I just wrapped up Red Matter 2, and I have a lot to say. After loving the original Red Matter, which was one of my favorite VR titles on Quest, I had high hopes for this sequel. The developers at Vertical Robot promised it would set a new benchmark for visuals on Quest, and from the trailers alone, I could already feel the excitement building. So I jumped in as soon as I could—and now that I’ve finished it, here’s my take. While it’s a VR-exclusive experience and not on PlayStation, its visual quality and immersive storytelling rival some of the Best PS5 games, proving just how far VR has come in delivering console-quality experiences.
A Deep Dive into the World of Red Matter
Red Matter 2 builds on the alternate Cold War-inspired setting introduced in the first game. In this version of the future, the power struggle is between two fictional nations: the Atlantic Union (similar to NATO) and Volgravia (clearly inspired by the USSR).
As you explore the game’s environments, you’ll see a lot of visual nods to Soviet Russia—posters, uniforms, symbols, even how characters talk.
It’s clear the developers paid great attention to atmosphere. Even the writing looks like it’s in Russian Cyrillic at first glance, but a closer look reveals it’s all made-up—just convincing enough to set the mood for Western players like me. This type of detail adds a lot of personality to the world and pulls you into its cold, mysterious vibe.
Puzzles, Puzzles Everywhere
If you’ve played the first Red Matter, you’ll feel right at home here. And even if you haven’t, don’t worry—Red Matter 2 works fine as a standalone title. That said, returning players will have a better grasp of the story and how the puzzles work.
This sequel is, at its core, a puzzle-based adventure. You progress by solving a variety of challenges in different rooms. Think of it like an interactive series of escape rooms. Typically, you’ll enter a space, figure out how to open a door or activate a system, and move forward to the next challenge.
What I liked most is that the areas are never too big. You usually have access to just a few rooms at a time, so you know the answer is nearby. This linear structure keeps the experience smooth and stops you from running in circles or backtracking too much. I genuinely appreciated this choice—it keeps the focus on solving puzzles instead of wandering aimlessly.
Variety Keeps It Fresh
The puzzle design in Red Matter 2 is one of its strongest points. There’s a surprising amount of variation. Sometimes you’re simply searching for a hidden tool or entrance, like crawling through an air vent. Other times you have to figure out the order of a sequence, unlock safes with hidden codes, hack machinery through mini-challenges, or control drones to complete tasks.
Each puzzle type feels unique, so you’re constantly thinking and experimenting. This attention to design made the experience both challenging and rewarding. It’s not a game where once you learn one trick, it works for every puzzle. No—every new room asks for a different approach, and it kept me fully engaged from start to finish.
New Mechanics: Jetpacks and Combat
Unlike the first game, Red Matter 2 adds platforming and combat into the mix. With the addition of a jetpack, you can now float or jump across platforms. It’s not just about jumping; you need to manage your fuel, plan your landing, and sometimes take an indirect route to reach your goal.
These sections are well-balanced—not too long, and not too punishing when you make a mistake. I fell a few times, sure, but respawning was quick and smooth. By the end, I was zooming around like a pro, and it was really satisfying.
Then there’s the combat… and here’s where things got a little shaky.
The shooting sections involve taking cover, firing a few rounds, then reloading and hiding again. Unfortunately, it feels repetitive pretty quickly. The enemies don’t move much, and you just trade bullets with them from behind cover. On top of that, the robots have weak spots you need to hit, which would be fine—if your gun didn’t feel like it had the aim of a stormtrooper.
Combat was my least favorite part. It didn’t ruin the game, but it definitely slowed down the pace in a way that felt unnecessary. For a puzzle-driven experience, it felt out of place.
A Slightly Slow Burn
There were also moments when the game felt slower than it needed to be. Especially near the end, you go through several rooms where not much happens. You’re mostly reading notes and solving very simple puzzles, which breaks the rhythm. It’s not a huge flaw, but trimming down some of those final sequences would have helped with pacing.
Stunning Attention to Detail
One thing I have to highlight is how interactive the world feels. Just like some of the best online games, you can pick up, touch, move, and examine almost everything. This adds a layer of realism that really elevates the experience. Whether you’re flipping switches, turning valves, or reading in-world letters, everything feels like it belongs.
It reminded me of those classic Board Games where every piece has a purpose and detail matters. The care the developers put into this level of interactivity deserves a big thumbs-up.
Visuals and Atmosphere
Graphically, Red Matter 2 is stunning—especially for a VR title. The lighting, shadows, textures, and environmental effects are top-tier. Vertical Robot truly pushed the limits of what’s possible in standalone VR. If you’re coming from playing high-quality online games or big-budget titles, this still holds up surprisingly well.
From cold steel corridors to dusty moon bases, the visuals do more than just look good—they help tell the story. Every room, hallway, or outpost feels like it has a history, and exploring it never gets old.
Where It Stands Among the Best PS5 Games
Now, you might be wondering—does Red Matter 2 belong on the list of the best PS5 games? While it originally launched for Quest and PCVR, if this makes its way to PS VR2 (or if you’re using PS Remote Play or similar), it easily earns a place among the best PS5 games that focus on thoughtful gameplay and narrative immersion.
Its rich world, clever puzzles, and strong production quality make it stand out in a sea of action-heavy titles. It offers something slower, more cerebral, and more satisfying for players who love solving problems over endless shooting.
Final Thoughts
Red Matter 2 is a beautiful, immersive, and deeply thoughtful sequel. It brings back what fans loved from the first entry and adds new layers of gameplay to keep things fresh. While not perfect—thanks to its clunky combat and occasional slow moments—it’s still an experience I’d happily recommend.
For anyone into puzzles, storytelling, and stylish atmosphere, this game deserves your attention. It’s a great addition to the lineup of thoughtful, slower-paced entries among the best PS5 games, especially if you enjoy exploring detailed environments and cracking codes.
Whether you’re a hardcore VR fan, a casual puzzle lover, or just someone looking for a break from fast-paced shooters, Red Matter 2 delivers a solid, well-crafted adventure that proves great design doesn’t always need to be flashy. Sometimes, it just needs to be smart.
