The VR gaming space is growing quite nicely at the moment. With new headsets announced and a slew of branded experiences such as Batman, our VR future is looking bright. And as it happens, bright is one of the first words I would use to describe Sugar Mess – Let’s Play Jolly Battle for the Meta Quest. This colourful romp through a candy-coated kingdom that’s sure to delight younger players while providing a nostalgic sugar rush for adults.

A Tasty Premise

Sugar Mess places you in the role of the Sugar Prince, tasked with defending his sweet realm from an invasion of evil cakes. It’s a premise as bonkers as it sounds, but one that sets the stage for a variety of gameplay styles that keep things interesting throughout. The hub world is simply amazing, with pop up books, arcade machines and a player map that is very cool to use. Sadly, the main game doesn’t quite live up to the fantastic hub world.

Gameplay: A Mixed Bag of Sweets

The core of Sugar Mess is its shooting mechanics, which are straightforward and accessible. Armed with your trusty candy gun, you’ll blast away at waves of confectionery foes. The controls are intuitive, making it easy for players of all ages to jump in and start having fun immediately.

What sets Sugar Mess apart is its variety. Beyond the standard shooting galleries, you’ll find yourself:

• Riding rollercoasters while taking potshots at airborne treats
• Solving simple puzzles that offer a welcome change of pace
• Facing off against inventive boss battles that require a bit of strategy
• Grooving to rhythm-based levels with surprisingly catchy tunes

This variety helps keep the game fresh, even if some elements are more successful than others. The puzzle sections, for instance, might frustrate younger players, but the inclusion of a ‘Resolve’ button to skip these parts is a thoughtful touch.

Visual Sugar Rush

Visually, Sugar Mess is a feast for the eyes. The Meta Quest 2’s capabilities are put to good use, rendering a world that looks like it’s been ripped straight from the pages of a children’s storybook. The bright colours and whimsical designs of the enemies and environments are sure to captivate younger players.

Family-Friendly Fun

As a parent, I found Sugar Mess to be a hit with my two daughters. They were immediately drawn in by the vibrant visuals and giggled with glee as they blasted away at the cookie monsters and cake creations. The game’s non-violent nature and cheerful atmosphere make it an excellent choice for family gaming sessions.

Room for Improvement

While Sugar Mess offers a delightful experience, it’s not without its flaws. The game’s short length – clocking in at around an hour for the main story – may leave some players wanting more. Additionally, more advanced gamers might find the challenge lacking, particularly in the later stages. The base gun shoots single projectiles so you will need to have a fast paced index finger until you can afford the automatic fire gun.

The Verdict

Sugar Mess – Let’s Play Jolly Battle is a charming addition to the Meta Quest 2 library. While it may not satisfy hardcore gamers looking for a meaty challenge, it offers a sweet, family-friendly experience that’s perfect for introducing younger players to VR gaming.

For those seeking other colourful VR adventures, Stilt offers a similarly bright and cheerful world to explore. And if you’re after a more traditional shooter experience on the Meta Quest 2, I can’t recommend Operation Wolf highly enough – it remains my personal favourite in the genre.