Risk of Rain is one memorable, ridiculously difficult action game that had its start on Steam in 2013 and is about to land on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita in 2016.
Even if at first glance the title seems just another pixelated, sidescrolling indie platformer, the truth is much harsher. Risk of Rain increases in complexity as you progress with difficulty levels, going from "Very Easy" to "HAHAHAHA."
The mind-bending, nerve-racking, strangely motivational experience comes from the fact that players only have one life. This means that if (or rather, when) you die, you must face your enemies and collect your empowering items again and again.
This is a legacy from the golden era of platform games, when titles such as Contra caused PC gamers to go through button-smashing re-replays.
The PS4 and Vita installment of Risk of Rain contains a couple of features that differ from the PC version. One of these is the automatic online matchmaking. Another is that you can enjoy your gaming experience both online and locally simultaneously. Up to two people can share the console game or couch at the same time.
Sony underlines that, thanks to the PlayStation Network, the game features automatic integrated matchmaking. A simple press of a button will place players into a lobby with three other randomly selected players. Sony makes it clear that no IP address or port forwarding is necessary to join the rumbling online fun.
Cross Play is enabled, letting Vita and PS4 owners join in the same game. An additional perk for the console version of Risk of Rain is the Cross Buy option: once you buy the title for Vita, you receive the PS4 version as well, free of charge. It works vice versa, as well: buy the PS4 game, get the Vita version for zero additional cost.
Rumors first surfaced about the porting of Risk of Rain on Sony's consoles two years ago.
Meanwhile, the company teamed up with Code Mystics and Hopoo Games to bring the PC game to PS4 and Vita in all its frustrating, exhilarating glory. Code Mystics have a strong experience in porting titles, as the Atari Vault collection shows.
Whether the game proves to be a dream or a never-ending nightmare is up to you to decide. Meanwhile, check out the gameplay trailer below and let us know what you think in the comments section.
