PulzAR: PS Vita Review

PulzAR: PS Vita Review

Platform: PS Vita
Released by Sony Computer Entertainment

The AR on the PS Vita's had mixed success, I think it's fair to say.

So far, nothing's really gripped long term on the AR Gaming front unfortunately - and that's more an issue of games have long term play rather than just simple novelty.

Thankfully, PulzAR actually changes that and finally brings a game that you want to keep trying.

Basically, the earth is being stalked by a massive meteor overhead - and it's up to you to save the day, using a series of lasers and reflectors to power up a nuclear missile launch facility. But it's not quite as simple as that - because as you use the AR Cards to line up your reflectors, fragments of the meteors drop down and batter your efforts.

This is a case of the AR finally working better than it previously has done. You have to have an element of strategy as you negotiate through the levels (and if you're playing in your front room, making sure that you don't have a stray cat invade your field of vision)and launch off the missiles - but it's all worth it as you scan the VITA up to above the room and see the missile hit, shattering pieces off and gradually edging you closer to saving the day.

There are a couple of problems though - occasionally, the mirrors you've set up can just disappear thanks to the AR and at times, it can be difficult to pick up the cards and move them around as the timer begins to count down.

But overall, PulzAR is a step in the right direction - it's intelligent, fun and shows when the tech works, it's effortless - more of its ilk please.

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