With a new Walkabout Mini Golf course as well as Basketball and Virtual Kingdoms, we’re checking out a trio of new releases for the Meta Quest.
Walkabout Mini Golf: Mount Olympus DLC review (Quest)
Mighty Coconut’s Walkabout Mini Golf continues its streak of quality DLC courses with Mount Olympus, another visually striking addition that brings players to the domain of the Greek gods. As with previous expansions like Gardens of Babylon and Atlantis, this course leans into mythology, offering an immersive setting that feels grand and majestic. The course design makes great use of ancient Greek architecture, featuring detailed temples and towering statues that (in VR) add to the sense of scale. And while the daytime course provides a scenic take on Mount Olympus, the harder nighttime variant swaps in a stormy, cloud-filled sky that enhances the challenge.
Gameplay-wise, Mount Olympus doesn’t introduce radically new mechanics, but it demands precision and mastery of Walkabout Mini Golf’s existing physics. The course layout is well thought out, with players needing to rely on skillful bank shots and careful putts rather than gimmicky obstacles. For those looking for additional challenges, the Foxhunt mode requires players to either be familiar with Greek mythology or carefully observe the course design to solve the puzzles. The hidden balls can be particularly difficult to spot this time around, which is nice for fans of this mode.
One of Mount Olympus’ standout elements is its atmosphere. The soundtrack complements the setting well, enhancing the mythological feel without becoming overpowering. The attention to detail in the course’s aesthetic makes it one of the most visually refined additions to the game, although mist-covered areas push the boundaries of what’s possible without sacrificing performance – especially on the Quest 2.
Mount Olympus is another solid entry in Walkabout Mini Golf’s growing lineup, even if the course plays things a little safe in terms of innovation. Much like El Dorado and Around the World in 80 Days, it delivers a strong thematic experience but doesn’t push the boundaries of gameplay mechanics like some packs do. That said, for fans of mythology and well-crafted VR environments, it’s an easy recommendation – especially at the budget-friendly price that Walkabout Mini Golf’s expansions are known for.
Basketball review (Quest)
The plainly-titled Basketball on Meta Quest delivers an immersive take on the sport, offering both casual and competitive experiences in virtual reality. This means you can try shooting in solo training or dive into full 5v5 matches, with the game putting the sense of being on the court in a VR environment. The physics feel responsive, with dunks and free throws providing a decent sense of impact. And while the mechanics are approachable enough for newcomers, advanced players can challenge themselves with precise throwing and strategic passing. However, the game’s overall design lacks polish in some areas, with moments where movement feels sluggish and gameplay flow is disrupted.
The controls make good use of VR tracking, allowing for natural-feeling shots and passes. Features like haptic feedback enhance the sense of realism, making ball-handling more engaging. However, the transition between players in 5v5 matches can feel confusing at first, requiring some adjustment. The AI-controlled teammates and opponents add depth to the experience, though they can be unpredictable at times. And while the multiplayer component is there, some players may find certain aspects of the experience too chaotic, especially without clear tutorials guiding them through certain mechanics.
Visually, Basketball does enough to create a convincing court atmosphere, though the overall presentation isn’t as polished as some might expect NBA 2K in VR, this is not. Special effects and customization options add a bit of personality, but they won’t appeal to everyone. The audio design complements the gameplay well, with commentary adding to the immersion without becoming overbearing. Still, the game could benefit from refinements in both its aesthetic presentation and sound design to make the experience feel more cohesive and rounded.
For VR sports fans, Basketball provides an entertaining way to experience the game in a virtual setting. The mix of arcade-style fun and skill-based mechanics makes it an engaging option for both casual and serious players. However, its unpolished elements, including occasional sluggishness and design inconsistencies, hold it back from being a top-tier VR sports title. With updates and refinements, it has the potential to be a standout experience, but in its current form, it’s an enjoyable, if somewhat flawed, take on basketball in VR that has an ‘early access’ feel to it.
Virtual Kingdoms review (Quest)
Virtual Kingdoms brings real-time strategy to VR, letting players command armies from a first-person perspective. With multiple maps featuring varied terrain, the game encourages strategic positioning and resource management. Battles unfold in real time, with players directing troops, gathering materials, and constructing key buildings to strengthen their forces. The level of immersion is impressive and translates familiar concept to VR quite well, but newcomers may find the learning curve a bit steep. While a tutorial is available, it overlooks certain mechanics, such as the importance of villagers in unlocking treasures, making early matches challenging due to trial and error.
The movement system offers flexibility, allowing players to walk, fly, or teleport across the battlefield. Speed settings let users adjust pacing, which is useful for managing large-scale battles or issuing precise commands. However, some settings can feel unbalanced, and turning the speed up too high can make gameplay feel chaotic, while slowing it down too much might drag out engagements. These options help cater to different playstyles, but you have to play around with them to see what works for you.
Visually, the game succeeds in capturing the feel of classic strategy games, with detailed unit designs, varied landscapes, and atmospheric lighting effects. The inclusion of siege weaponry like catapults and fire arrows adds excitement to combat, making large-scale clashes more dynamic. However, enemy AI can sometimes be unpredictable, adding an element of surprise but also making battles feel inconsistent at times.
For VR strategy fans, Virtual Kingdoms is an exciting step toward bringing the genre into an immersive space. The mix of real-time tactics, resource management, and large-scale battles offers a compelling experience, despite some rough edges. While it may take some adjustment, those willing to invest time will find a rewarding, deep strategy experience that makes good use of VR.
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