Horizon Call of the Mountain

Sony needed a system-seller for their PlayStation VR2, and Horizon: Call of the Mountain is it. Scale, interactivity, haptics, and satisfying combat that matches the main games makes for a must-have for anyone picking up Sony’s newest hardware.

Horizon Call of the Mountain has set a new benchmark for VR games. Rather than trying to shoehorn classic game mechanics into the VR format, Guerrilla Games and Firesprite have rebuilt the likes of combat and climbing from scratch to result in a wonderfully immersive experience. This is one of the absolute best VR games I’ve ever played, and is a must-have purchase for anyone who buys a PlayStation VR 2 headset.

It should be pretty obvious by now if you’re taking the plunge and picking up a PlayStation VR2, Horizon: Call of the Mountain is a must have launch game. It could do a couple of things better, though overall it’s an impressive, well-rounded showcase of the technology and yet another solid adventure in the Horizon universe worth taking.

Horizon Call of the Mountain isn't quite the game I expected and gameplay-wise it wouldn't be as engaging on a screen, but as a VR game it's a must-have experience and so much more than a simple tech demo. This tastes like more!

Horizon: Call of the Mountain is the single best VR game I’ve played and shows exactly what the PSVR2 is capable of. It has its glitches, some of the climbing can go a bit wonky at points and the general gist of the game never wavers too far from climb, shoot arrows at baddie, craft a bit, climb, etc. But as developers get used to the tech things should only improve. And for now we have a wow game at launch for the new device.

Horizon Call of the Mountain is an amazing title to test the potential of PS VR2. The immersion that the game achieves thanks to its setting and its graphical level is incredible. In addition, the mechanics that it incorporates, such as climbing or the use of the bow, make you enjoy from home and feel inside each battle. A game that generates very positive sensations and that is not satisfied with being a technical demo, but rather aspires to be a weighty game, being even more ambitious on occasions than the installments we know of in some of its areas.

Horizon Call of the Mountain is an ideal showcase for what PlayStation VR 2 can do. Stunning PS5-powered vistas and a great blend of intuitive climbing and combat make this a must-play game for anyone picking up the next generation headset.

Horizon Call of the Mountain is not only a showcase of PS VR2 capabilities, but also a great adventure. Open world of this well-known brand has been transferred to virtual reality in a successful and highly imaginative way.

Horizon Call of the Mountain is a touch of magic, bringing the Horizon world to life in first person on PSVR 2. It's stunning, captivating, and never loses sight of what made Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West so special.

Horizon: Call of the Mountain is nothing less than one of the best VR games so far and a fantastic start title for PlayStation VR2. The visuals are just amazing, the gameplay is very dynamic and gets in top form especially during the spectacular fights. It is not a perfect game in any aspect, a VR high flyer close to the quality Valve has delivered with Half-Life: Alyx.

Call of the Mountain succeeds where so many other ambitious VR projects stumble for one reason — it keeps it simple. Core mechanics like traversal and combat have a generous margin of error, and can be customized extensively depending on your appetite (or lack thereof) for a challenge. This keeps the focus on immersion and exploration, rather than fiddling with finicky button inputs and timing.

Despite its linear nature, Horizon Call of the Mountain remains a truly stellar showcase of the PSVR2's capabilities. From the retina-searing 4K HDR visuals that are generously bleeding with detail and fidelity, through to the deft use of haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in the PSVR2 Sense controllers which ensure that players are utterly immersed in the climbing, exploration and combat within its world, Horizon Call of the Mountain is a highly enjoyable action adventure that fans of both the series and great VR games in general can effortlessly enjoy.

Call of the Mountain's intensely beautiful visuals and well-developed main gameplay systems make it a meaty virtual reality experience that's absolutely a must-own for anyone who picks up PSVR 2.

Horizon: Call of the Mountain cuts the starting tape of PS VR2 with a beautiful game, conceived as a showcase of the advanced features of Sony's new virtual reality system and, at the same time, to honor an already famous post-apocalyptic world in a new perspective and loved. Perhaps it is not the killer application that some were waiting for, this role could fall to Resident Evil Village VR, compared to an exploratory and pure entertainment component that often takes over, but the result is still unmissable for those who love the world of Horizon and faces for the first time on PlayStation VR 2.

Overall, this is an excellent first foray for Sony with the PSVR2. Hopefully, this game is but a first step into AAA VR Games for PSVR2. If Sony adopts a policy of including VR Modes for all their First Party AAA Games, aka hybrid gaming, gamers are in for awesome times ahead.

Horizon Call of the Mountain totally delivers on being the flag ship experience of the PlayStation VR2. Sony is presenting a full game that no only demonstrates the technical capabilities of their new VR Headset, it shows how developers can create new mechanics and language only possible through virtual reality.

Horizon Call of the Mountain is an excellent technical showcase of the PlayStation VR2. It is a must-have for everyone who wants the headset. Fantastic graphics, incredible interaction with the environment and a functional combat in VR. The only downsides are in the simple story and the lack of some extras, because after the campaign is done, there is not much to do.

A VR game with gorgeous environmental view that brings out the performance of PS VR2 to the limit. While the eye-catching, fascinating scenery that represent Horizon Series is highly immersive, feeling for overall gameplay centered on climbing action can be different by one's taste.

If it doesn't revolutionize the VR experiences mixing exploration, combat and narration, Horizon Call of the Mountain offers one of the most beautiful executions of all the best VR games have brought in recent years. From its movements to its action phases, Firesprite's title knows how to make itself interesting: the fights are precise and demanding, the climbing phases are well done and the graphic quality is crazy for an experience on this support: what more could you ask for?

Horizon Call of the Mountain takes players on a fun adventure throughout a breathtaking world, showcasing some of the best graphics you'll find anywhere in VR. Beyond the epic vistas, the game's smaller details—like rich foliage, an array of climbing gadgets, and interactive props—make Call of the Mountain a very immersive game. It's a joy to see the sci-fi beasts of the Horizon world up close in VR, and their excellent animations and sound effects make them thoroughly believable. While combat could be a bit more fluid and climbing could have more interesting challenges, as a whole the game offers up a satisfying dose of VR native gameplay. Beyond the great environmental art, Call of the Mountain's characters are also impressively rendered, though unfortunately they're not involved or developed enough to make them memorable.

Horizon Call of the Mountain is exactly the killer app that the PlayStation VR2 needed to really sell the promise of its hardware and feature set, even with a couple of stumbles. Clever VR spins on the series' staple gameplay systems, a compelling campaign, ridiculous production values, decent replay value and a genuine sense of wonder make it essential playing for absolutely anyone picking up Sony's next-generation VR headset.

If you wondered what it's like to be Aloy From previous Horizon games, Horizon VR Call of the Mountain makes it a reality in a virtual world that incorporates the immersive Playstation VR2’s features and a super exciting adventure in an amazing package.

The arena battles get monotonous after a while, but the thrilling climbs through the best VR settings yet make Horizon Call of the Mountain a must-have for PSVR2.

Horizon Call of the Mountain is the first major PS VR2 exclusive, and it does its job to show off the possibilities of the new headset, from the spectacular, crisp graphics to the new controller functions. It especially shines in combat against the machines, although at times it feels a somewhat corseted experience.

An all-new Horizon experience that, with the help of the powerful PSVR 2, will transport you directly into this unique world full of mechanical animals, with never more opportunities to interact in one solid-length adventure for a VR title.

Feeling every bit like a AAA game set in the Horizon universe, Call of the Mountain is an immersive and visually impressive experience that falters somewhat in the combat department.

That's clearly how Call of the Mountain has been designed: as a technical showcase first and foremost, pushing visual fidelity further that we're used to seeing in this medium, and taking players on a tour of some of its most tried-and-tested mechanics. Taken as such, this is an all but essential companion to PSVR2. As for whether it's enough to convince people to adopt the technology in the first place? Well, that might prove a steeper mountain to climb. [Issue#383, p.114]

Horizon Call of the Mountain is a really good VR experience. It looks great, controls well, and the free-climbing concept is well executed. It’s a nice adaptation of the Horizon world into VR. It’s a shame the experience isn’t a bit meatier; it would have done well with a more fleshed-out combat system in particular. Still, the fact that I didn’t want to stop playing, even as my arms began to ache, is a sure sign that this is a fun experience. It’s maybe not a must-have system seller, but anyone who invests in a PSVR 2 would should give Horizon Call of the Mountain a playthrough.

While the VR Horizon is targeted mainly at the fans of the series, I believe others too will enjoy the game’s large world, great close encounters with machines, fun archery, and a number of other activities that highlight PS VR2’s capabilities.

Barebones combat doesn’t get in the way of the genuinely interesting clambering to be had throughout the story. Just be careful your arms don’t get sore. [Issue#25, p.64]

Horizon: Call of the Mountain is the most beautiful game available for VR these days. It brings some great new elements but could've leveled up a bit better in other game aspects.

Horizon Call of the Mountain is both a climbing simulator and a great demo of what the PlayStation VR2 can do. It will definitely make you sweat a lot, but it's worth it in the end. Seeing Aloy and the Horizon universe in VR is an amazing experience. We just wish there were more boss fights, because they're awesome.

A perfect showcase of Sony’s new VR headset. Call of the Mountain is a linear exhibition of all of Horizon’s greatest hits. And it’s especially great for fans of rock climbing!

Horizon Call of the Mountain has value in the sheer fact that it puts you behind the eyes of a character in the Horizon universe that’s not Aloy. Taking in the beauty around me at all times was a treat in this game and I liked the interactivity Guerrilla and Firesprite implemented in this experience. I liked bonking drums and throwing pottery around as much as I liked assembling fire arrows and shooting them into a machine’s opticals. I wish the game didn’t rely so much on climbing, but even in that, it provides a pretty intense and immersive experience. The game isn’t without hiccups, and it won’t give you the same vast freedom the mainline games do, but Horizon Call of the Mountain is still a breathtaking VR adventure, a fun side chapter in Horizon lore, and a great kickoff to the PS VR2’s original lineup of games.

Horizon Call of the Mountain is a fantastic showcase of what an action game can be in VR with its intense battles that will try their best to outwit and exhaust you. The climbing segments can go on a little too long but they're varied and enjoyable enough to hold your attention. In the end, I can't wait to see what happens next with action-adventure VR games.

Horizon Call of the Mountain is the definition of a day one hardware title.

After a good seven hours, you reach the end. Short for a game that will be on sale at full price, but long enough for an already exhausting VR adventure. At times, Horizon Call of the Mountain feels like a technical demo meant to show what the PS VR2 can do. But as a very first game, the result is promising, and does bode well for what the PS VR2 will bring in the coming months and years.

Horizon: Call of the Mountain certainly doesn't reinvent the VR wheel, but it convinces with a fantastic presentation, an unparalleled attention to detail, and great moments that literally transport the player into this impressive world. Horizon fans in particular should not miss this experience.

Horizon Call of the Mountain is easily one of the best options you have for PS VR2 during the launch window. This is a highly immersive virtual reality game that allows players to return to a dystopian future filled with robotic dinosaurs. The game features stunningly designed biomes, and players must navigate and climb mountains while fighting off enemies with a bow and arrow. However, the game lacks significant challenges and relies more on creating a sense of wonder and amazement for players. Despite this, Horizon Call of the Mountain is a must-play for those seeking an immersive and thrilling VR experience.

A must-buy for any PlayStation VR2 early adopter, the new spin-off in the Horizon saga offers a linear yet unique experience focused on climbing, fighting big Machines, and exploring a gorgeous world.

Horizon Call of the Mountain is a great entry point to understand most of the capabilities of PS VR 2.

Call of the Mountain is a good game to showcase PlayStationVR 2, and allows us to enjoy Horizon’s universe like never before.

Horizon: Call of the Mountain does not move any proverbial mountains, but it remains a strong technical showcase for what the PlayStation VR2 can do. In a world where AAA VR titles don’t appear too often, it’s in an exclusive club of unmissable VR experiences that you should definitely pick up.

Horizon: Call of the Mountain is a virtual reality game with an ordinary and "basic" gameplay formula when compared to the action adventures that make up the main saga. The difference, however, lies in the technology supporting the innovative features of PlayStation VR2, which enrich the sense of immersion thanks to excellent management of physics and movement sensors. All of this is enriched by a breathtaking visual frame that easily exploits the computing power of PlayStation 5 and that loudly thunders the gigantic production scope of an unmissable launch exclusive for PSVR2 owners.

If you’re picking up a PSVR 2 headset and want a game to show off what it’s capable of, Horizon Call of the Mountain is it. The visuals are astounding, and the gameplay – while a little slow to start – soon becomes captivating. Climbing is tiring but rewarding, while doing battle with mechanical monstrosities has never felt more involving. Add in loads of neat interactions and activities to be enjoyed along the way, and you have a game that not only expands the world of Horizon, but also makes us excited for what’s to come thanks to PSVR 2.

Horizon Call of the Mountain is a great launch title with impressive tech shown off at every corner, only let down by some of the climbing.

Call of The Mountain is far from being a big challenge in VR, but a great journey into the Horizon universe. Even if the lifespan is a little low, the sensations are excellent, and we will be ready to stack up for the next call.

Horizon Call of the Mountain sets the bar high for PlayStation's biggest franchises adapted to VR with stellar visuals, engaging gameplay, and jaw-dropping moments.

Horizon: Call of the Mountain is an interesting experience that shows the potential of PS VR2 extremely well. Despite so, its combat system is way more intriguing and compelling than its exploration based on climbing – and yes, you can expect to climb a lot here.

Horizon Call of the Mountain is mainly a showcase of Sony's new virtual reality headset. This shows that the PS VR2 is technically the best VR headset currently available. And yes, the PS5 can keep up with all of that just fine. In terms of gameplay, it mainly feels like a 'greatest hits' of previous VR games, but merged into a beautiful, seven-hour package. The battles against the immense machines are among the highlights. And while the climbing works well, there's just a little too much of it.

Horizon: Call of The Mountain is a showcase of the technologies of the new VR headset PSVR 2. And while technologically and audiovisually the game is captivating, the gameplay is relatively ordinary. Climbing itself will even soon become a stereotype.

An impressive visual and interactive experience, especially for VR novices, but the gameplay is too linear and shallow.

Horizon Call of the Mountain is a spectacular game but, at the same time, it does nothing to surprise the player. The climbing is solid and realistic but it starts to tire too early and the combat is fun but soon enough becomes repetitive. In the end, this is a good game but we were hoping to see something more from Guerrilla to show what VR should be in 2023.

Even though your arms will tire of using pickaxes and rope thingies to climb up some truly imposing cliffsides and mountains, Horizon Call of the Mountain never loses its sense of scale, wonder, and sheer beauty.

An intricate and rewarding VR climbing adventure held back by an easily forgettable story, Call of the Mountain succeeds in showing off the PSVR2’s best features but fails to leverage Horizon’s storied past.

Horizon Call of the Mountain might get lost in its own exploration with less series-defining action, but makes a strong PSVR 2 launch title that looks as great as it feels. In the process, Horizon fans finally get an immersive version of the Sundom only VR can deliver.

Horizon: Call of the Mountain is the best looking VR game to date, benefiting from the beautiful world previously created by Guerrila Games. The climbing sections provide a beautiful scenery, but lose their lustre through repetition, and leave you wishing for more combat sections, which despite being on-rails, manage to have good tactical depth. All in all, it seems to be more of a tech demo than a AAA title, but it is a very good experience for those who want to return to this universe and take their first steps in Virtual Reality.

Technically impressive spin-off with stunning vistas, solid rock-climbing mechanics and entertaining fights using bow and arrow. It plays it a bit too safe and hardly showcases some of the capabilities specific to PlayStation VR2, but does make it easy getting to terms with VR for less experienced players.

Horizon Call of the Mountain’s exciting highs elevate it just enough above its often monotonous climbing mechanics to create a fun first blockbuster entry into the PS VR 2 library.

Call of the Mountain has wonderful elements to it, and it lands the most important part - the physical experience of climbing - perfectly. Trailers and even my own video capture don't quite convey the speed and agility you feel while scrambling. Unfortunately, other parts of the game are too thin, with the inability to wander back the way you came and the constant stop-start nature of its thin narrative working against its own appeal. With some fresh ideas, huge scope, and clever adaptation of an existing property without relying on a simple remake, Horizon Call of the Mountain is an important game for VR. However, I'm not sure it's a great one.

The ongoing refrain of "familiar done well" is the defining quality of Call of the Mountain. There's nothing revolutionary in the game that moves VR gaming forward and it doesn't do anything unexpected, so it ends up being exactly what it looks like: a well-made Horizon game in VR that has good climbing and shooting, as well as pretty environments to look at. As a showcase of what can be done with the PSVR 2, it more than handily serves its purpose.

Horizon Call of the Mountain is a gorgeous game that makes a good showcase for PS VR2, only hampered slightly by its predefined limited systems for exploration and combat.

Horizon Call of the Mountain showcases Sony's shiny new hardware very well taking you on an entertaining and varied romp through the lesser known parts of the Horizon universe, but it isn't a system seller.

Horizon Call of the Mountain is not without its flaws, but it’s hard to imagine a better showcase of PSVR2’s potential than this. The core climbing gameplay is impressively executed, and it evolves just enough over the course of the campaign to remain fulfilling. We’re not a huge fan of the combat, and the plot is practically impenetrable unless you’re a franchise die-hard, but these niggles don’t necessarily deter from the overall satisfaction you’ll feel as you scale rock-faces several hundred meters into the sky.

Horizon Call of the Mountain is a good showcase piece for PlayStation VR2. It is the game to use if you want to show off your new technology to friends and family. There is even an unlockable mode perfect for this, which is a passive journey on a canoe through a robot-infested jungle. What holds the game back tremendously, though, is Call of the Mountain's overreliance on climbing. The smaller parts of the game, fighting robots, making items, and looking around, are highlights. Pulling yourself up a mountain isn’t, and that’s where you spend most of the approximately six hour experience.

As a feat of technical artistry, it’s impressive, sleek, and often breathtaking. But as you’re dangling off a cliff edge, taking a breather from endless, repetitive mountain climbing, you’ll find yourself wondering whether novelty is really enough to justify such a loosely-tied journey. While the experience is impressive in fits and starts, Horizon Call of the Mountain ultimately feels like a puzzle with several pieces missing.

While this offers fans a literally alternate perspective into a universe that many really love (myself included) and is a fantastic as a tool to show off the PSVR2, it lacks depth as an actual game. Challenge and balance are overloaded with tedious climbing sequences and not enough of the fun stuff.

Horizon Call of the Mountain works as an impressive PSVR2 tech showcase, but overambitious ideas make it less appealing as an action-adventure game.

It’s undoubtedly the most spectacular VR game I’ve ever played, it’s got plenty of cool gameplay moments that show off the controllers, and it’s a full-on game to play through, but it’s also a bit tedious at times, and boring at others.