I think we’ve come to a point where we can admit that rhythm games have had their spotlight. The revival of Rock Band or Guitar Hero has come and gone and whimpered out. So when I heard that Thumper was going to be a rhythm-based game, I had some reservations about it. Thumper is an on-rails adventure that requires the player to time their button presses to the beat of the music. It’s not that simple, though, either as each level gets a difficulty bump and creates new worlds as you work your way to the end.
Using the DualSense, you are in control of a chrome-plated beetle that must thump its way through an intense series of levels, this all culminates with a boss battle at the end, and well, those are some of the craziest encounters you’ll have with the excellent haptics making a big splash.
Thumper is coming to #PS5 and #PSVR2 with new features.
🪲VR mode: 4K HDR visuals
🪲2D mode: 4K at 120Hz
🪲3D spatialized audio
🪲DualSense controller and headset hapticsComing February 22nd.#PlayStation pic.twitter.com/B3V0Nr4S0M
— THUMPER (@ThumperGame) January 22, 2023
Thumper’s got a visual bump
So what’s been updated for the jump to PSVR2? Mostly the visuals have been given a major upgrade with 4K HDR support being added. If you forego the VR mode, the standard version also receives a visual boost with up to 120hz of support.
The controls are simple with Thumper; you have only to worry about the X button. As you work your way through Thumper VR, which is being marketed as a “rhythm violence game,” you’ll soon find the groove needed to survive this hellish landscape. As you get further in, your skills are put to the test and soon you’ll have yourself crashing into a barrier trying to get through the obstacles thrown at you.
What makes this experience so entertaining is the excellent soundtrack you have working its way through your body. Your survival depends on how well you can track the beat of the music, as the intensity ramps up, so does your task of being perfect along the course. You’ll have moments of brilliance as you complete a perfect run and other times when the course ahead is brutal and unrelenting. It is one of those rare games where repeating the same section isn’t frustrating but a learning lesson.
Boss battles in Thumper VR are probably what taught me the most about the gameplay. Each boss has you timing your rhythm to a series of chords, they get tougher every time. This sends a blast of energy to your enemy and damages them. If you miss your timing, the series of chords reset until you nail the sequencing of the chords. The bosses are massive and intimidating, by the way, it’s something I didn’t expect to see, each one becoming more outlandish.
A great thing about the premise is that it is a one-button title that is easy to pick up but tough to master. Music is your key to survival and a lot of the mechanics will prompt you to note the incoming notes to ensure you’re able to keep up. One wrong move will send you back and you’ll want to avoid crashing into any barriers along the way.
Verdict
Thumper VR is something special. It’s easy to pick up and hard to master type of game. It is also a dark and twisted fantasy that works. While the game is recommended to be played with a VR headset, it isn’t necessary but I do agree that the headset is much more enjoyable; this game shouldn’t be missed because of that. There’s something here no one should miss.
[The publisher provided us with a copy of the game for review purposes.]
Reviewed on: PSVR2
