Max Mustard Meta Quest 3 Review

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Fast Facts

Max Mustard

Developer: Toast Interactive
Publisher: Toast Interactive
Website: https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/5269080709783454/
Genre(s): Action, Adventure
Platform: Meta Quest
Age Rating: Everyone 10+
Release Date: 21/03/2024
Price: £22.99

A code was provided for review purposes

If Astrobot and Mario made a VR game

Max Mustard boasts a vibrant visual style reminiscent of classic 3D platformers, with bright and well-defined environments that evoke a sense of nostalgia for players familiar with the genre. The game’s art direction effectively captures the whimsical essence of platforming adventures from the late ’90s, creating a colorful and engaging world for players to explore. From lush, verdant landscapes to treacherous obstacle courses, each level is meticulously crafted with attention to detail, enhancing the overall immersion.

Despite the visual appeal, Max herself lacks the small interactions and details that foster a deeper connection with players. While she may glance at the player during idle moments, her demeanor feels somewhat lifeless, lacking the charm and personality exhibited by iconic platforming characters like Quill or Astrobot. This disconnect prevents players from fully investing in Max’s journey, detracting slightly from an otherwise visually captivating experience.

A simple platformer with a simpler story

Max Mustard doesn’t heavily rely on narrative, instead prioritizing gameplay and level design to drive the experience forward. The game’s minimal story setup effectively sidesteps the need for a complex plot, allowing players to focus on the joy of platforming mechanics and environmental challenges. While some players may appreciate a more robust narrative, Max Mustard demonstrates that engaging gameplay can stand on its own without extensive storytelling.

The absence of a detailed backstory or character development doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the game, as players are immersed in a world filled with inventive obstacles and creative level design. By forgoing unnecessary exposition, Max Mustard ensures that players can quickly jump into the action and experience the thrill of navigating through a series of increasingly challenging levels.

Challenging even the best platforming skills

Max Mustard offers a solid 3D platforming experience with intuitive controls and buoyant mechanics that harken back to the genre’s classics. Players are tasked with guiding Max through a series of bespoke levels filled with enemies, environmental hazards, and cleverly designed obstacles. While enemy variety may be lacking, the focus on environmental challenges ensures that each level feels fresh and engaging.

The introduction of first-person interactions adds a layer of novelty to the gameplay, allowing players to engage with the environment in new and unexpected ways. However, these segments can sometimes feel forced and disconnected from the overall platforming experience. Despite this minor drawback, Max Mustard excels in delivering a satisfying and enjoyable gameplay experience that will delight fans of the genre.

Variety packed levels and worlds to explore

Max Mustard‘s level variation and functional design contribute to a deeply immersive experience that draws players into its charming world. From bouncing across platforms to navigating treacherous traps, each level presents unique challenges that keep players fully engaged. While first-person interactions are limited, the game’s bright and colorful art style, coupled with solid level design, ensures that players remain immersed throughout their adventure.

Despite occasional limitations in first-person gameplay, Max Mustard successfully creates a sense of presence and immersion that is essential for a VR platformer. Whether players are exploring vibrant landscapes or dodging environmental hazards, the game’s cohesive design and engaging mechanics ensure a captivating experience from start to finish.

Unlocking possibilities to play differently

Max Mustard provides a comfortable gameplay experience, with gentle camera movements and minimal forced motion that are unlikely to cause discomfort for players. The decision to include snap turning as a purchasable upgrade may seem unnecessary, but it ensures accessibility for all players, including those prone to motion sickness. While there are moments of forced motion in one-off events, they are brief and unlikely to trigger motion sickness in susceptible users.

Overall, Max Mustard maintains a high level of comfort throughout its gameplay experience, making it suitable for players of all experience levels. Whether players are new to VR or seasoned veterans, they can enjoy the game without fear of discomfort or motion-induced nausea. With its thoughtful approach to comfort settings, Max Mustard ensures that players can focus on the fun of platforming without distraction.

Unlocking possibilities to play differently

Max Mustard delivers a nostalgic yet refreshing take on the 3D platformer genre, offering hours of enjoyable gameplay for players of all ages. While it may not revolutionize gameplay mechanics, its solid execution and engaging level design ensure a delightful experience from start to finish. The game’s nostalgic charm is evident in its vibrant visuals and whimsical level design, which pay homage to classic platformers while adding a modern twist. Players will find themselves immersed in a colorful world filled with inventive challenges and delightful surprises, making each level a joy to explore.

Despite minor flaws in character depth and soundtrack, Max Mustard remains a charming addition to the VR platformer lineup, providing players with a whimsical adventure filled with inventive challenges and vibrant visuals. Whether players are reliving the glory days of classic platformers or discovering the genre for the first time, Max Mustard offers a satisfying journey that is sure to leave a lasting impression. With its seamless blend of nostalgia and innovation, Max Mustard captures the essence of what makes 3D platformers so beloved, delivering an experience that will resonate with players long after the game is over.

5 out of 5

5

You can buy Max Mustard for the Meta Quest 2, 3 and Pro in the Meta Store here