Kayak VR: Mirage: PSVR2 Review

Developed by Better Than Life
Published by
Platform: PSVR2

For those of us who've endured an appalling summer with closed beaches and little chance to get out on the water, Kayak VR: Mirage on the PSVR2 offers a welcome relief - and also a chance to get some exercise.

Kicking off in a kayak in a swimming pool, you can get used to the physics of the game and also get some idea of what's needed via the various subtleties of the Sense controllers.

But it's not until you really head out into the offered waters that Kayak VR: Mirage comes to life.

Reflecting lights on the water, the way the ripples pass by you and the beauty of the four locations on offer - with their day and night and differing weather options - mean Kayak VR: Mirage is the kind of game that goes for fidelity and simplicity in its execution and achieves it easily.

With options to race, there's also a speedier way to play the game, but in truth, doing so robs Kayak VR: Mirage of the effort and beauty put in by the developers.

The controller-less Tour Mode is one which really relaxes you as you get guided tours of the areas you're floating on. It's a way to sit back and marvel at the physics of the water, the relaxation vibe of the route and whatever surrounds you.

With gentle resistance built into the controllers when you're rowing, and immersive headset tech working to make you feel like you're there, Kayak VR: Mirage really does make the most of what the new technology has to offer.

It's beautiful to look at, peaceful to be part of - but don't be surprised if your arms feel a little worn out after you've been for a blat on the water. There's still a workout element here to be had (complete with family members scoffing at you as flail in the front room) but this is perhaps the most calming and enjoyable VR outing you'll ever experience.