REVIEW: Max Mustard (PS VR2)

The VR gaming space has seen a slew of innovative titles, and Max Mustard from developer Toast Interactive is one that aims to leave a lasting mark. Originally released on the Meta Quest platform earlier this year, Max Mustard arrives on PS VR2 with several enhancements that elevate both its visual and gameplay experience. But does this VR platformer live up to its potential on Sony’s VR headset? Let’s break it down.

Story

The story is straightforward: the planet Krunch is in peril, and it falls to inventor Max Mustard to step up and save it. Max uncovers a sinister plot led by a villain named Stubbins, who has been capturing adorable creatures called Mudpups and selling them.

Equipped with her trusty jet boots, Max embarks on a platforming adventure across various levels to rescue as many Mudpups as possible. While the plot doesn’t dive deep into complex storytelling, Max Mustard smartly puts the focus on delivering engaging, fun gameplay instead of getting bogged down with narrative details.

Gameplay

At its core, Max Mustard is a third-person platformer, utilising VR’s immersive nature to give players a unique perspective on the action. The platforming elements are finely tuned, with a variety of puzzles, obstacle courses, and environmental challenges that gradually increase in complexity. The use of PS VR2’s headset and Sense controllers enhances the physicality of the game—whether it’s reaching out to manipulate objects in the world or using Max’s abilities to jump across treacherous platforms.

The game’s VR implementation excels, especially when it comes to offering depth and perspective. Unlike traditional platformers, Max Mustard cleverly uses VR’s spatial awareness. For example, you might lean in to get a better view of the environment, or turn around to spot hidden collectibles that are off the beaten path. It’s a level of interactivity that only VR can deliver, making each level feel like a miniature diorama that players can explore from various angles.

The controls are responsive and fluid, taking advantage of the haptic feedback in the PS VR2’s Sense controllers. Every jump, punch, or object interaction feels satisfying and grounded in the virtual world, which is crucial for a platformer. The game also introduces a range of abilities and gadgets as you progress, keeping the platforming dynamic and engaging.

However, while the platforming mechanics are tight, some players may find the difficulty curve a bit uneven. Earlier levels ease players in with simple challenges, but later stages can spike in difficulty, sometimes requiring pinpoint precision in movement and timing. This isn’t necessarily a negative, but it could be frustrating for less experienced players, especially considering the immersion VR adds to failure and repetition.

Visuals

Visually, Max Mustard truly shines on the PS VR2, thanks in large part to the enhanced hardware compared to the Meta Quest version. The game takes full advantage of the PS VR2’s 4K OLED panels and HDR functionality, delivering vivid colours and rich contrast that pop in every environment. Textures are significantly upgraded, with detailed environments that look far more crisp and refined than on Meta Quest. Whether it’s the vibrant fields of the starting areas or the darker, more atmospheric caves of later levels, the PS5’s processing power allows the world of Max Mustard to feel alive and immersive.

Animations are smooth and natural, with Max’s movements feeling more lifelike on the PS VR2. The frame rate holds steady, offering a smooth experience even during more intense action sequences. The game maintains a whimsical, cartoonish art style, but the leap in fidelity makes the PS VR2 version feel more polished and visually appealing than its Meta Quest counterpart.

Conclusion

Max Mustard on the PS VR2 is a testament to how VR platformers can evolve when paired with high-end hardware. The game’s fun and immersive gameplay is bolstered by the PS VR2’s advanced features, delivering an experience that feels fresh even if you’ve played the Meta Quest version. The upgraded visuals, fluid animations, and enhanced sense of depth and scale make the PS VR2 version the definitive way to play Max Mustard.

While the game’s difficulty can be uneven at times, its charming story, well-designed platforming mechanics, and delightful world-building more than make up for any shortcomings. Toast Interactive has successfully crafted a VR experience that will resonate with both newcomers to VR and platformer veterans alike.

For those looking for a fun, family-friendly VR title that pushes the boundaries of what a platformer can do in virtual reality, Max Mustard is a solid recommendation. It’s not only a great addition to the PS VR2 line-up but a showcase of what’s possible when a game fully leverages the potential of VR hardware. If you’re a fan of the genre or just want a vibrant, immersive world to get lost in, Max Mustard is worth your time.

Max Mustard (PS VR2) Pricing & Availability

Max Mustard is available today, October 3rd, on PS Vr2 via the PlayStation Store for €26.99. It is also available on Meta Quest headsets.