REVIEW: Stunt X Mania (SXM) a 2026 VR Video Game on MetaQuest

Review by Jon Donnis

Stunt X Mania (SXM) is a VR motocross game built around one simple idea, learn to ride, learn the tricks and then see how far you can push yourself. Rather than making freestyle motocross feel like a collection of instant button presses, SXM puts more emphasis on actually controlling the bike and earning those spectacular moments.

The controls are one of the game's strongest aspects. Shifting and braking feel intuitive, while the motorcycle has a convincing sense of weight and movement. There is also a manual gear system for players who want greater control over their bike. It takes some practice to become comfortable with the clutch and gears, particularly when you are also trying to concentrate on landing a stunt, but thankfully there is a simplified option for anyone who wants a simpler experience.

The riding itself is enjoyable enough that the objectives are not always necessary. Free Roam provides a useful space to practise without timers or targets, and simply tearing around the dirt tracks can be good fun. The combination of speed, uneven terrain and aerial manoeuvres gives the game plenty of excitement.

SXM also gets its stunt system right. There are 12 authentic FMX tricks to learn, including Superman, Tsunami, Cliff Hanger, Heel Clicker, Lazy Boy, One-Hand Heart Attack, 9 o'clock Nac and MC Metz. You can begin with wheelies and endos before working towards the more demanding tricks and eventually attempting to chain manoeuvres together in mid-air.

That progression gives the game some longevity. The more advanced stunts are not simply handed to you, so improving your technique has a tangible purpose. Career Mode adds further structure through points and timers, while Challenges Mode provides specific objectives designed to test particular aspects of your riding.

Customisation is another welcome addition. Players can change their rider's clothing and helmet, as well as modify parts of the bike including the engine and exhaust. It is not the main reason to play SXM, but it gives you some opportunity to make the rider and machine feel more personal.

The presentation is less impressive. The graphics do the job, but they are functional rather than spectacular. With the game placing so much emphasis on the physical experience of riding, the visual presentation can feel secondary.

Unfortunately, motion sickness was a much bigger problem for me. I found SXM particularly uncomfortable in VR and struggled to play for more than around 20 minutes at a time. The problem was most noticeable on tracks with lots of bumps and grooves, where the constant virtual bouncing became unpleasant. This will obviously depend on the individual player, but for anyone susceptible to VR motion sickness, it is an important drawback.

The steep learning curve may also put some players off. While the basic riding controls are approachable, mastering the more complicated tricks requires patience and repeated practice. That will appeal to players who enjoy having something to master, but it can be frustrating if you are expecting immediate success.

There is also no multiplayer at present. That feels like a missed opportunity for a game based around stunts, scores and riding ability. Co-op sessions and competitive multiplayer lobbies are planned, but until those arrive, SXM remains a strictly solo experience.

The music helps maintain the game's energetic atmosphere, with electronic and synthwave tracks accompanying the action, while the dynamic sound effects add to the impact of riding and performing tricks.

Stunt X Mania (SXM) therefore has a solid core. The motorcycle controls are satisfying, the stunt system gives you plenty to learn and the automatic option prevents the manual transmission from becoming a barrier for less experienced players. There is also enough variety between Career Mode, Challenges and Free Roam to give you different reasons to keep riding.

Its biggest weakness is the VR experience itself. For me, the motion sickness was severe enough to significantly limit how long I could play, and the lack of multiplayer currently leaves the game feeling like it is missing an important feature.

If you are comfortable with VR movement and enjoy the idea of gradually mastering freestyle motocross, Stunt X Mania is worth a look. If motion sickness is already a problem for you, however, this is one I would approach very cautiously.

For now, I score Stunt X Mania (SXM) 7 out of 10.

Out Now on MetaQuest

https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/stunt-x-mania-sxm/23894287973498981/

REVIEW: Fatherhood (2026 Video Game) - On PC Steam - DEMO

Review by Jon Donnis

Fatherhood arrives with a clear sense of purpose. This is not a war game about soldiers, glory, or firepower. Instead, it narrows its focus to something far more fragile. You step into the role of Basir, an ordinary man trying to guide his blind daughter Asma through a collapsing world. That choice alone gives the game a different weight. Every step feels considered, every pause carries tension, and even the smallest action can have consequences that linger.

The core of the experience rests on its relationship mechanics, and this is where Fatherhood finds its identity. Holding Asma’s hand is not just a simple interaction, it becomes essential. Let go for too long and her anxiety builds, which can quickly spiral into danger as her distress draws attention. The hugging mechanic, simple on paper, works surprisingly well in practice. It is used to calm her, to reassure her, and at times to steady yourself as the player. It adds an emotional rhythm to the gameplay that sits alongside the stealth systems, creating moments that feel intimate even when the world around you is anything but.

Movement and exploration strike a nice balance. While the game is built as a 2.5D side-scroller, it does not trap you on a flat path. You move through buildings, step in and out of spaces, and occasionally break from the strict left to right structure. It gives the environments a sense of depth without overcomplicating things. Stealth plays a major role, and it makes sense within the story. Basir is not a fighter, and the game reinforces that at every turn. Avoiding soldiers feels natural, not forced, and the tension builds as you rely on timing and awareness rather than brute strength.

Visually, the low-poly art style stands out in a quiet way. It does not chase realism, but instead leans into mood and contrast. The most striking touch comes when the screen shifts colour during violent moments, moving into black and white or flashes of red and black. It is a simple effect, though it lands effectively and reinforces the emotional cost of those actions. Combined with the war-torn setting, it creates an atmosphere that feels bleak without becoming overwhelming.

The narrative itself is one of the game’s strongest elements. The story of Basir and Asma unfolds through the choices you make, and those decisions rarely feel easy. Helping someone or harming someone in front of Asma shapes how she sees you, and in turn affects your relationship. The game leans into this idea of long-term consequence. You are not just trying to survive the moment, you are shaping the person your daughter believes you to be. That tension sits at the heart of the experience and gives even small decisions a sense of gravity.

That said, there are limitations that are hard to ignore at this stage. Playing the demo makes it clear that the full scope of the game is still out of reach. What is here is promising, but it is also brief. It does not take long to see everything currently available, which makes it difficult to fully judge how the pacing, variety, and long-term decision making will hold up across a complete playthrough. There is a sense that the ideas are strong, but not yet fully explored.

Even so, Fatherhood leaves an impression. It is thoughtful, focused, and willing to slow things down in a genre that often does the opposite. The mechanics around Asma are handled with care, the story has genuine weight, and the presentation supports the tone without distracting from it. There is still more to see before it can be fully assessed, but what is here already suggests something worth paying attention to.

Download the Demo at

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2180850/Fatherhood/

REVIEW: Salmon Man (2026 Video Game) - on MetaQuest VR

Review by Jon Donnis

Salmon Man is a physics-based VR platformer for MetaQuest that surprises you with how much depth it hides behind a simple concept. You play as Salmon Man trying to make your way upstream using nothing but your paddle, and at first glance, it might look like a straightforward, even quirky, arcade challenge. But as you progress, the layers of design, precision, and difficulty become immediately clear. Every jump, swing, and manoeuvre requires thought, timing, and skill, and the game does an excellent job of making both victories and failures feel meaningful.

The core gameplay revolves around your paddle, which is both your lifeline and your main source of tension. It reacts precisely to your hand movements, with no noticeable lag, allowing you to pull off daring jumps or risky maneuvers with confidence. The physics are demanding yet fair, making every interaction feel grounded and intentional. It's particularly satisfying when you manage a difficult sequence perfectly, and equally frustrating when a single slip sends you tumbling back, forcing you to start again. This high-stakes loop gives the game a thrilling sense of challenge, especially when water transforms into lava and mistakes can cost you dearly.

Level design is another standout. Each stage is packed with creative obstacles, from swinging platforms to absurd environmental hazards, and the layout encourages experimentation and repeated attempts. The game constantly teases you with "just one more go," making it difficult to put down once you get going. The world itself is colourful, lively, and full of absurd touches that inject humour into the intense platforming. For speedrunners, Salmon Man is particularly well-suited. The leaderboard encourages replayability, and unlocking new paddles or completing side challenges adds extra goals for those who enjoy perfecting their runs.

That said, the game is not without its limitations. The graphics are fairly plain, reflecting the small studio behind the project, and while this doesn't impact gameplay, it does make the world feel a little less immersive at times. Players who dislike highly challenging or rage-inducing games may find it frustrating, as some sections require repeated attempts and precise timing to overcome. Motion sickness is generally mild but can occur during certain fast or awkward movements.

Salmon Man is a simple but deeply satisfying VR experience. It combines challenging physics-based platforming with playful, absurd environments and finely tuned controls. Each success feels earned, and the game rewards patience, skill, and persistence. For anyone who enjoys difficult games, precise movement, and the thrill of competing for the fastest times, Salmon Man delivers in spades (oars?).

I score Salmon Man a solid 8 out of 10.

Out Now on MetaQuest

https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/salmon-man/24064765919861785/