REVIEW: CINESCAPE VR (2026 Video Game) - on MetaQuest VR

Review by Jon Donnis

CINESCAPE VR arrives on Meta Quest as an ambitious puzzle adventure set across a series of film studio environments, and at its best it captures that playful sense of stepping behind the curtain of cinema itself. Developed by Super AC Games, it builds its identity around Cinemorphosis, a distinctive mechanic that allows players to transform objects between real and fake states, reshaping the world around them in order to solve increasingly intricate puzzles and uncover the secrets buried within the Cinetech company.

There is an immediate charm to the concept. The idea of moving through themed studio sets, each one layered with subtle cinematic references for keen-eyed film fans, gives the game a strong sense of place. The environments are visually detailed and often atmospheric, with a clear effort made to make each stage feel like a functioning production space rather than a simple puzzle box. It is the kind of setting that encourages curiosity, even when the puzzles themselves begin to test patience.

Cinemorphosis is the game’s standout feature, and when it clicks it feels genuinely inventive. The ability to shift objects between states adds a tactile, hands-on quality to progression, and later stages build on this foundation in more demanding ways. As the mechanic evolves, so too does the complexity of the puzzles, which can be satisfying for players who enjoy working through layered environmental logic. There is a real sense of escalation here, even if it does not always land smoothly.

Supporting this journey is P4-TRIC, a robotic assistant created by the former director of the studios. He acts as both guide and companion, offering encouragement and direction throughout the experience. However, his presence also introduces a quieter tension, as his intentions are not entirely clear. There is a suggestion of something more deliberate behind his advice, and this undercurrent helps to support the broader narrative thread about identity, the Codex, and the hidden motivations behind the studio’s creation.

That said, CINESCAPE VR is not without its issues, and they become more noticeable the further you progress. Early interactions can feel confusing and unintuitive, leaving players unsure of how certain systems are meant to function. Even once the mechanics settle into place, the puzzle logic does not always feel consistent, and there are moments where solutions appear slightly disconnected from player expectation. This can disrupt the flow of problem solving, particularly in a game that relies so heavily on experimentation and spatial reasoning.

Pacing is another area where the experience wavers. While the game is clearly aiming for a slow burn mystery, there are stretches where the lack of clear structure makes progression feel uncertain. Instead of building steady narrative momentum, it sometimes drifts, leaving the player to push forward without a strong sense of direction. For a story that hints at deeper revelations around Cinetech, the Codex, and the protagonist’s true identity, this uneven pacing can dilute the impact of its narrative beats.

Even so, there remains a solid foundation underneath these rough edges. The creativity of the core concept, the ambition of the Cinemorphosis system, and the visual detail of the studio environments all work in its favour. When everything aligns, CINESCAPE VR delivers a genuinely engaging puzzle experience that feels unlike many other VR titles in the genre. It is also consistently enjoyable on a moment-to-moment level, particularly for players who are willing to sit with its slower, more methodical rhythm.

Ultimately, CINESCAPE VR feels like a game that is very close to something exceptional, but not quite there yet. It has the ideas, the atmosphere, and enough mechanical originality to stand out, but it is held back by inconsistency in puzzle design, unclear onboarding, and a narrative structure that struggles to maintain momentum.

It remains an entertaining and often striking experience, just one that could benefit from further refinement. As it stands, it earns a 7 out of 10, with clear potential to become something far stronger if its rougher edges are smoothed out.

Out Now on MetaQuest - https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/cinescape-vr/9089051267851590/

REVIEW: Virtual Hunter (2026 VR Video Game) - on MetaQuest

Review by Jon Donnis

Virtual reality has often struggled to find the right balance between realism and entertainment, particularly when it comes to simulation games. Virtual Hunter takes a bold approach by leaning heavily into authenticity, delivering a hunting experience that values patience, observation and skill over fast-paced action. The result is one of the most convincing hunting titles currently available on Meta Quest and a game that understands exactly what audience it wants to serve.

From the moment you step into its expansive wilderness, it becomes clear that Virtual Hunter is aiming for immersion above all else. The landscapes are impressively detailed, with dense forests, open fields and rolling scenery that create a genuine sense of being outdoors. The map feels substantial in scale, encouraging exploration and rewarding players who take the time to learn the terrain. Combined with the dynamic weather system, which adds further atmosphere and unpredictability, the environment often becomes one of the game's greatest strengths.

Unlike many shooting games on VR platforms, Virtual Hunter refuses to rush the player. This is a deliberate and methodical experience where every decision matters. Animal behaviour plays a major role, with creatures reacting to sight, sound and scent. Careless movement can easily ruin a hunt before it begins, while a poorly placed shot may result in a lengthy tracking session. The game consistently encourages players to think ahead, study their surroundings and approach each encounter carefully.

Weapon handling is another area where the developers have clearly invested considerable effort. The realistic ballistics system and stabilisation mechanics make shooting feel satisfying without becoming frustrating. Landing a clean shot at distance requires concentration and practice, but the sense of accomplishment when everything comes together is rewarding. It captures the challenge of hunting while remaining accessible enough for newcomers willing to learn.

Fortunately, those newcomers are well catered for thanks to an excellent tutorial system. Hunting simulations can often overwhelm players with information, but Virtual Hunter introduces its mechanics in a clear and understandable manner. By the time players venture into the wilderness on their own, they have a solid understanding of tracking, weapon use and hunting strategy. It is one of the better onboarding experiences seen in the genre.

Progression is supported by a surprisingly engaging trophy system. Successfully hunting larger animals and using the correct equipment unlocks various rewards, while the detailed trophy lodge allows players to display their achievements however they choose. The ability to position taxidermied animals around the lodge adds a personal touch that makes successful hunts feel more meaningful. Whether placing a prized red deer above the fireplace or creating a showcase of personal bests, the system gives players a reason to keep returning for another expedition.

Multiplayer support allows up to six players to hunt together, and on paper it sounds like a natural fit for the game. Sharing hunts and comparing trophies has obvious appeal. Unfortunately, this is also where most of the game's shortcomings currently reside. Multiplayer can be prone to bugs and technical hiccups that occasionally disrupt the experience. While some of the early issues have already been addressed and further updates appear to be on the way, it remains the weakest aspect of the package at present.

Thankfully, these problems do not significantly affect the core single-player experience, which remains where Virtual Hunter truly shines. Players who prefer solitary exploration will likely find the game at its best when quietly tracking animals through the wilderness and soaking in the atmosphere at their own pace.

Virtual Hunter succeeds because it respects the fundamentals of hunting rather than turning them into an arcade-style shooting gallery. The detailed tracking systems, realistic animal behaviour and thoughtful pacing create an experience that feels authentic without becoming inaccessible. Combined with attractive visuals, a strong tutorial and rewarding progression systems, it stands as perhaps the finest hunting game currently available on VR platforms.

Score: 9 out of 10

Virtual Hunter delivers a compelling and immersive hunting simulation that rewards patience, planning and precision. Despite a few multiplayer issues, its excellent single-player experience, strong realism and impressive presentation make it one of the standout simulation titles on Meta Quest.

Out Now on MetaQuest

https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/virtual-hunter/10039970526115789/

REVIEW: Sky Legends - An aeropostal Epic (2026 VR Video Game) - on MetaQuest

Review by Jon Donnis

Sky Legends: An Aeropostal Epic is one of those games that is difficult to judge based on its description alone. At first glance it sounds like a fairly straightforward VR flying game centred around the pioneers of early aviation. After spending time with it, however, it becomes clear that SUPER AC GAMES had something much more ambitious in mind.

Rather than focusing entirely on flying, Sky Legends presents a broader look at the birth of commercial aviation in the 1920s. Players step into the roles of historical figures including Jean Mermoz and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, while also experiencing the challenges faced by those responsible for building and managing the routes that would eventually connect distant parts of the world. It is part historical adventure, part puzzle game and part interactive learning experience.

The first thing that stands out is the visual presentation. The well animated cartoon graphics are an excellent fit for the material. Everything looks clean, colourful and easy to read inside the headset, with the stylised approach giving the game a timeless quality. It never feels like it is trying to overwhelm players with technical wizardry. Instead, it focuses on creating attractive environments that invite exploration, and the result works remarkably well.

What surprised me most was just how varied the gameplay is. Flying may be the headline attraction, but it is only one part of the experience. There are management elements, story sequences, exploration sections and plenty of interactive moments that help maintain interest throughout. Every time it feels like the game is settling into a routine, it introduces something new to keep things moving.

The puzzle design deserves particular credit. The challenges are thoughtfully put together and strike a pleasing balance between accessibility and satisfaction. They encourage players to think without becoming irritating roadblocks, which is not always easy to achieve. There were several occasions where solving a puzzle felt rewarding rather than simply necessary to continue.

The flying sequences themselves are handled well. Whether scouting potential locations, following routes alongside another aircraft or taking part in famous aviation milestones, there is a genuine sense of purpose behind each journey. The game does a good job of reminding players that these flights represented real risks and extraordinary achievements at a time when aviation was still finding its feet.

What elevates Sky Legends beyond a simple flight experience is the way it embraces the wider story of Aeropostale and the people behind it. The game highlights not only the successes of these aviation pioneers but also the technical, financial and environmental challenges they faced along the way. It is clear that a great deal of care has gone into presenting this period of history with affection and respect.

There are also plenty of Easter eggs hidden throughout the experience. Players who take the time to look around rather than rushing from one objective to the next will discover numerous small details and references. These touches may not be essential, but they add personality and reward curiosity.

The biggest disappointment is the movement system. For a VR title, the reliance on point-and-click movement feels like an odd choice. It works well enough and some players will undoubtedly appreciate the comfort it provides, but I often found myself wishing for a free movement option. The game places you in some wonderful environments and there are moments where the control system creates a slight barrier between the player and the world.

The other potential stumbling block is the pace. Anyone expecting a fast-moving action game filled with constant excitement may find themselves struggling to connect with it. Sky Legends is fundamentally a narrative-driven experience. It wants players to absorb the history, engage with the characters and appreciate the journey. Those willing to meet it on those terms are likely to enjoy it far more than those looking for a traditional flight simulator.

Perhaps the game's greatest achievement is that it consistently kept me interested. I went in expecting little more than a flying game and came away feeling as though I had participated in a piece of living history. Few games manage to educate and entertain at the same time without one aspect overwhelming the other, but Sky Legends generally succeeds.

It is not perfect. The movement system could be better and the slower pace will not suit everyone. Even so, the combination of engaging puzzles, enjoyable flying sections, strong visual design and fascinating historical subject matter makes it an easy game to recommend.

Sky Legends: An Aeropostal Epic may not deliver the thrills some players expect from a VR aviation title, but it offers something arguably more memorable. It is an immersive historical adventure that celebrates the daring men and women who helped shape civil aviation, and it does so with charm, intelligence and plenty of heart.

Score: 8.5 out of 10.

Out Now on MetaQuest

https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/sky-legends/24139562482340113/

REVIEW: Dark Trip (2026 VR Video Game) - on MetaQuest

Review by Jon Donnis

Dark Trip arrives as one of the more unusual virtual reality releases in recent memory, and it wastes no time making that clear. This is not just another horror title dressed up for VR. It leans fully into its concept, building an experience around altered perception, unreliable reality, and the unsettling idea that the only way forward is to deliberately lose control.

You play as a detective investigating a disappearance in a small German town, a premise that sounds grounded at first but quickly spirals into something far stranger. The trail leads to an abandoned laboratory, one steeped in disturbing experiments and fragments of human suffering. Notes, recordings and environmental clues slowly piece together a grim history, one tied to wartime atrocities and occult ambitions. It is not subtle, and it does not try to be. Instead, it embraces a grotesque, almost theatrical tone that feels closer in spirit to Hellraiser than traditional detective fiction.

What sets Dark Trip apart is its core mechanic. Progression depends on the player choosing whether to remain sober or consume pills that trigger hallucinations. This is not a simple visual filter layered over the game. Entire rooms transform, puzzles shift logic, and previously invisible clues emerge only when perception is distorted. It creates a constant tension between clarity and chaos. You are never quite sure whether you are making things easier or more complicated by stepping into a hallucinated state.

At its best, this system feels genuinely inventive. Puzzles are carefully structured so that both sober and intoxicated approaches are viable, encouraging experimentation rather than forcing a single solution. Some sequences demand sharp observation in a stable environment, while others only make sense once reality begins to bend. It keeps the player engaged in a way many escape room style games struggle to achieve.

Visually, the game is strong throughout. The contrast between the cold, clinical design of the laboratory and the warped, organic horror of hallucinated spaces is striking. When the game leans into its more surreal side, it becomes genuinely unsettling. Walls breathe, machinery pulses, and the environment feels alive in a way that VR amplifies effectively. There is a confidence in how it presents these moments, even when they border on the absurd.

The storytelling is handled mostly through the environment, and it works well enough. Fragments of narrative are scattered across the rooms, encouraging players to piece together what happened rather than being told outright. It is not always subtle, but it is effective. The themes are dark, sometimes uncomfortably so, and clearly aimed at an adult audience. There is a deliberate push into taboo territory, which will not be for everyone.

That said, Dark Trip is not without its flaws. The use of AI generated artwork in places stands out, and not in a good way. It breaks immersion slightly, especially in a game that relies so heavily on atmosphere and detail. It feels like a shortcut in an otherwise carefully crafted experience.

Length is another issue. The game can be completed in around two hours, which feels short given the strength of its central idea. There is some replay value in revisiting rooms and experimenting with different approaches, but it only goes so far. Once the core mechanics have been fully explored, there is limited incentive to return.

There are also minor technical issues. Bugs do crop up, though not frequently enough to derail the experience. To the developers' credit, updates are ongoing and there is a sense that feedback is being taken seriously.

Even with its shortcomings, Dark Trip leaves a strong impression. It commits fully to its concept and delivers something genuinely different within the VR space. The idea of using altered states as a gameplay mechanic is not just a gimmick here. It is the foundation of the entire experience, and for the most part, it works.

Dark Trip is a disturbing, creative and at times genuinely unnerving piece of work. It may be short, and it may stumble in places, but it stands out in a crowded field simply by daring to do something different.

8 out of 10

Available at

https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/dark-trip/27793698076945636/

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.