There are many games which, despite all their flaws, are considered perfect and timeless among a select group of fans. Such titles are usually referred to as cult classics. Rez is one such game. For the as yet uninitiated, Rez was originally released for Japanese Dreamcast’s in 2001 with an American release taking place once the game was ported to the PS2 that next year. It’s long lasting fan base led to the game being ported to the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Marketplace in 2008.
What makes the game so special is both its concept and execution. Rez is an on-rails shooter where you are flying through a technicolored cyberspace. You are a digital avatar controlled by a hacker who is attempting to reach the AI who controls this network before it can shut itself down. To get there you have to shoot through any viruses or firewalls that happen to be in your way, and there is the key point of this game. Instead of having the usual explosion and bullet or laser sounds happen when you fire on an enemy, you instead create musical beats. And as the levels progress you are responsible for creating much, if not all of the music, just by playing the game. It is a very rewarding and unique experience.
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Just recently, at the Play Station Experience, it was announced that Rez will be coming to both the PS4 and to the PlayStation VR Headset. This new version is going to be called Rez Infinite and will run in 1080p and at 60 FPS (120 FPS and 3d audio will accompany the VR version).
Part of this game’s gimmick is an attempt to give you synesthesia (which is the blending of two or more of your senses). This was something the developers were very much into and so to that end you could purchase a “Trance Vibrator” with your Japanese copy of the original game. It is exactly what it sounds like. It would seem that the developers are still just as interested in providing unique vibration based experiences with Rez, as the game’s lead creator, Tetsuya Mizuguchi, went on stage to present it in a specially designed vibrating game suit.
Are you excited for this new iteration of a cult classic? Are you as curious to see if they will make this vibrating game suit commercially available as I am? Let us hear about it in the comments below.
