An Uncompromising Survival Experience
Into the Radius is finally coming to the PSVR 2, and its about time. It is regarded as one of the best VR shooters available on PC and Quest headsets, and it has it’s reputation for a reason. But why is Into the Radius so highly regarded in the VR community.
Into the Radius isn’t a game for the faint-hearted, or for those looking for a gentle introduction to VR shooters. If you’re expecting a smooth ride, you might be in for a shock. The game has a reputation for being a bit overwhelming, especially in the early hours. But for players willing to persevere, Into the Radius transforms into a deep, immersive experience that could become one of the most rewarding survival titles in VR.
There’s no flashy intro or over-the-top tutorial to hold your hand—just you, alone, in a surreal post-apocalyptic landscape. It’s a steep learning curve, and the mechanics aren’t always intuitive at first. When I first played, I found myself fumbling through menus, unsure of what my next move should be.
But the magic of Into the Radius lies in its gradual unraveling. Once you start to understand its systems and push past the early confusion, the game opens up in unexpected ways. What initially seems like chaos becomes a deeply engaging survival experience. Every step you take, every decision you make feels crucial, as if you’re really alone in a hostile world. It’s a game where you need to earn your progress—nothing is handed to you. And that sense of accomplishment is what sets Into the Radius apart from other VR titles.
Backpacking Through the Apocalypse
One of the standout features of Into the Radius is how it handles inventory and gear management. Your backpack is the heart of the experience, and while it might seem clunky at first, it actually becomes one of the game’s most charming features. Unlike other games where inventory is neatly organized in grids or bubbles, Into the Radius lets you dump stuff into your bag however you like. It’s chaotic, sure, but also oddly satisfying.
Whether you’re scrambling to reload mid-firefight or sifting through supplies in a quiet moment, the inventory system makes you feel the weight of your decisions. Should you bring an extra flashlight? How much ammo is enough? Is there space for a gas mask or a camera? This is where Into the Radius starts to shine. If you’re someone who enjoys obsessively organizing inventory in games like Resident Evil 4, you’ll love this aspect of the game.
The base you return to after each mission is equally satisfying. You can organize shelves with ammo, gear, and supplies, and everything stays exactly where you left it. There’s a sense of ownership and personalization here that other VR survival games lack. It’s your domain, filled with the spoils of your adventures.
Weapon Maintenance: A Labor of Love
Another aspect that sets Into the Radius apart is the weapon mechanics. Guns degrade over time and will jam if you don’t maintain them properly. You’ll spend time at your workbench, spraying your gun with an off-brand version of WD-40, scrubbing it with a toothbrush, and cleaning the barrel with a rod. It sounds tedious, and in a way that is true, but it’s also incredibly immersive.
The tactile nature of this process, combined with the manual reloading of magazines and the need to keep track of every bullet, adds a layer of realism and investment that other games simply don’t offer. By the time you head out into the eerie, post-apocalyptic wilderness, you’re equipped with well-maintained weapons and a loadout that feels truly yours. It’s a satisfying experience, even if the controls aren’t as slick as they could be.
The World of the Radius: Unsettling and Weird
Now, let’s talk about the world you’re exploring. It’s creepy. Really creepy. Set in a post-apocalyptic version of Russia, Into the Radius leans hard into a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere. It’s not your typical radioactive wasteland either. Something supernatural and otherworldly has warped the landscape. You’ll encounter ghostly statues of people and unsettling shadow figures. It’s not just dangerous, it’s unnerving at every turn.
While the setting does lean on some familiar post-Soviet visuals like old trucks and crumbling warehouses, it throws in some bizarre elements like twisted train tracks spiraling into the sky. It’s a fresh take on the apocalypse, and the sparse, haunting music only adds to the atmosphere.
You’re alone out there, just you and your gear, scavenging for supplies and completing missions. The tension is real, and exploration is always equal parts stressful and rewarding. There’s always something around the corner, and the game keeps you on edge without relying too heavily on jump scares or cheap tricks. It’s all about the slow burn.
Into the Radius promises to be one of the standout titles for PSVR 2, offering a uniquely challenging and immersive survival experience. With its demanding gameplay, innovative inventory and weapon management systems, and a world that’s as unsettling as it is beautiful, this game is not just another VR title—it’s a journey into the heart of post-apocalyptic dread.
The PSVR 2’s enhanced visuals and haptics will only amplify what already makes Into the Radius special, bringing its eerie landscapes and meticulous survival mechanics to life in ways that are sure to captivate and challenge players. For those ready to embrace its intensity, Into the Radius offers a deep, rewarding experience that’s worth every moment of the journey.
Into the Radius is going to release for the PSVR 2 on September 19th.
