Max Mustard takes some of the best mechanics from our favourite platforming games and blends them together into a fantastical VR world.
Developed by Australia’s own Toast Interactive, creators of the viral Richie’s Plank Experience, Max Mustard excels in virtual reality gaming. Previously exclusive to Meta Quest, this delightful 3D adventure platformer is now coming to PlayStation VR2.
A Lovable Hero
The story is simple, but that’s all it needs to be. Max is on a heroic quest to rescue adorable Mudpups from the clutches of the evil Stubbins, a man hell bent on making big bucks by caging these adorable creatures.
In every level, Max is tasked with freeing the Mudpups – much the same as Astro Bot rescuing bots. There are up to three to save in each level, scattered throughout various platforming puzzles. Once collected, they follow you around – it’s the cutest.
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While Max Mustard may not revolutionise the genre, it executes familiar mechanics to a high standard. From platforms shifting to the beat of the music, conveyor belts, bounce pads, wind powered platforms, to mine carts on rails; there’s enough variety to keep you engaged through to the final level.
As I set off with Max to rescue the Mudpups, the level design never felt repetitive. There’s new platforms and traversal mechanics introduced in almost every stage.
One of my favourite levels saw Max don a spacesuit and platform her way through a low gravity obstacle course — pure joy!
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Though I don’t know much about Max, and we don’t learn a whole lot from the game, she is still a lovable character. It’s hard not to wave at her at the start of each level – it really feels like Max is looking to you for guidance on what to do next.
It’s clear that Max Mustard draws inspiration from several other games, both in its platforming mechanics and its wonderful soundtrack. Fans of Crash Bandicoot, Astro Bot Rescue Mission, Ratchet and Clank, and Super Mario Bros. will feel right at home.
Taking Control
Controlling Max is intuitive, especially for those who have played Astro Bot on PlayStation 5. However, instead of laser feet for hovering, Max uses rocket boots – a similar traversal style but visually unique.
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Unfortunately, enemy variety is limited. The same rotation of bad guys appears across levels, culminating in a boss fight in the final stage. I wish there was more diversity in combat; enemies are too easy to defeat, usually requiring just one jump on their heads.
After making your way across the game’s maps, you’ll come across various stores. This in-game shop is a highlight! Instead of simply selecting the upgrade you’d like to buy, you pick up items and toss them into a pit to purchase. The upgrades are worthwhile, enhancing abilities such as speed and jumping.
One upgrade allows you to snap the camera to a different position. I initially felt this shouldn’t be an upgrade and available from the get-go, but you get it early enough that it acts like a tutorial step.
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As you guide Max through the world in third-person, the game occasionally gives you, the player, the opportunity to assist in first-person. These moments were fantastic. By using power-ups like plunger guns and suction guns, you’re able to open paths for Max and take out bad guys. These are fun, but I wish there were more of them or more frequent chances to use them.
There is a series of challenges that test your speed and accuracy with the plunger gun, and I’m proud to have earned gold in all of them! I also love collecting all the M U S T A R D challenge letters — think Tony Hawk Pro Skater — in each level. None of these were overly difficult, but it was the simple satisfaction and coin collection that stood out.
Simple Graphics, Great Performance
Visually, Max Mustard is easy on the eyes, with slow-paced gameplay that prevents motion sickness. There are a few intense moments, like rail rides or long falls, but they’re brief and enjoyable without being overwhelming.
Graphically, the game’s simplicity means there isn’t much to interact with in first-person VR, but everything serves its purpose well Max.
Back in Max’s flying van, there are a few interactive set pieces, including a toaster where you can choose your toastiness level, a mug and a lever that insists you shouldn’t pull it. There’s also drawers to interact with an explore unlocked story letters.
Max Mustard has already been doing the rounds on Meta Quest for six months, therefore its jump across to PS VR2 is quite a smooth experience. The PS VR2 version offers a visual boost and I didn’t come across any bugs – everything was smooth sailing.
The Perfect Introduction to VR
Max Mustard has also been a fantastic introduction to VR for my daughter. While the headset is still a bit large for her, it was heartwarming to see her giving it a go.
This game holds genuine family appeal and is an excellent way to introduce younger players — and the younger at heart — to virtual reality. The recommended age for PS VR2 games is 12 and up (but who’s telling?).
For $40, Max Mustard is absolutely worth adding to your VR library. The more people playing this game the better. It’s one of the best PlayStation VR2 games I’ve expereinced, right up there with Resident Evil 4, Tentacular, and Gran Turismo 7.
Max Mustard will be available on PlayStation VR2 on October 3rd, it’s also out now on Meta Quest.
Quest Daily scores Max Mustard on PS VR2:
8.5/10
A review copy of Max Mustard was supplied to Quest Daily for the purpose of this review.
