PlayStation VR2’s launch is fast approaching, and it’ll be bringing a whole new wave of stunning, wholly immersive experiences to the PlayStation ecosystem. Among the most anticipated launch-window titles is Horizon Call of the Mountain, an all-new adventure set in the world of Horizon. As you become Ryas, a disgraced soldier seeking a path to redemption, you’ll experience the beautiful landscapes and fearsome machines of Horizon like never before. Guerilla and co-developer Firesprite have specially crafted this PlayStation VR2-exclusive adventure to showcase PlayStation VR2’s features.

We talked with several members of the development teams at Guerrilla and Firesprite to learn about the processes and challenges of creating Call of the Mountain’s vast VR world, as well as what players can expect from this spectacular launch title.

Haptic feedback and headset feedback immerses you in the world:

Alex Barnes, Associate Game Director at Firesprite, was chomping at the bit to integrate PS VR2 features into the game in a big way. “The PS VR2 Sense controllers and headset haptic feedback have been integral for us in building a world that feels alive around you in PS VR2,” he says.“From feeling the weight of an enormous Thunderjaw slam down beside you to the building tension as you pull back a bowstring to unleash an arrow, the state-of-the-art haptics allows us to show what it feels like to be fully immersed in the world of Horizon. This is a whole new medium to give feedback to the player in VR that feels incredibly rewarding.”

Seeing players and their reactions to all the big and small events is particularly satisfying to Barnes. “It’s always special seeing people react to moments like the sensation of a Stormbird’s wings beating as it flies by,” he adds.

Redesigning machines for a new POV:

Since you see the action from the eyes of Ryas, the developers had to make some adjustments to Horizon’s famous mechanical terrors. “The team wanted to ensure that the impressive machines were elevated to new heights in Horizon Call of the Mountain,” notes Richard Oud, Studio Animation Director at Guerrilla. “When seeing them up close, they feel even more imposing and realistic thanks to the added sense of scale. This level of immersion, achieved by the virtual reality space, brings each machine to life in a way players haven’t experienced before.”

Because of the first-person, all-surrounding point of view, the models and animations for several machines had to be re-adjusted, Oud explains.“The VR headset allows for a more detailed and interactive experience and for players to see the machines from new angles. A lot of work went into redesigning the combat and animations to allow for this. And even more attention has been put into readability during combat to make sure the attacks and behavior of machines are clear from a new perspective. Players can now use their physical movements to strafe around, aim, and shoot, adding an extra level of realism and action to the battles.”

What it’s like working with a new composer to create a new soundscape:

As Guerilla’s Audio Director Bastian Seelbach describes, making new audio that fits the mood and style of the Horizon series fo

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