We’re a little over a week away from the launch of Playstation VR, Sony’s virtual reality headset for the Playstation 4. Sega has announced that their support of the peripheral will begin on launch day, as Hatsune Miku: VR Future Live is set to release on October 13th. For those who can’t get enough of the green-haired vocaloid, this news should serve as a welcome surprise; the game will allow players to get closer to Miku than ever before by putting them right in the middle of her dazzling concerts.
More than a simple cinematic experience, Hatsune Miku: VR Future Live doubles as a rhythm game, much like the recently-released Hatsune Miku: Project Diva X. By pressing buttons to the beat with the PS4 controller, players can unlock Easter eggs throughout Miku’s performance, culminating in a one-on-one encore.
Hatsune Miku: VR Future Live will release in three “Stages,” each priced at $14.99. Stage 1, launching on October 13th, includes the following seven tracks:
• Love Trial by 40mP
• 1/6 – out of the gravity – by noa
• Satisfaction by kz
• Weekender Girl by kz & Hachioji P
• 39 by DECO*27 & sasakure.UK
• Cute Medley – Idol Sounds by Mitchie M
• Love Song by Lamaze-P
For those willing to pay a little more up front, a Season Pass including all three Stages will be available for $39.99– a $5 discount compared to buying the packsindividually. Stages 2 and 3 do not yet have release dates.
The release of this title raises some fascinating possibilities for the future of Playstation VR. Hatsune Miku’s vocal stylings may not be to everyone’s taste, but the appeal of a virtual concert is nearly universal. Imagine being able to watch your favorite band perform live without ever leaving the comfort of your living room. VR could be used not to replace the “authentic” concert experience, but to replicate it for those who face challenges with mobility, travel, anxiety, or any other impediment to their ability to attend in person. With the right recording technology, Sony could potentially expand Playstation VR into a platform for virtual entertainment that goes beyond gaming. Of course, gaming is its primary focus, and one I’d not want to see neglected in favour of non-interactive media, but it’s still interesting to think about. We truly are taking the first steps into a new age of entertainment.
What sort of experiences would you like to see from Playstation VR? Let us know in the comments below.
