Arizona Sunshine® 2

Developer: Vertigo Games
Release: Dec 7th 2023
Platforms:
Action
Adventure
Addictive
Immersive
Cooperative
Buggy
Clunky
Arizona Sunshine® 2 Poster

" Immersive VR action-adventure with satisfying gunplay and unique dog companion but clunky mechanics "

Arizona Sunshine® 2 Review

Arizona Sunshine® 2 offers an engaging VR zombie shooter experience with a mix of arcade-style gameplay and immersive mechanics. Players appreciate the satisfying gunplay, responsive controls, and the enjoyable campaign, which ranks highly among VR shooters. The inclusion of a loyal dog companion adds a unique, therapeutic touch to the game. However, some players find the mechanics clunky and unintuitive, requiring adjustments like disabling realistic reload and enabling snap-back weapons to improve playability. Respawn checkpoints and crafting systems have been criticized for poor placement, leading to frustrating repetition during horde encounters. The game features a lively protagonist with humorous chatter, which some find entertaining while others find distracting. Technical glitches such as disappearing hands and animation issues also detract from the experience. Overall, the game excels in cooperative play and offers a solid lengthier campaign compared to its predecessor, but it could benefit from more polish and refined quality-of-life improvements.

Highlights

Players praise the game's smooth and satisfying gunplay mechanics, including realistic reloads and audio feedback. The campaign is engaging and immersive, with a well-paced story that motivates progression through levels. The dog companion is a standout feature, providing a unique and enjoyable interaction. Graphics are generally considered good, enhancing the VR experience. Cooperative multiplayer mode is highly recommended for added fun and replayability. The game successfully balances arcade-style action with atmospheric tension, making it a top VR shooter for many users.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include clunky and unintuitive mechanics that require players to adjust settings for better control. Checkpoints are poorly placed, causing frustration during difficult horde encounters due to repeated crafting. Technical issues such as disappearing hands, VR camera jumps, and animation bugs disrupt immersion. The shared glove slots limit inventory management, and melee weapon handling lacks convenience. Some players find the protagonist's chatter repetitive and distracting. Additionally, the game is considered too short by some, with limited depth beyond its arcade shooter formula, and the price may not justify the content for all players.

Pros

  • Satisfying and responsive gunplay with realistic reload mechanics and audio feedback.
  • Engaging campaign that ranks among the best VR zombie shooter experiences.
  • Unique and therapeutic dog companion adds emotional depth to gameplay.
  • Good graphics that enhance the immersive VR environment.
  • Cooperative multiplayer mode is fun and highly recommended.
  • Arcade-style action balanced with atmospheric tension keeps players engaged.
  • Protagonist’s humorous chatter adds personality and occasional levity.

Cons

  • Clunky and unintuitive mechanics require disabling features for better playability.
  • Poorly placed checkpoints cause frustrating repetition during horde encounters.
  • Technical issues like disappearing hands and animation bugs disrupt immersion.
  • Shared glove slots limit inventory management and item usage.
  • Melee weapon handling is inconvenient and restricts quick reloading.
  • Protagonist’s chatter can be repetitive and distracting for some players.
  • Short campaign length may not justify full price for all users.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

It's time to say hello to your old pal, Fred. Arizona Sunshine® 2, the next-gen sequel to the fan-favorite VR apocalypse, packs even more gore-geous zombie action! And what's better than braving the end of the f*cking world alone? Surviving it with your new best friend--Buddy.

Release Date Dec 7th 2023
Publisher Vertigo Games
Developer Vertigo Games
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (1,130)
84% Positive 16% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
80