VR roundup: Umami Grove, Wall Town Wonders & Walkabout Mini Golf: Raptor Cliff’s

Time for another VR roundup! Today, we’re checking out Umami Grove, the new PSVR2 port of Wall Town Wonders and the latest course for Walkabout Mini Golf: Raptor Cliff’s.

Umami Grove review (Quest)

Umami Grove is one of those VR games that blends quirky charm with tactile interactivity in a way that feels both refreshing and oddly relaxing. You step into a colorful, semi-surreal world where the goal is less about saving the day and more about satisfying characters through cooking, problem-solving, and playful exploration. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but that works to its benefit, as every new area brings some odd task or culinary experiment that keeps the experience lighthearted yet engaging.

Mechanically, the game thrives on physical interaction. From slicing mushrooms to lobbing fish in various directions, the physics-based gameplay invites experimentation. Sometimes the results are silly, sometimes surprisingly effective, but there’s genuine joy in simply figuring things out. That said, the same physics that bring objects to life can also lead to occasional frustrations, especially when ingredients or tools don’t behave quite as intended. This can make some puzzles or cooking challenges feel a little fiddly, especially when precision matters.

Visually, Umami Grove embraces a stylized and vibrant art direction that fits well in VR, with lush natural environments and eccentric character designs. Audio is used sparingly but effectively – ambient sounds and playful character effects complement the whimsical tone without overstaying their welcome. It’s not a technically demanding game, but it delivers a charming aesthetic that feels immersive and cohesive throughout the experience.

For players looking for fast-paced action or tightly structured objectives, Umami Grove may feel too relaxed or directionless at times. But for those who enjoy casual exploration, physics-based problem-solving, and cooking experiments in a whimsical VR setting, it offers a unique and endearing experience. Whether you’re chopping ingredients, climbing trees, or simply throwing fish around, there’s always something to smile about – even if you’re still not quite how to make sense of everything you see around you.

Wall Town Wonders review (PSVR2)

With the PSVR2 release of Wall Town Wonders, Cyborn brings its cozy life sim to Sony’s headset, offering a VR twist on the classic town-building formula. Unlike the mixed reality angle from its Quest counterpart, this version is fully immersed in virtual reality – and benefits from the sharper visuals and better controls of the hardware. The basic loop is still a gentle one: build up a charming settlement, guide its residents through lighthearted quests, and spend your time decorating and expanding at a relaxing pace.

The game thrives on a slow, meditative rhythm, giving players the freedom to engage with its systems at their leisure. There’s no pressure to optimize or rush; instead, it’s all about exploring, collecting cosmetic items, and gently shaping the town into something personal. NPC interactions are quirky and pleasant, and the new dating feature adds some depth to how you build social ties between characters. The PSVR2’s hardware helps elevate the experience by giving everything a more tactile feel, from placing buildings to interacting with objects in the world.

That said, the gameplay structure can sometimes feel overly relaxed – almost to a fault. The quests are endearing but simple, and the moment-to-moment gameplay doesn’t always offer much variety. While the customization is extensive, the loop of collect-decorate-repeat can feel repetitive over time. Still, for players looking for something more peaceful than the usual VR fare, that might be exactly the point.

Visually, Wall Town Wonders shines with vibrant and detailed environments that really pop on PSVR2, and the charming sound design further reinforces the relaxed tone. There’s nothing flashy or intense here – just a feel-good world you can gradually make your own. It may not be for thrill-seekers, but if you’re after something wholesome and creatively rewarding in VR, this town might be worth settling down in – even if the wire-free gameplay and ability to have your town set inside your own living room walls was lost in the transition.

Walkabout Mini Golf – Raptor Cliff’s review (Quest)

Walkabout Mini Golf’s latest DLC, Raptor Cliff’s, transports players to a dinosaur-themed adventure park nestled within the Pacific Northwest’s coastal redwoods. This course evokes the charm of 1970s roadside attractions, complete with friendly, well-fed dinosaurs that serve as both scenery and interactive elements. From putting through a giant redwood tree to navigating around a lounging T-Rex, the course offers a delightful blend of nostalgia and creativity. The design emphasizes a cozy, summer camp-like atmosphere, inviting players to explore its intricate environment .

Gameplay-wise, Raptor Cliff’s introduces new mechanics that enhance the mini-golf experience. Players can engage with dynamic elements like ziplines and rideable vehicles, adding layers of interactivity beyond traditional putting. The course challenges players with inventive obstacles, such as launching balls into a Brontosaurus’s mouth or navigating around a Stegosaurus’s back. These features, combined with the game’s realistic physics, ensure that each hole offers a unique and engaging challenge – often well tied into the dinosaur theme of the course.

Visually, the course maintains Walkabout Mini Golf’s signature artistic style, balancing charm and detail. The environments are vibrant and thoughtfully designed, with subtle touches like moving foliage and rippling water adding depth to the experience. And while some holes embrace the dinosaur theme more fully than others, the overall aesthetic contributes to an immersive and enjoyable setting .

In conclusion, Raptor Cliff’s is a worthy addition to Walkabout Mini Golf’s expanding roster of courses. It offers a fresh and imaginative take on mini-golf, blending nostalgic themes with innovative gameplay elements. While there is room for further thematic exploration in some areas, the course’s charm, interactivity, and visual appeal make it a must-try for fans of the game seeking a new adventure on the Meta Quest platform – and at its price point it’s a must-buy.