Exciting New Release: Arken Age VR Adventure on PlayStation VR2
Hello, virtual reality enthusiasts! Today, we are thrilled to share the exciting news about the launch of a brand new title from the creative minds at VitruviusVR. Led by Blake Stone, VitruviusVR is the development team renowned for bringing us immersive experiences like Mervils and Shadow Legend VR on the original PlayStation VR. Their latest creation, Arken Age, promises to be an enthralling single-player VR adventure set in a mesmerizing terraformed sci-fi fantasy universe. This new game is designed specifically for the PlayStation VR2 and is set to launch on January 16.
A Decade of Innovation in VR Development
The journey of VitruviusVR began in 2015 when they showcased an early version of Mervils: A VR Adventure—an engaging third-person VR platformer—at the Immersed Conference in Toronto, Canada. It was there that they caught the attention of Richard Marks, then head of Sony’s Magic Lab. Impressed by their work, Marks hinted at some exciting developments in VR and suggested that Mervils could be a great addition to the emerging platform. This led to the team receiving a prototype of what was then known as Project Morpheus, later rebranded as PlayStation VR. This opportunity marked the beginning of a fruitful relationship with Sony, and the team has not looked back since.
VitruviusVR released Mervils in 2017 and followed it up with Shadow Legend VR in 2020, a captivating first-person medieval sword-fighting game. The insights gained from player feedback on these titles have been invaluable and have directly informed the development of Arken Age.
Building on Past Successes
One of the standout features from Shadow Legend that players adored was the Climbing Picks, which offered a unique and fluid movement experience in VR. The team has taken this concept further in Arken Age, integrating the Climbing Picks into the player’s forearms and allowing them to be deployed with a simple flick of the wrist during gameplay. This innovation is just one of many enhancements in Arken Age.
The game includes a refined custom VR inventory system, advanced weapon crafting mechanics, engaging character interactions, and unique combat features. Exploration elements have been expanded, and the team’s design philosophy focuses on creating high-fidelity worlds in VR, ensuring an immersive and captivating experience.
Stunning Graphics and Dynamic Rendering
Arken Age is set to take full advantage of the PlayStation VR2’s capabilities, including its Dynamic Foveated Rendering (DFR) technology. This ensures the highest image resolution possible, enhancing the visual experience. The vibrant world of the Bio-Chasm, where Arken Age unfolds, is a testament to the importance of high dynamic range (HDR) graphics in virtual reality. Players will be mesmerized by the bright blue waters, lush greenery, and the glowing energy of Arkenite weapons, buildings, and the robotic Hyperion soldiers that populate this world.
Innovative VR Weaponry
A major focus in the development of Arken Age was on creating realistic physics-based combat and unique VR weaponry. The game introduces one-of-a-kind Adaptive Trigger haptics for each weapon, providing an immersive tactile experience. Players start with three fully customizable and paintable weapons and can collect over 30 unique weapon modifications throughout their journey. These attachments are meticulously designed for VR gameplay, offering diverse functionalities such as the Hyperion God Axe—a throwable axe that can be recalled using the PlayStation VR2’s eye-tracking feature—the Tempered Cutter, which deploys a saw blade to dismember enemy limbs, and the Astral Ballista, a high-powered chargeable bow. Additionally, eye-tracking enables sniper scopes, allowing players to aim with precision by closing one eye when near a scope.
Immersive Storytelling in the Bio-Chasm
In Arken Age, players step into the shoes of a biological alien creation, equipped with full locomotion capabilities including the ability to jump, crouch, climb, and swim freely. The game showcases the player’s full body in a first-person perspective, with all weapons physically holstered onto the character.
The adventure begins in the Celestial Custodian’s Tower, situated along the shores of the Bio-Chasm—a terraformed realm designed to harness Arkenite Energy. The realm’s creator, the Grand Arborist, has mysteriously halted the cultivation of the planet, and all attempts to contact him have been met with silence. Throughout Arken Age, players will unravel the mystery of the Grand Arborist’s disappearance, form alliances with the Nara alien race, and combat the corrupted soldiers of Hyperion’s legion. The protagonist, a blend of Nara and Hyperion technology, will discover their place in this richly detailed world.
A 15-Hour Epic Adventure
Arken Age offers a comprehensive 15-hour campaign, blending thrilling physics-based sword combat with long-range gunplay. The game features a wide array of custom VR interactions and epic boss battles, all set within the densely packed environments of the Bio-Chasm. Players have the freedom to explore and engage with the world, ensuring a deeply immersive experience.
VitruviusVR extends their gratitude to the PlayStation VR community for their unwavering support over the years. They are confident that Arken Age will be a cherished addition to the PS VR2 lineup, providing fans with countless hours of enjoyment from January 16 onward.
Conclusion
Arken Age represents a significant milestone in the realm of virtual reality gaming, capitalizing on years of experience and community feedback. With its stunning graphics, innovative gameplay mechanics, and immersive storytelling, it promises to be a standout title for the PlayStation VR2. As VR technology continues to evolve, games like Arken Age are paving the way for more engaging and realistic virtual experiences. Whether you are a seasoned VR gamer or new to the platform, Arken Age is a title worth exploring.
For more information about Arken Age and other VR titles from VitruviusVR, you can visit their official website. Join the adventure, wield your Arkenite-infused weapons, and uncover the mysteries of the Bio-Chasm in this groundbreaking VR experience.
For more Information, Refer to this article.
