are accrued in the form of toilet paper that appear after certain kills. This is a great nod to the 2009 film where Tallahassee’s rule #12 stresses how important a commodity toilet/kitchen roll is. A sentiment more people need to live their lives by.
The pistol you start with has 8 bullets per clip and unlimited ammunition. Secondary, more deadly weapons such as a shotgun can be brought into levels as well, with ammo much more scarce. The points obtained by TP can be used to upgrade the various weapon’s power and ammo capacity. There are also cool perks you can equip such as enemies dropping more TP, laser sight for beginners and much more.
The one downside to the game is that it doesn’t really make the most of the Zombieland franchise. The film was a cult hit and having secured the licence I’d have hoped for more nods to the source material. Abigail Breslin does actually reprise her role as Little Rock and Tallahassee is voiced by a Harrelson – but it’s Woody’s brother. Jessie Eisenberg and Emma Stone are nowhere in sight, although the voice actors do a decent job of replicating their cadence.
Levels only last a few minutes each, but they are split into rookie, advanced, expert and pro difficulties. There are also b-sides taking you through different routes of the same map to mix it up and this all culminates with a Zombie Invitational, which will test you to the limit and ends in a boss fight. There are two versions of this finale. One where you can practise and the main event that you need to spend TP to enter. The further into the game you get the challenge really ramps up and even once you do reign supreme the score-chasing provides loads of replay value.
The platinum is going to be out of reach for all but the quickest of gunslingers. Numerous trophies will allude many, but having to get an S rank on every level is likely to be the real kicker. Best of luck to anyone deciding to take on the challenge.
Overall, Zombieland: Headshot Fever Reloaded is a great PlayStation VR2 launch title. There aren’t enough rail shooters in VR and X R Games has put together a really solid effort here. It is also a decent upgrade on the original title, making double-dipping on this new release worth it. If you are looking for a fun and rewarding VR title for your brand-spanking new headset that can be enjoyed both in short bursts and longer sessions, I recommend checking this out.
-Craig