When the original PlayStation VR launched, it brought with it some great introductory experience to help new owners get acquainted with the system and with VR in general – after all, it was still somewhat early days for the VR gaming space we’re accustomed to now.
Conversely, the PlayStation VR2 doesn’t necessarily have the equivalent of a PlayStation VR Worlds, Batman Arkham VR or even the infamous Resident Evil Kitchen demo. It figures, given the format has matured and the audience for it now is well established, but there are absolutely still going to be early adopters out there looking for that short, self-contained experience to show their friends or family the potential of this new generation of VR for the first time. If that’s you, allow me to offer at least one immediate solution – Horizon Call of the Mountain’s Machine Safari mode.
Tucked away among the rest of what is arguably the best overall experience on the PlayStation VR2 (read our review here), Machine Safari is a bonus inclusion in the game that takes players on a five-minute canoe ride with one the game’s NPCs through a lush environment filled with a selection of Horizon’s iconic machines. Unlike the main campaign portion of the game, you’re completely safe amongst these wild machines with nothing to do but sit back, enjoy the boat ride and observe these fearsome mechanical beasts in something of a natural habitat.
You’ll come across Grazers, Watchers, Bellowbacks, Shellwalkers, Thunderjaws, Stormbirds and more on your sojourn down the river, all represented on a scale that’s unlike anything from the mainline games. As a humongous Tallneck saunters overhead and you feel the earth shake through the PS VR2 headset and Sense controllers haptics, hearing branches crack and animals scurry from every direction with the Tempest 3D Audio Tech it’s hard not be completely in awe. There’s absolutely no better showcase of what the increased graphical power of the PS5 combined with the unique and immersive features of the PS VR2 are capable of than this.
Crucially, because it’s a strictly guided tour with none of the (very fun) exploration, puzzles or combat of the core game, it’s easy to pop the PlayStation VR2 headset on a friend or family member and let them go without having to show them the ropes. Having such a jaw-dropping experience on hand that’s also comfortable and accessible for anyone who hasn’t tried a VR headset previously is a great little bonus to owning Call of the Mountain.
Also, fair warning: There’s a very slight moment of shock at the end.
How To Unlock Machine Safari In Horizon Call of the Mountain
The only slight downside to Machine Safari is that you can’t jump into it straight out of the box. Instead, you’ll need to play through the opening/onboarding sections of the main game, far enough that you’re given free reign to wander the hub area containing the mission table, training area and trophy room. Once you’re able to access it, there’s a small ship statue on the first display table in that room and interacting with it will bring you to the Machine Safari mode.
Alternatively, once you’re far enough to be able to do that, you can also jump into Machine Safari from the main menu.
Even if you’re not planning on passing the PS VR2 headset around the room at your next gathering, this is a neat little bonus that I really appreciated having access to alongside the rest of Horizon Call of the Mountain, which is already a game I would highly recommend to anyone picking up a PlayStation VR2. Luckily, it’s also available as part of a bundle with the headset itself, so if you’re thinking of purchasing one in the near future I’d definitely consider the bundle.
The PlayStation VR2 and Horizon Call of the Mountain release on February 22nd, 2023.
