Review by Jon Donnis
Aqua Strike makes waves as the first boat racing game on Meta Quest, giving players a fresh mix of speed, strategy, and action-packed battles on the water. It throws you into vibrant aquatic courses where the aim is not just to race but to outgun your rivals as well. While it may not be the most polished or lightning-fast VR racer out there, it delivers plenty of fun with intuitive controls and an addictive progression system that makes it easy to keep playing.
From the moment you launch into your first race, the game feels simple to grasp but still engaging. You can choose from a range of boats and jet skis, customising them to match your style, whether you prefer raw speed or a heavier build packed with weapons. The ability to arm your vessel brings an extra layer of excitement to the races. Firing at opponents as you navigate tight corners and unpredictable waves makes every event feel like a challenge. The Race and Chase modes offer just enough variety to keep things interesting, with some tracks designed for pure racing thrills and others packed with combat chaos.
The control system is one of the game's highlights. Steering with two hands using a virtual handle feels surprisingly realistic and makes it easy to guide your boat through sharp turns or quickly adjust your speed. It adds a satisfying physicality to the experience, making each manoeuvre feel more immersive. What's even more impressive is how well the game manages motion sickness. For a VR title set on water, where constant movement could easily cause discomfort, Aqua Strike feels incredibly smooth. Even players prone to nausea in VR will likely find themselves able to play for long sessions without issue.
On the visual side, the game is a bit rough around the edges. The graphics are basic, with environments that lack the detail and richness seen in higher-budget VR games. While this simplicity might help prevent motion sickness and keep the game running smoothly, it does detract from the overall excitement. The sense of speed can also feel underwhelming at times. Boats move steadily rather than with the heart-racing velocity you might expect, which slightly dampens the adrenaline rush that typically comes with racing games.
Despite these drawbacks, Aqua Strike remains a fun, accessible experience. Unlocking new boats, skins, and tracks adds a satisfying progression element, giving you a reason to keep coming back for just one more race. It may not be the most visually stunning or fastest-paced racer, but the combination of intuitive controls, enjoyable combat, and thoughtful comfort features make it a worthwhile addition to any Meta Quest library.
For a low-priced game with a small download size, Aqua Strike punches above its weight. It is an entertaining and easy-to-play title that fills a unique gap in the VR market. While it might not blow you away with blistering speed or jaw-dropping visuals, it offers a solid, enjoyable racing experience with enough personality to keep you coming back. A fair score would be 7.5 out of 10, and if you are looking for something different to add to your VR collection, this game is definitely worth a try.
Out Now on MetaQuest
