Vertigo 2: Ether has a strong conclusion of the series

Vertigo 2: Into the Aether brings a robust enlargement to the PC VR hit that ends the collection with a excessive notice. Learn our full impressions.

When Zach Tsiakalis-Brown launched “Bottomless Replace” in late 2023, I used to be prepared to just accept that Vertigo 2 had run that course. I did not evaluate it myself, however my former colleague Harry put it collectively nicely. Vertigo 2 is a sport constructed on a powerful basis that furthered the collection, and the sequel provided one thing actually particular. This can be a sport I take into account to be a vital PC VR expertise.

I’ve been intrigued by the ether as that announcement turns into an understatement. Maybe finest described as an prolonged epilogue that takes about 2-3 hours to discover the aftermath of the tip of the primary sport’s “sacrifice.” You possibly can play Vertigo 2 with out breaking, however we advocate finishing the primary sport first.

I am going to hold this gentle to keep away from spoilers. With this enlargement, you’re taking part in as Brian on Cowboy’s missions to attempt to make up for what occurred earlier than. As Brian is about to free the final dwelling architect from jail, it’s a nice continuation to an already sturdy story that piqued my curiosity and balances this with an exquisite humorousness of dizziness.

There are 4 chapters in Into the Aether, however more often than not is spent solely on one which leaps fairly closely in direction of Metroidvania-style gameplay. Earlier than you there’s a remaining boss you can at all times attempt, however doing so results in predictable occasions, even the simplest and most tough. To defeat them, you will want some instruments that can assist you in your journey. All of those are scattered all through this unusual maze.

Actually, I wrestle to seek out the “proper path” first, and the open-ended development of the ether signifies that I can attain the best territory on the improper time. For example, I ran up stairs for all times, set hearth from the underside sniper, barely survived, however once I reached my vacation spot I used to be in good well being sufficient to accumulate essential artifacts. As I attempted to go away, I spotted that I used to be most likely not going to be right here but, having died repeatedly.

That is the place you steadily get on new instruments in Ether, as you do not have the identical weapons as the primary sport. Most notably, the “void grappler” that adheres to most surfaces and might swing round like Spider-Man. Persevering with to swing round a set goal will enhance your velocity, so in case you are vulnerable to motion and getting sick, we advocate taking note of a snug setting.

Aerial exploration by way of Void Grappler is undoubtedly the largest new characteristic right here, and getting it proper requires apply. Some areas are protected by sand glass challenges as they’ve restricted time to achieve regular sealed rooms and declare prizes, and failing these missions can result in lengthy journeys. In these rings, offering helpful rewards in these rings will not be gated solely behind such challenges, however these essential objects scale back injury and enhance assault energy. So pay totally.

One other essential merchandise is a brand new defensive possibility referred to as “void deleter” that deflects incoming assaults at exact timing. Or, in different phrases, one thing I ought to have picked up earlier than foolishly attempting to go these snipers. The timing wanted looks like a pleasing stability that isn’t too strict or beneficiant. This serves the twin goal of gathering vitality for counterattacks with particular weapons.

What you may see right here looks like a welcome change of tempo, a welcome extension of Dizziness 2’s gameplay. Etheric fight is as satisfying as the bottom sport, and the dealing with of weapons stays improbable, and I really feel compelled to completely discover this unusual new place and uncover all its hidden secrets and techniques.

That was earlier than we even entered the presentation. This new surroundings strikes a particular visible tone that mixes nearly monochromatic aesthetics with shades of crimson, making a quiet, unsettling sensation whereas exploring, even in case you are not scared. I say that Ether performs the host of some fascinating environmental puzzle options, even when the grotesque but creatively designed creatures lurk in each lifeless or alive.

For many who are significantly within the story, the quick story illustrated as “Keep from the Ether” is a good digital bonus included within the DLC. It is not important to learn this earlier than diving into the sport, however including new idea artwork and extra data akin to maps and reviews on the ether is actually a lot appreciated.

It is unhappy that that is the tip of the road after an extended journey from dizziness to etheric remaster. Tsiakalis-Brown calls this “remaining entry within the Vertigo collection,” and he hopes “wish to make it particular.” The brand new mechanism feels nice. Whereas it’s visually distinctive, aesthetically interesting, there’s a lot to like in regards to the new Metroidvania fashion gameplay. Frankly, I could not search a greater conclusion.

Vertigo 2 is at the moment out there on Steamvr, however will arrive at Ether for $9.99 on April twenty fifth. Subsequent week we’ll be airing pre-recorded streams on Zach Tsiakalis-Brown and increasing most of our YouTube channel, so you should definitely tune them.

Vertigo 2 Overview: A Artistic and interesting Steam VR Expertise

Vertigo 2 at all times delivers a artistic and undeniably participating PC VR expertise.