The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners has earned a reputation as one of the top virtual reality (VR) games, and with the release of its sequel, fans eagerly anticipated what was to come. However, disappointment arose when Chapter 2 was initially released exclusively on Meta Quest, despite the first chapter being available on the PSVR. Fortunately, this has since been rectified, and both chapters of The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners are now fully playable on the PSVR 2.
In addition to making the game available to a wider audience, the launch of Chapter 2 also saw improvements made to Chapter 1. The game now fully supports the PSVR 2’s main features, including haptic feedback, Sense controllers, and eye tracking, which have been innovatively integrated into the gameplay. The game’s visuals have also been enhanced, making it a refreshing new experience for PSVR 2 players. More details about the original release for PSVR can be found in our review.
Chapter 2 continues the story of the game through the eyes of the Tourist, the main protagonist. It is highly recommended to play through the first game before diving into the sequel, as it provides important context for the story. Although the sequel doesn’t bring any major gameplay innovations, it does offer new locations to explore, weapons and gear to collect, and introduces several new characters. However, one of the downsides of the sequel is that the branching storyline has been toned down. The narrative is now streamlined, and there are no major decisions that impact the story.
Set in New Orleans, the story introduces new antagonists, such as the Axeman, while the player navigates the conflict between the Tower and Reclaimed factions. The game provides a convincing depiction of a post-apocalyptic world, and for fans of the zombie genre, it offers an opportunity to fulfill their fantasies by engaging in combat with the undead. With a range of weapons at their disposal, players can dispatch zombies with ease, and stealth is also a viable option in certain situations.
The sequel places a greater emphasis on linear narrative, and while it has significantly improved the general gameplay and combat, it still feels toned down compared to the first game. Chapter 2 provides fewer opportunities for open-ended player choices, which is somewhat disappointing. However, I was impressed with how seamlessly the combat blends with the variety of weapons and interactive physics. Every attack feels like it truly connects with the enemies on screen, providing an immersive experience. While not without flaws, the game exceeds expectations for earlier generations of VR headsets. Our weapon’s movement and swing are nicely emulated by our actions on the screen.
One of the game’s standout features is its innovative UI, which provides an immersive experience that makes it feel like we are physically interacting with our weapons, diary, and healing items. This immersion is made possible thanks to the brilliant use of the Sense controller, which is difficult to replicate with other control schemes. Despite the jankiness of emulating these actions on the screen, this aspect receives a perfect score from me. Additionally, the game incorporates role-play elements, allowing players to craft items, upgrade skills, and interact with NPCs. These elements provide a much-needed shake-up to the typical VR showcase title.
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners’ difficulty can be unforgiving, leading to some frustration. Furthermore, playing for extended periods can induce motion sickness. While the controls generally work well, they don’t always perform as intended, resulting in attacks that don’t register with the same impact, which can be frustrating when dealing with enemies. The gameplay loop in the sequel also tends to be repetitive, which can be a drawback in a game that takes 10 to 12 hours to complete.
While the melee combat is hit-and-miss, the gunplay is excellent. Weapons are reloaded with pleasing animations, and each offers haptic feedback to enhance immersion. Exploring New Orleans is made fun by the variety of resources that can be found, which can be crafted into something useful. Although breakable weapons and limited stamina may appeal to some players, I did not enjoy these features. However, they do add tension to the post-apocalyptic atmosphere of the game, where resources are scarce.
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapter 2 is a notable sequel that has maintained its high quality and further improved upon its predecessor. While the game experiences some technical issues and the story may be lacking, its gameplay elements are exceptional and make it a standout title for the PSVR 2 platform. The game utilizes various features of the PSVR 2 to enhance the immersive experience, resulting in more enjoyable gameplay for all. However, it is worth noting that some players who are sensitive to motion sickness may experience some discomfort, but the game’s controls are well-implemented.
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapter 2 Game Information
- Price: $39.99
- Publisher: Skydance Interactive
- Developer: Skydance Interactive
- Platform: PSVR 2 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
