DOOM VFR is finally here! The game is launching for both Sony’s PlayStation VR (PSVR) and for PC VR on Steam. One of the biggest questions leading up to today is whether or not the game would include full, smooth locomotion as a movement option. On the PSVR edition of the game, which we’ve already completed for review (the campaign took us about 3 1/2 hours to finish and there is no multiplayer) and livestreamed for two hours, there are three types of movement. You can play traditionally with the DualShock 4 gamepad plus headtracking while wearing the headset, you can use the PS Move controllers with teleporting and dash movements, or you can play with the PS Aim controller peripheral with either smooth, analog stick locomotion, dash movements, or teleportation.
But if you opt for the HTC Vive version with the included Vive wands as motion controllers, which is graphically superior and features full 360-degree roomscale tracking, you lose the option of smooth, direct movement for locomotion. It’s just like playing with the PS Move controllers in that you can only dash step or teleport — that’s it. Here is the officially provided controller guide sent over to us from Bethesda directly:
The decision seems a bit baffling. The Vive wand trackpad is more than capable of translating inputs into smooth locomotion as seen in countless other VR games, so the absence of VR’s most requested movement method seems odd. Make no doubt about it though, modders will very likely create smooth locomotion hacks and mods on their own, as has happened in the past. Meanwhile, you can currently play a modded version of DOOM 3 BFG Edition with full, smooth locomotion instead if you want.
You can read our full review of the PSVR version right here (it will be updated with thoughts on the Vive version in due time.) While the review does not factor in playing on the Vive platform, the content of the game is still exactly the same on both devices. For comparison, here’s a video of gameplay using the PS Aim gun peripheral on PSVR with full, smooth locomotion:
What do you think of this news? Perhaps Bethesda will patch in smooth movement for Vive as an option. You can purchase DOOM VFR on Steam with official HTC Vive support right now for $29.99. In the meantime, let us know your thoughts down in the comments below!
