NEWS: Maestro All Aboard! Conducting Chaos, Classical and Cannon Fire in Virtual Reality

By Jon Donnis

Maestro, the virtual reality conducting game developed for Meta Quest, was originally released in 2024 and quickly positioned itself as one of the platform's most distinctive musical titles. Built around hand tracking and real-world conducting techniques, the base game places players on the podium of a full orchestra, allowing them to shape performances through physical movement rather than traditional controller inputs.

The core experience sees players step onto fully rendered concert stages and conduct interactive orchestral performances with complete visual and audio immersion. Maestro features a wide range of music across thirty tracks, spanning classical composers such as Beethoven and Vivaldi alongside well known cinematic scores from franchises including Star Wars and Harry Potter. Players can also customise performances by unlocking different stages, costumes, gloves and batons. The game was named Meta's Game of the Year for 2024.

On December 17, 2025, Maestro expanded with the release of All Aboard!, a pirate themed downloadable content pack rather than a standalone release. The DLC introduces a nautical setting and a new musical programme inspired by the sea, while retaining the same conducting mechanics as the base game.

All Aboard! centres on a fictional voyage aboard La Cultivée, with players leading a rough-edged pirate orchestra through five new pieces. The tracklist includes Hans Zimmer and Klaus Badelt's He's a Pirate and Zimmer's Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean, the traditional sea shanty Wellerman, Rimski Korsakov's The Shipwreck from Scheherazade, and the overture from Ralph Vaughan Williams' A Sea Symphony.

The update frames its content with theatrical pirate imagery, inviting players to assemble a buccaneer crew and conduct amid canvas sails and seafaring atmosphere. Despite the change in tone, the DLC is designed to integrate directly into Maestro's existing structure, offering an additional themed experience rather than altering the underlying game.

Out Now on MetaQuest

https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/all-aboard/1310468043816380

REVIEW: Oldest Golden Treasure (2025 VR Video Game) - Released on MetaQuest

Review by Jon Donnis

Oldest Golden Treasure is a 2025 VR escape room style adventure game for MetaQuest that places you in the role of a detective investigating the sudden disappearance of a colleague. From the opening moments it leans hard into atmosphere, pulling you into a world of puzzles, hidden clues and shifting locations that immediately spark curiosity. It starts out feeling very much like a traditional escape room, but it does not stay there for long.

The game's biggest strength lies in its puzzle design. The challenges are clever without being punishing, striking a balance that encourages careful observation and logical thinking rather than trial and error. Nothing feels insultingly simple, yet very little drifts into the kind of obscurity that breaks immersion. Solving each puzzle feels earned, and that sense of steady progress keeps the experience moving at a comfortable pace.

As the story unfolds, the environments continue to change, which helps avoid the staleness that can creep into VR puzzle games. Underground tunnels, ruins and secret hideouts all add variety, and each new space brings a slightly different flavour to the gameplay. There is a genuine urge to keep pushing forward, driven by a quiet but persistent need to understand what actually happened to your missing colleague.

A particularly welcome touch is the way the game weaves real historical elements into its narrative. Inspired by the Varna Necropolis and the oldest known gold treasure in the world, Oldest Golden Treasure feeds you factual snippets as part of the story rather than dumping them awkwardly on top. It gives the mystery a grounding that feels thoughtful rather than gimmicky.

Technically, the game performs very well for an indie VR title. Movement is smooth, interactions are reliable, and the overall presentation holds together nicely inside the headset. While the graphics are not cutting edge, they are more than adequate for the task and never distract from the puzzles or the story being told.

Once the main adventure is complete, SpeedRun Mode unlocks, offering a very different way to engage with the game. This mode is clearly aimed at competitive players, encouraging repeated playthroughs to optimise movement and puzzle solutions. With lap times and global leaderboards, it adds a layer of replay value that goes beyond simply revisiting the story.

That said, the experience does feel a little short. Just as the mechanics and ideas fully settle in, the credits roll, leaving a sense that there is room for more. There are also a few minor bugs scattered throughout, although it is worth noting that the solo developer is actively releasing updates to address these issues.

Oldest Golden Treasure may not be a sprawling epic, but it is a confident and engaging VR puzzle adventure. It delivers a strong atmosphere, smart puzzle design and a surprising historical angle, even if it leaves you wanting more by the end. For fans of escape rooms and narrative driven VR mysteries, it earns its place in a Meta Quest library.

I score Oldest Golden Treasure a solid 8.5 out of 10.

Out Now on MetaQuest

https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/oldest-golden-treasure/9132129896885275/

REVIEW: Hidden Pictures: Agent Q (2025 MetaQuest VR Game) - A Clever and Charming VR Puzzle Adventure

Review by Jon Donnis

Hidden Pictures: Agent Q is one of those rare games that knows exactly what it wants to be. It's light-hearted but smart, playful without feeling shallow, and surprisingly rich in detail for something that invites you to explore tiny floating worlds. Designed for Meta Quest, this single-player VR puzzle game combines hidden object challenges, narrative progression, and a bit of collectable hunting, all set inside vibrant dioramas that appear in your home through mixed reality.

You take on the role of Agent Q, an elite operative from B.A.R.D., whose mission is to stop the Tumai, a group of space pirates trying to steal powerful Galaxy Orbs. These orbs have been shattered and scattered across more than sixty miniature planets. Each one has its own distinct theme, from Western towns and Halloween haunts to futuristic cities and cluttered museum exhibits.

At first glance, it seems simple. You search each world for items, clues, or fragments of the Galaxy Orbs. But it quickly becomes more involved. The locals in each setting, called Muddles, often have requests. They might hold up an item they want you to find, or ask you to complete a task in exchange for a clue. It's a smart way of pushing you to examine each world more closely, encouraging you to look behind buildings, rotate the entire level, or zoom in on the tiniest of details.

The game's presentation is one of its biggest strengths. The visuals are colourful and full of character. The Muddles have an odd, friendly design that makes them feel like animated toys, while each environment is packed with tiny moving parts. It's not just decorative. Almost everything you see might be a part of a puzzle, a hint, or a collectible. And thanks to the mixed reality system, these worlds can be placed right into your real space. Whether you're sitting or standing, you can adjust the game height, lean in to inspect objects, or simply move around the scene as if it's a living model on your table.

The game has multiple modes. Adventure Mode lets you work through the main story, exploring each level at your own pace. Puzzle Mode gives you timed challenges that lean more towards memory, observation, and logic. Then there's Boss Mode, which introduces the Tumai pirates in more dramatic scenes. These are bigger, louder encounters that shift the rhythm of the game just enough to keep things exciting.

There's also a strong collecting element. Each world hides one Tumai pirate, and once you catch them, they're added to your pirate collection. The same goes for the Muddles, many of whom have their own unique look or role in the story. It gives the game a satisfying sense of progress, even if you're only playing in short bursts.

In terms of difficulty, the game builds things up well. Early puzzles are straightforward and help you get used to how the controls work. Later stages require more observation and problem-solving, with some levels asking you to juggle multiple tasks at once. There's also the occasional rhythm mini-game, which works well enough, though it might not appeal to everyone. Fortunately, it doesn't overshadow the core gameplay.

The puzzles themselves are the right mix of relaxing and stimulating. Nothing ever feels like a chore. You're always nudged gently toward the solution, either by a character's comment or a visual clue. The satisfaction comes from figuring things out without being told exactly what to do.

Easy to pick up whether you're new to VR or already comfortable in that space. The interface is clean, the pacing is calm, and the tone is warm throughout.

Hidden Pictures: Agent Q is a strong addition to the growing catalogue of thoughtful, well-designed VR games. It's suitable for players of all ages, and while it leans into fun and whimsy, it still delivers meaningful interaction. The game understands how to use space, movement, and curiosity to keep you engaged.

Score: 9 out of 10

Imaginative, accessible, and packed with smart details. A rewarding experience that feels just as good for a quick session as it does for a long sit-down play.

Out Now on MetaQuest

https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/hidden-pictures-agent-q/6494700220578310/

Thank you to Newmatic Co., Ltd. for providing the game key.

REVIEW: Wall Town Wonders (2024 VR Game) - Meta Quest 3

Review by Jon Donnis

Wall Town Wonders is a delightful mixed-reality experience that transforms your living room into a bustling, miniature world. From the moment you step into the game, it's clear that the developers have crafted a charming and inviting environment where relaxation and creativity take centre stage. The concept of watching a tiny town spring to life around you is enchanting, and it's executed beautifully. The vibrant graphics and quirky animations bring the miniature citizens and buildings to life, making it hard not to smile as you explore and expand your virtual town.

The gameplay itself is soothing and accessible, designed for players who enjoy a more casual pace. Progression comes naturally as you complete simple quests and unlock new buildings, each bringing fresh surprises and interactive mini-games. These mini-games are undeniably one of the game's highlights. Whether you're fending off pests with a tiny crossbow, guiding planes with hand gestures, or fishing on your living room floor, there's an endearing creativity to the variety on offer. The seasonal updates and customisation options are another welcome touch, ensuring that the game stays fresh and inviting over time.

Where Wall Town Wonders truly shines is its use of mixed-reality technology. It's impressive to see your physical space so seamlessly integrated into the digital experience. The hand-tracking feature, while innovative, does have its shortcomings. At times, it can feel unresponsive, which led me to switch to using controllers for smoother interactions. Despite this minor setback, the immersion is undeniable, and it's a thrill to feel as though you're truly part of this tiny world.

However, while the game excels in charm and innovation, it may feel a little shallow for some players. It's undeniably a casual experience, with little in the way of challenge or complexity. For those looking for deeper mechanics or high-stakes gameplay, Wall Town Wonders may not scratch that itch.

Despite these minor drawbacks, Wall Town Wonders is a joy to play and an excellent showcase of what mixed reality can achieve. Its easy-going nature makes it perfect for unwinding after a long day, and the unique premise is sure to capture the imagination of players of all ages. If you own a Meta Quest headset, this game is an easy recommendation.

I'd score Wall Town Wonders a solid 8 out of 10. It's a cosy, charming, and highly enjoyable experience that reminds us of the magic VR can bring into our homes.

Out Now on Quest 3 for £15.99 - https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/wall-town-wonders/6103056399797843/

REVIEW: Asgard's Wrath 2 on Meta Quest VR

Review by Jon Donnis

Asgard's Wrath 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2019 hit, has finally landed on the Meta Quest series, and it's nothing short of a triumph for Sanzaru Games and Oculus Studios. This action role-playing game takes players on an immersive journey through Norse and Egyptian mythology, offering a compelling story, engaging gameplay mechanics, and a vast open-world VR experience.

The game's narrative picks up where its predecessor left off, with players assuming the role of a Norse god seeking revenge on Loki. The twist lies in the ability to possess mortals with important destinies, adding a unique layer to the gameplay. The shift to Egypt introduces interactions with gods from another mythology, enriching the overall experience.

Asgard's Wrath 2 truly shines in its gameplay, setting a new standard for VR open-world RPGs. The pacing is well-crafted, and the story unfolds seamlessly, keeping players invested from start to finish. The title offers a diverse range of activities, from exploration and puzzle-solving to engaging in combat with formidable foes. The addition of minigames and the ability to possess four characters, each with their own story and skill tree, adds depth to the overall experience.

The game's combat and puzzle-solving mechanics are praiseworthy, delivering a satisfying blend reminiscent of popular non-VR RPGs like Zelda and Skyrim. The expansive world encourages exploration, with various weapons and abilities waiting to be discovered. The inclusion of followers who assist in combat further enhances the depth of the gameplay.

While Asgard's Wrath 2 excels in many aspects, some limitations are noticeable. Certain elements feel constrained by traditional non-VR RPG conventions, and the graphics, while impressive for VR, may fall short of the standards set by non-VR games. The Meta Quest 3 VR platform imposes some constraints, leading to graphics that, while serviceable, may not match up to the highest standards.

In conclusion, Asgard's Wrath 2 earns a near-perfect score of 9 out of 10. It stands as a must-have VR game of the year, showcasing the potential of the Meta Quest series. The game's exceptional storytelling, satisfying combat, and intricate RPG systems make it a standout title that competes with the best role-playing games across all platforms. If you own a Meta Quest VR unit, this game is a definite must-buy, delivering an unforgettable VR experience that sets a new benchmark for the genre.

You can buy a Meta Quest unit with Asgard's Wrath 2 exclusively at https://amzn.to/3TxpqaG