From the moment players are thrust into the shattered surface of a war-torn Earth, the PS VR2 version of Of Lies and Rain sets a tone of bleak grandeur. Castello Inc has designed the game as a VR-exclusive first-person shooter driven by narrative, and in many ways that ambition is clearly evident. The story places you, a memory-wiped survivor, against the rogue AI A.D.E. after two decades of conflict and hiding beneath the planet’s crust. The intertwining of real-world ruins and a digitised “Data World” gives the narrative a layered feel, embracing both post-apocalyptic grit and abstract sci-fi reach. That atmosphere remains strong, though some narrative beats feel familiar rather than groundbreaking.
Gameplay attempts a hybrid approach. On one side you explore decaying tunnels, abandoned labs and the overgrown wreckage of civilization, scavenging, upgrading and fighting mechanical foes. On the other you enter the Data World, where vertical manoeuvres and surreal geometry open up different physics and traversal. That dual-realm concept is one of the stronger design moves: the shift from grounded shooting sections into more frenetic aerial grappling feels fresh and keeps the experience from stagnating. Combat and exploration merge reasonably well – weapon upgrades via collectible “GPU” cubes give a sense of progression and reward curiosity. However, some mechanics feel underdeveloped. The relative lack of melee options, for example, seems a missed opportunity given the physics-rich environment. The toxic rain sequences and gas-mask timers, intended for tension, instead feel a bit pneumatic – adding interruption rather than meaningful challenge in certain segments. Navigation sometimes lacks clarity and checkpoint consistency is variable, which can frustrate momentum.
Controls translate to VR capably on PSVR2: smooth locomotion and snap-turning are supported, and the immersion benefit of PSVR2’s tracking and haptics gives a solid foundation. The virtual weapon-wheel system works, though the absence of a hip-holster mechanic is felt by those who prefer deeper tactile interaction. On the PSVR2 version one hopes the button/hand-interaction transitions are tighter and load times smoother, but the legacy of Early Access on other platforms suggests that full polish may not yet be achieved.
In terms of visuals and audio the game presents a strong show. Certain environmental set-pieces, such decayed metro stations overgrown with crimson crystal growths and looming tower that mark the game’s climax, create memorable moments, and the sound design often punches above what the visuals deliver. Ambient engine hums, distant machine scuttles, and weather-driven auditory layers contribute to immersion. The Data World sequences shine more than some of the real-world zones in terms of visual ambition because of their more abstract nature, but even there the mismatch in fidelity between environments can distract.
Audio performance is a relative strong point. The voice acting is serviceable, and the ambient and enemy cues help deliver a tense atmosphere. The rain-and-weather sequences, while somewhat divisive for their design (forcing gas-mask usage etc), do illustrate the game’s commitment to environmental audio as a storytelling tool. Yet the audio mix can sometimes feel quiet in some areas or too loud in others, so players may want to check or customise their audio settings.
Overall, PSVR2 players discovering Of Lies and Rain will find an ambitious VR title from a small studio with clear strengths in world-building, dual-realm mechanics, and immersive audio-design. The game’s narrative scaffolding and moment-to-moment engagement hold up well, especially if approaching with measured expectations. It remains unfinished in polish, with some mechanical and visual rough edges likely carried over into this version (given its Early Access roots across other platforms). If one is drawn to VR-first person shooters that emphasise atmosphere and story, this is a worthy pick – but if high-end visual fidelity or deeply refined mechanics are your priority, the title may sometimes fall short of its own aspirations. Castello Inc has built a solid foundation; for PSVR2 players willing to embrace its ambition and tolerate the rough edges, Of Lies and Rain delivers a haunting, immersive journey.
This is an evocative, VR-native shooter that accomplishes much of what it sets out to do. Strong world-shifts and audio immersion stand out as highlight; while some visual inconsistencies can also be seen. On PSVR2 it represents a compelling experience with room to grow – and one worth exploring if you believe in VR’s cinematic potential.
Score: 7.7/10
Press Play Media 