REVIEW: Jacked Up (2025 VR Game) For MetaQuest

Review by Jon Donnis

I've been interested to play Jacked Up ever since the first chaotic trailer dropped, and now that it's finally on my headset, I can say it's definitely a fun VR game, if not groundbreaking. The pitch sounds ridiculous on paper: you're a musclebound rabbit trying to climb a giant tower, live-streaming the whole ordeal to an in-game audience that cheers, heckles, and distracts you while you bounce from one block to the next.

The bouncing feels pretty decent. It's fast, simple, and addictive, I lost count of how many times I smacked into the same spinning bar thingy and tumbled right back to the bottom, only to instantly restart without hesitation. That's the magic here, the game doesn't frustrate too much, it teases you into having "just one more go."

What keeps it from getting stale are the gyms dotted through the tower. Every few hundred metres, you land in a checkpoint guarded by outrageously shredded animals. Ripped frogs, bulked-up chickens, dogs with more muscle than sense, all cheering you on. Make it to the fourth gym and you unlock a Gym Token, which means you don't always have to slog back through the very start again. It's a clever little system that makes progress feel rewarding while keeping the tension alive.

The optional challenges are where the game goes from silly to completely unhinged. One run I was trying to bounce while holding a motivational poster in front of my face, another time I downed a glowing protein shake that made my jumps unpredictable. These "Bro Lab" dares are interesting, especially when your in-game chat starts reacting in real time. That feature might sound like a gimmick, but it really adds to the atmosphere. Having fake viewers roast you mid-run makes the whole experience feel like part-game, part-comedy show.

It isn't all perfect. The visuals are extremely simple, almost bare-bones, and the environments don't change much as you climb. The core loop is strong, but it doesn't branch out into much variety yet. I'm banking on those promised mini-games in future updates to fill that gap. And a big word of warning: if you're even slightly prone to motion sickness, this one could mess you up. Looking down or up at the wrong time is an instant stomach churner.

Still, for the price (just under six quid), it's a brilliant little package. It doesn't overcomplicate itself, it makes the bouncing feel great, and it has enough personality to stand out from the usual crop of VR experiments.

Jacked Up won't win awards for originality or visuals, but it nails what it sets out to do. It's goofy, frustrating in the best way, and weirdly motivating. I'm giving it a solid 7 out of 10, with the feeling it could climb higher if those updates deliver.

Out Now at https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/jacked-up/9440539029392511

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REVIEW: Stilt (2024 VR Game) – On MetaQuest

Review By Jon Donnis

"Stilt" is a bold and wildly imaginative VR platformer that redefines what it means to navigate a game world in virtual reality. Armed with springy stilts attached to your furball-like protagonist's arms, the game plunges you into a chaotic, colourful adventure brimming with challenges, creativity, and the kind of laughter-inducing moments that make VR experiences truly memorable.

From the outset, the concept of using stilts as your primary means of locomotion feels utterly bizarre. However, it quickly becomes apparent that this mechanic is not just unique but also surprisingly intuitive. The stilt-based movement system invites a sense of physicality and engagement rarely found in VR platformers, blending precision, strategy, and reflex-based gameplay. It's a clever homage to classic platformers like Super Mario, but with a dynamic twist that makes it feel fresh and exciting in a VR context.

The single-player campaign is so much fun. After a mischievous volcano-dwelling octopus scatters your spaceship cargo across a series of vibrant hills, you set out to retrieve the lost parcels. The levels are intricately designed, encouraging exploration and problem-solving as you bounce, balance, and spring your way through treacherous terrain. Each stage is peppered with traps, chasms, and secrets, ensuring that every moment feels engaging. The abundance of collectibles, hidden treasures, and power-ups injects plenty of replay value, rewarding those willing to revisit levels to uncover every nook and cranny.

Visually, Stilt opts for a bright, cartoonish style that perfectly suits its whimsical tone. While the environments are undeniably charming, they can begin to feel somewhat repetitive over time. Despite this, the game's vibrant palette and quirky design choices ensure it remains visually appealing, even during extended play sessions.

The game's sense of humour also shines through in its eccentricity. The sheer absurdity of bouncing through a level as a determined furball, Stilt embraces its silliness with gusto. This randomness is a major part of its charm, making each moment feel unpredictable and fun.

The multiplayer modes deserve special mention, adding another layer of joy to the experience. With cross-play support across PCVR, Quest, and PSVR2, players can duke it out in modes like Smack-em-all! and Balloon Hunt, or strategise to dominate Area Bash and Electric Tag. The PvP arenas are chaotic and lively, fostering a sense of camaraderie and competition that's perfect for parties or casual gaming sessions. The shared lobby area is also a delightful touch, creating a social space where players can interact before diving into the action.

However, Stilt is not without its flaws. While the core gameplay is polished and satisfying, the lack of an emotional connection to the protagonist or the stakes of the story can make the experience feel somewhat superficial. Additionally, some boss battles verge on frustrating, occasionally hampering the otherwise smooth flow of the game.

Overall, Stilt delivers an innovative and highly entertaining take on the platformer genre, making it a must-try for VR enthusiasts. Its inventive movement mechanics, challenging levels, and light-hearted multiplayer modes ensure hours of fun, despite minor shortcomings in graphical variety and narrative depth. For those seeking a blend of nostalgia and novelty, Stilt is a fantastic addition to any VR library.

Score: 8.5/10

Out On Meta Quest Now - 

https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/stilt/5632444056884139/