Sugar Mess – Let’s Play Jolly Battle, published by JollyCo for the Meta Quest, is a lively arcade first-person shooter designed to entertain and be accessible – despite a ‘hard mode’ recently being added. The game transports players to the enchanting Sugar Kingdom, where they’ll fend off waves of quirky, confectionery enemies that shatter into pieces upon impact. We’re checking it out and exploring the various facets of the game, from its charming premise to its engaging gameplay mechanics.
The narrative of Sugar Mess – Let’s Play Jolly Battle is set in a colorful, candy-coated world that feels like a fairy tale come to life. Players follow the story of the Sugar Prince as he battles a mysterious enemy, navigating through levels filled with sweet surprises and sugary adversaries. The light-hearted and whimsical story is perfectly suited for younger audiences, while still providing enough charm and humor to keep older players engaged.
Gameplay in Sugar Mess is a blend of fast-paced shooting action and diverse activities that mix things up. Players wield a variety of weapons that grow stronger with use, offering a satisfying sense of progression. The game also features special items that grant temporary advantages, adding strategic depth to the action. Boss battles are a highlight, requiring players to identify and exploit weaknesses, which adds an element of puzzle-solving to the combat – at least on your initial attempts. Additionally, the game includes other activities such as puzzle-solving, vehicle rides, and musical performances, ensuring that the gameplay remains varied and engaging.
One of the standout features of Sugar Mess is its Nightmare mode, which presents a more challenging experience for seasoned players. This mode ramps up the difficulty with more aggressive enemies and tougher levels, providing a satisfying challenge for those looking to test their skills. There’s a serious difficulty spike in Nightmare mode compared to the rest of the game, but those looking for more of a challenge will welcome it.
The controls on the Meta Quest are generally responsive and intuitive, making it easy for players of all ages to jump in and start having fun. The game’s user interface is clean and accessible, although there are occasional moments where the control scheme can feel a bit clunky during more hectic sequences. Despite these minor issues, the overall control experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Visually, Sugar Mess – Let’s Play Jolly Battle is a delight to watch. The game’s bright, colorful graphics and whimsical character designs create a welcoming and immersive world. Each level is packed with little details that bring the Sugar Kingdom to life, from the candy-themed landscapes to the amusingly designed enemies. The audio complements the visuals well, with a cheerful soundtrack and playful sound effects that lean into the game’s light-hearted atmosphere.
But while Sugar Mess excels in many areas, it is not without its flaws. The narrative, though charming, can feel somewhat shallow and simplistic, which may limit its appeal for older players looking for a deeper story – although the game isn’t pretending to be anything else than it is either. Additionally, the variety of activities can sometimes make the game feel a bit disjointed and ‘random’. However, these issues are relatively minor and do not significantly detract from the overall fun and engaging experience that the game offers.
In conclusion, Sugar Mess – Let’s Play Jolly Battle is a solid but not groundbreaking addition to the Meta Quest library, offering a colorful and entertaining experience that is sure to appeal to players of different ages looking for lighthearted fun. Its combination of fast-paced shooting action, varied activities, and charming visuals makes it worth a look, despite its minor flaws.
Score 7.0/10
Press Play Media 