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I am not the type of person who buys a new console on release day. It doesn't matter how big the hype, I prefer to wait at least a year to see whether it takes off. However, there was one noteable exception to my patient approach to new tech when the PSVR helmet came out. Being a child of the Eighties, and having grown up watching movies like The Terminator and The Lawnmower Man, this was one new gadget that really felt like an artefact of The Future.

And so, shortly after the release date of PSVR, I spent an enjoyable Christmas playing Here They Lie, Super Stardust VR and, of course, Resident Evil: Biohazard. However, there weren't a lot of PSVR titles that offered good 'replay' value. Once I'd played through each of them, I tended to buy another one rather than replay the ones I had.

But Synth Riders has broken that cycle. This is one fantastic game. One that is not only incredibly addictive, but can also already be picked up for pocket money prices (9.99 at time of writing).

Synth Riders is a rhythm game, played (only) with the VR Move controllers, and which seems to tap directly into that Future which the 1980s' movies envisaged. The premise is simple. You take a controller in each hand and you 'bat away' the blue and red orbs that sail towards you. Each successful strike results in your being awarded a number of points, which accumulate towards a high score.

The 'Synth' of the title refers to the music which is, for the most part, synthesized electro-pop, as popularised by groups like the Pet Shop Boys. It's not just batting tennis racquet style either. Long notes introduce a long 'rail' upon which you initially position the Move controller and then glide along it as it snakes and curls into intricate patterns. You'll need to keep an eye open for sudden, unexpected orbs of one colour appearing where you're used to orbs of the other, resulting in furious arm crossing and recrossing. All of it syncs perfectly to the relentless beat of the accompanying music making for a totally immersive experience.

There are also three additional features: green orbs, yellow orbs and wall obstacles. Whilst red orbs must be hit with the left controller, and blue with the right, green ones can be hit with any controller but, on being hit, necessitate that same controller needing to be used on all subsequent green ones. Yellow ones must be hit with both controllers simultaneously and result in you taking a position rather like a golfer about to tee off, as you frantically balance to not break the streak. Finally wall obstacles just need you to ensure you step either to the side, or duck, to avoid a score penalty.

If it sounds simplistic, that's because it is. But don't let this simplicity fool you. Playing on one of the higher difficulty levels requires some serious concentration. The game will kick you out if you miss too many orbs in a row and, because it is super-responsive to even the slightest hand movement, you'll really have only your slow reactions to blame.

I really cannot find a lot to criticize about Synth Riders. As far as VR goes, it's almost my dream game. It has a pervasive sense of happiness and joy flowing through its core, and the graphics, sound and playability feel practically unsurpassable. I have played it for hours already but still feel that it will continue to tempt me back.

So, if you're looking for a reason to dust off that VR helmet, and immerse yourself in the future we dreamed of in the Eighties, then Synth Riders should be considered a must buy.