Rez Infinite

A refreshed version of the cult-classic rhythm game from 2001. The new edition, developed by Enhance Games studio lead by Tetsuya Mizuguchi, has been adapted to make use of virtual reality goggles, but a traditional gameplay is also available.

developer: Monstars

publisher: Enhance Games

Official website

Game mode: single player

game release date:

13Oct2016

PS4

09Aug2017

Videos 3 Images 17 Series

Rez Infinite for PS4 and PC is the new version of Rez, an arcade rhythm game created by Tetsuya Mizuguchi. The re-edition has been developed with PlayStation Virtual Reality set in mind. The original game has been published in 2001, and was released for PlayStation 2 and SEGA Dreamcast – consoles popular of that time. In 2008, Xbox Live received a re-edition of the game, called Rez HD. Rez Infinite, released for PS4 and PC, is an effect of cooperation between Enhance Games and Monstars.

Plot

The story takes place in an undefined future, where an advanced AI called Eden functions as a mighty database of all existing technologies. When the system core malfunctioned as a result of data overload, it is necessary to remove the defect as soon as possible. The problem is that this task requires entering the 3D cyberspace, hacking the source codes, and waging a battle against the computer AI – a task that only the bravest and most experienced heroes can handle.

Mechanics

The gameplay of Rez Infinite can be described as a mix of a music game and a rail shooter. During the game, we travel along predetermined paths, and our task is to mark and shoot down appearing objects, which then explode in the rhythm of music, emitting additional sound effects. The main idea of the game is to create an effect of synesthesia, which involves the simultaneous perception of auditory, visual, and motion stimuli.

In comparison to the 2001 version, Rez Infinite offers the full content of the original, while including a completely new location called Area X.

Technical aspects

Rez Infinite, released for PS4 and PC was designed mainly to work with PlayStation VR set. Nevertheless, a traditional playthrough is also possible. The visuals have been influenced by works of Russian painter, Wassily Kandinsky, one of the co-creators and main representatives of abstractionism. When it comes to graphics, new edition of Rez clearly alludes to the original title from 2001, but obviously introduces new textures and overall quality that is fitting with contemporary standards. The title runs in native 1080p at 60 frames per second (120 fps in VR version), and includes a new 3D soundtrack in 7.1 Dolby Surround system.