Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 77 | 14 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 82% | 76 | 526 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 85% | 79 | 281 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Jun 21, 2024) · 255 reviews sampled · 281 total reviews in window · weighted 71.8 up / 12.5 down · computed 4h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (13)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 70
“However, despite this, Kayak VR: Mirage is still a great showcase for the tech, and will certainly be one of the first titles you dig out for your friends to try. There may not be a lot to it, but we can't deny the tranquil experience it offers.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Leaning on the power of PS5, Kayak VR: Mirage is filled with wonderful locations to visit around the world and explore with paddle in hand. It looks stunning and makes for a great way to demo PSVR 2 or VR in general, but personally, I was left wanting something a little more.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Overall, Kayak VR: Mirage is a beautiful game that manages to create a kayaking simulator that feels like you’re actually paddling through scenic locations. Not only is it a peaceful way to relax, but your arms will certainly get a workout the longer you play. While the game might be a little light on content at the moment, that is sure to improve as the devs continue to support it post-launch.”
read full review ↗ - 89
“Kayak IS an experience more than a "game". For those willing to acknowledge that this is essentially an incredibly well-made, fully fleshed-out tech demo and it's a day-one PSVR2 title with ever so slight teething character: you will have an absolute blast!”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Kayak VR: Mirage is a wonderful and immersive experience that really showcases just how good the PlayStation VR 2 headset is. The paddling mechanics are satisfyingly realistic, the environments you explore are jaw-dropping, whilst there’s even a competitive element in place for those who want a bit more action from the experience. Best of all? It’s very accessible, making it perfect to show off just how good your PlayStation VR 2 headset is to non-gaming friends and family.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Kayak VR: Mirage is a must-play for anyone starting out with a PSVR 2. Although it isn't really a game as such, it will show you everything that Sony's latest device is capable of, and it does it in such a beautiful way. It's the best way to wind down after a stressful day, so why not?”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Kayak VR: Mirage is one of the best graphics ever seen in VR. It's a great title to relax and enjoy the scenery. However, there are few locations and the race mode can be quite stressful.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“With its relaxed nautical paddling beats, accurate kayak physics and photorealistic locations, Kayak VR: Mirage is my go-to PSVR2 game after a particularly stressful day or as a palette cleanser after playing more intense PSVR2 titles. Though its content offering could be broader, the simple fact remains that Kayak VR: Mirage effortlessly commends itself as one of the highlights of the PSVR2 launch line-up and is a VR experience that everybody should play.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Beautiful locales and a valiant attempt at gamifying kayaking can't mask the fact that Kayak VR: Mirage will be rough water for some players.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“A fantastic launch title for the PlayStation 5’s VR venture, Kayak VR: Mirage showcases the strengths of Sony’s hardware and the potential of virtual tourism.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Kayak VR: Mirage is a testament to the power of the PlayStation VR2 and a showcase for those who want to show their friends and family what VR is all about. While more of an experience than a full-fledged game, Kayak VR manages to provide a gorgeous, realistic, memorable, and relaxing experience which accurately mimics real kayaking and is almost certain to make you begin plans for your next vacation.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Experience Kayaking in some beautiful locations from the safety of your home.”
read full review ↗
Push Square
TheSixthAxis
Try Hard Guides
GBAtemp
Use a Potion
GINX TV
PSX Brasil
PlayStation Universe
Gaming Nexus
Goomba Stomp
GamingTrend
Impulsegamer…and 1 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- v2.2.2: Prepare for upcoming DLC and minor bugsMay 27, 2025
- v2.2.1: Minor bugsSep 18, 2024
- v2.0.3: Minor bugsJul 2, 2024
- v2.0.2: Multiplayer announcement, soca valley hotfixes, telemetry supportJun 21, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- v1.1.1: 8k textures in King’s Canyon and a crash reporterSep 28, 2022significant · resets scoring window
- v1.1: Dreaming of a full water polo mode and a lot of quality of life fixesAug 4, 2022significant · resets scoring window