Smash Drums rocks on PSVR 2, but the Quest version holds its own
One of the most popular VR drumming rhythm games is released today for PlayStation VR 2, and there are some important differences compared to the Quest version.
I tried Smash Drums a year ago on Meta Quest 3 and loved it, especially for its mixed reality mode.
Today marks the release of the PlayStation VR 2 version, for which the developers have gone all out. The port makes use of foveated rendering, headset haptics, and adaptive triggers, and runs natively at 120 frames per second. The studio has also delivered improved graphics with more detailed environments, real-time lighting, and new effects such as heat haze and dynamic shadows.
Another unique feature of the PSVR 2 version is the ability to record your avatar from an external view while playing.
Three game modes and up to 93 Songs
The core gameplay remains unchanged. The PSVR 2 version still features the Arcade, Classic, and Fusion game modes. What sets them apart?
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Arcade Mode: Drums and cymbals fly toward you, similar to Beat Saber. You simply hit them as they arrive. This mode is ideal for beginners.
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Classic Mode: A virtual drum kit sits in front of you, accompanied by a note highway reminiscent of Rock Band. This mode is more immersive and better suited for experienced players.
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Fusion Mode: Combining the best of both Arcade and Classic, this mode displays a drum kit in front of you while also showing outlines of incoming drums and cymbals. This makes it easy to see exactly where and when to strike.
My favorite mode was Fusion, as it combines the immersion of a virtual drum kit with the simplicity of Arcade mode. If you just want to practice, you can select practice mode.
With five levels of difficulty, there is enough of a challenge for every level of experience.
Smash Drums is available in a standard and premium edition.
- The standard edition contains 58 songs (see Spotify playlist) and costs $20.
- You can also buy song packs for $6 each. They each contain five rock classics.
- In addition to the standard songs, the premium edition contains all 35 songs in the song packs (see Spotify playlist), for a total of 93 songs. It costs $55.
Which version is right for you: Meta Quest or PSVR 2?
The studio has clearly put great effort into porting Smash Drums to PlayStation VR2.
The gameplay is as great as ever, and it looks even better visually than on the Quest. However, the environments and visual effects in both versions seem like gimmicks rather than meaningful enhancements to the core gameplay. While Smash Drums may look sharper on PSVR 2, that alone isn’t a compelling reason for me to choose this version. Honestly, I wouldn't mind if the game were presented in a much simpler style.
I actually preferred the mixed reality mode on the Meta Quest 3. It forgoes the flashy environments and most of the effects. Having the drums appear in the middle of my apartment also makes them feel more tangible and real. If you prefer MR to VR, the Quest version is the better choice, since the PSVR 2 doesn't offer anything comparable.
It’s also worth noting that the PSVR 2 version lacks the online multiplayer mode (co-op and versus). According to the developers, this feature was rarely used. On PSVR 2, you can only compete with other players and friends via the leaderboards.
Finally, some information on graphics and performance. Smash Drums offers two graphics modes on PSVR 2:
- Performance: 120 FPS, medium resolution, lower effect quality
- Fidelity: 90 FPS, high resolution, high effect quality
If you own a PS5 Pro, you have access to the following graphics settings:
- Performance: 120 FPS, high to very high resolution, medium effect quality
- Fidelity: 120 FPS, high resolution, high effect quality
Smash Drums is coming today to the Playstation Store and is still available in the Horizon Store for Meta Quest.
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