The PS VR2 launched with a spectacular array of games that show off its capabilities. One of the most impressive launch titles is Horizon Call of the Mountain. Although it does not feature Aloy as the protagonist, the game still packs plenty of excitement thanks to its breathtaking climbs and high-energy combat moments. For gamers experiencing VR for the first time, Horizon Call of the Mountain is one of the best titles available. However, it makes a big mistake by hiding one of its best features behind progression.

The game features a Machine Safari, and it has players taking a boat ride through a jungle teeming with machines. Unlike the usual Horizon experience, players don't engage in combat; they get to experience just how immersive VR can be from the safety of the boat. It is the perfect feature to show non-gamers and people who aren't convinced of VR gaming just yet, and it should be available out of the box, especially when the PS VR2 doesn't have a free showcase application.

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Horizon Call of the Mountain's Machine Safari

Kaval and Hami rowing Ryas

Call of the Mountain follows the story of Ryas, who is a Shadow Carja seeking redemption. He is good with a bow and arrow, but he really excels with his climbing, which allows him to reach areas that most other people would die trying to get to. In VR, players get to fully immerse themselves in Horizon's beautiful and often dangerous world. Climbing tall mountains is exhausting, but the stunning views from the edge of cliffs ensure players don't regret it.

Thanks to the visual quality of the game, along with the amazing environmental design, Call of the Mountain is one of the best games for VR newcomers. However, it does feature combat that can get quite intense, and it may be too fast-paced for some gamers and people who are new to gaming as a whole. Fortunately, the game does feature a Machine Safari which allows gamers to witness the beauty of Horizon's world without having to learn the combat just yet.

The Machine Safari has players venture down a lazy stream, but things don't stay calm for long because the jungle is teeming with all kinds of different machines. Fights break out between the machines, which makes for some very epic moments. It is a stunning showcase of what the PS VR2 is capable of, though players, unfortunately, have to work a little before it is available.

Horizon Call of the Mountain's Machine Safari Is Locked Behind Progression

Call of the Mountain

Before players can access the Machine Safari, a little work has to be done. The Machine Safari is only available once players reach the hub area in Dawn's Grasp, which takes about fifteen minutes. Though this isn't too much play time, the feature should be available immediately considering the headset does not have a showcase application like Astro's Playroom. Call of the Mountain's Machine Safari is the closest thing the PS VR2 has to a tech demo, especially when the game is bundled with the headset, which makes hiding it behind progression a move that's a bit hard to understand.

Call of the Mountain is a great leap forward for the series, as it illustrates that the Horizon franchise can thrive without Aloy. More adventures in VR would be nice, although not all Horizon spin-offs should be stuck in VR. Despite the Machine Safari being locked behind progression, the game remains one of the best titles currently available on PS VR2.

Horizon Call of the Mountain is available on PS VR2.

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