REVIEW: Soccer VR (2025 VR Game) - An Affordable Kickabout with Big Ambitions

Review By Jon Donnis

Soccer VR on MetaQuest is a game that proves you don't need a huge budget to deliver a fun and immersive experience. For just £1.99, it offers a surprisingly enjoyable slice of virtual football, complete with full matches, practice modes, and an inventive controller setup that makes you feel like you're really on the pitch.

The game lets you choose between classic button controls or mounting the controller on your foot for a more realistic experience. Strapping the controller to your leg might sound like a gimmick, but it genuinely adds to the immersion. Swinging your leg to take a shot or curl in a free kick feels satisfying, especially after a few adjustments with the in-game shoe-tuning option. If you prefer a more relaxed approach, using your hands works just fine too, giving you the flexibility to play however you like.

There is plenty to do, with full matches offering three difficulty levels and various formations to experiment with. The practice modes are a great addition, letting you hone specific skills like penalties, free kicks, curved shots, and cross finishes. You can even test yourself against goalkeepers with five levels of difficulty or try your luck with target-based challenges. The crowd sound effects add a nice layer of atmosphere, making the matches feel a little more alive.

Visually, Soccer VR shows its budget limitations. The graphics are basic, and the pitch can feel a bit lifeless compared to higher-end games. But the charm of the gameplay makes up for the visual shortcomings. It's best played in short bursts, especially if you're using the leg-mounted setup, and make sure you have enough space around you to avoid accidentally kicking your furniture or a nearby pet.

For the price, Soccer VR is a surprisingly solid experience. It may not be the most polished game out there, but it captures the fun and excitement of football in a way that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you're looking for a quick match or want to practice your virtual free kicks, this game delivers a lot of enjoyment for just a couple of quid. If you're a football fan with a MetaQuest, Soccer VR is well worth a shot. I score the game 8 out of 10.

Out Now on MetaQuest - https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/soccer/6522692727792839/

REVIEW: Comfort Racing (VR) on MetaQuest - Affordable Thrills Without the Queasy Feels

Review by Jon Donnis

Virtual reality racing games can be an incredible rush, but for many players, the excitement quickly fades when motion sickness kicks in. Comfort Racing (VR) for Meta Quest aims to change that by delivering an immersive, adrenaline-fuelled racing experience without the unpleasant side effects. Priced at just £2.99, this budget-friendly title promises comfort-focused gameplay, plenty of content, and a surprisingly decent dose of realism.

One of the standout aspects of Comfort Racing (VR) is its thoughtful approach to player comfort. The developers have implemented advanced motion algorithms and visual techniques that reduce the likelihood of motion sickness, making it a great option for those who have struggled with similar games in the past. Small but effective touches, like adjusting the seat position, enhance immersion without pushing players over the edge into discomfort. It's clear that accessibility has been prioritised, allowing more people to enjoy the high-speed thrills of virtual racing.

Despite its comfort-first design, the game doesn't skimp on features. With a solid variety of cars and tracks to choose from, players can tweak their racing experience to suit their style. The range of game modes adds further replayability, whether you're competing in classic circuit races, trying to survive elimination rounds, or simply practicing your skills in solo mode. The intuitive controls make the game easy to pick up, but mastering each vehicle's handling still offers a satisfying challenge.

That said, the AI-controlled cars could use some improvement. While updates have brought minor enhancements, the AI still struggles to provide the competitive edge needed to keep races consistently exciting. It's not a dealbreaker, especially at this price point, but it's an area that could benefit from further refinement to elevate the overall experience.

Ultimately, Comfort Racing (VR) delivers exactly what it promises, a comfortable, affordable VR racing experience that lets more players hit the virtual track without fear of feeling unwell. For the price, it's hard to argue with what's on offer, and if you've been avoiding VR racing games due to motion sickness, this might be the perfect entry point. It's not flawless, but it's fun, accessible, and an absolute bargain. I give it a solid 7.5 out of 10.

Available now on MetaQuest - https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/comfort-racing/8890091094338545/

REVIEW: Eternal Strands (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Eternal Strands is a visually breathtaking action-adventure game developed and published by Yellow Brick Games. It follows the story of Brynn, a brave young Weaver on a mission to uncover the lost secrets of the Enclave. Armed with a magical cloak, powerful abilities, and sheer determination, Brynn's journey is filled with colossal beasts, ancient mysteries, and an environment that reacts in real time to her every move.

The gameplay revolves around Brynn's elemental powers, allowing her to manipulate fire, ice, and telekinesis. This isn't just limited to combat, her abilities actively change the environment. Casting fire can scorch vegetation and start wildfires, while ice can freeze water or create bridges. Brynn can also climb any surface, opening up a vast world of exploration where creativity is constantly rewarded. The physics system is impressive, and combining abilities with the environment adds an extra layer of depth to every encounter.

Combat is engaging, with a range of magical weapons and abilities to experiment with. Battling enemies, from smaller monsters to towering titans, requires a mix of swordplay, spellcasting, and agility. Boss fights are a highlight, with Brynn climbing massive creatures to attack their weak points, break armor, or use the environment to her advantage. Defeating these colossal foes grants new abilities, further expanding the game's combat and exploration possibilities.

The world of Eternal Strands is a joy to explore, with detailed environments, lush landscapes, and a variety of locations, from the capital city of Dynevron to untamed wilderness. The game's 2D animated cutscenes add charm and contrast beautifully with the 3D gameplay, showing the care and attention to detail poured into the game's presentation.

However, combat can become repetitive over time, especially during lengthy enemy encounters. The dialogue is also a weak point, with voice acting that feels flat and uninspired. Conversations sometimes drag, but thankfully, dialogue can be skipped for players more focused on action and exploration.

Despite its flaws, Eternal Strands remains a well-crafted game with a beautiful world, satisfying combat, and rewarding exploration. The freedom to shape the environment with elemental powers, combined with thrilling boss battles, makes for a unique experience that sticks with you long after you've put the controller down. It may not be perfect, but it's a game worth playing for anyone seeking an ambitious and magical adventure.

Score: 7.5/10

Out Now on Xbox 

https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/eternal-strands/9nnkjnrkft0g

REVIEW: GUNNAR Dume Gaming Glasses, Gold Frame and Amber Lens

Review by Jon Donnis

The latest GUNNAR Dume computer glasses are an excellent choice for anyone spending long hours in front of a screen. With a lightweight aviator design and a brushed gold finish, these glasses strike the perfect balance between style and functionality. The modern detailing on the temples adds a sleek touch, making them just as suitable for everyday wear as they are for gaming or work.

One of the standout features is the amber-tinted lenses, which not only look great but are also incredibly effective at reducing eye strain. Whether you're deep into a gaming session or tackling a full day of work, the GUNNAR lens technology with a Blue Light Protection Factor of 65 helps shield your eyes from harmful blue light and 100% of UV rays. This makes a noticeable difference in comfort, especially during late-night screen time.

The stainless-steel frame feels sturdy yet comfortable, with adjustable nose pads for a customised fit. The multi-barrel hinges add durability, so you can trust these glasses to hold up over time. Plus, the included accessories, a quad-fold case, microfibre pouch, and cleaning cloth, show the attention to detail that GUNNAR is known for.

Overall, these glasses deliver on every front, blending eye protection with a sophisticated design. We're consistently impressed with GUNNAR's releases, and the "Dume - Gold - Amber" glasses are no exception. They look fantastic, feel great to wear, and offer top-tier blue light protection, making them a must-have for gamers, creatives, or anyone glued to a screen. Personally when looking for glasses, I am unsure if I would ever look anywhere other than GUNNAR, just consistently good glasses, from the feel, the look and most importantly the fact they really do reduce eye strain, they are just about perfect.

Available from GUNNAR at https://gunnar.co.uk/product/gunnar-dume-computer-glasses-gold-amber-gunnar-focus

Thank you to GUNNAR for sending us this latest pair to review.

REVIEW: Aqua Strike (VR Game) on MetaQuest - Racing, Combat, and Splashes of Fun

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

https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/aqua-strike/8349315541842358/