Max Mustard Review – Jet-Packing Into Platforming Greatness

Max Mustard PSVR 2 Review

There’s a significant gap in the PSVR 2’s catalog for a fun 3D platformer. While PlayStation’s previous device showcased incredible adventures like Moss and Astro Bot: Rescue Mission, the PSVR 2 has yet to fill that robot-sized hole. Enter Max Mustard, which jetpacks over from Meta and PC to deliver platforming joy to console players. With its colorful world and engaging gameplay, could this be the thrilling journey that PSVR 2 owners have been eagerly waiting for?

Stubbins, an evil businessman, wants to improve his wealth by any means necessary. With adorable creatures that roam throughout planet Krunch, he decides to take the innocent critters, cage them and sell them for profit. Not willing to stand by and let this intolerable cruelty take place, you decide to venture across the land, saving as many Madpups along the way in a daring quest to halt the wrongdoer. Even though the game is shallow in terms of narrative depth, it does offer a conventional tale that gives a suitable premise for your adventure.

Jump For Joy!

Max Mustard firmly follows the path carved by iconic titles of the genre. From the playful nature of Mario to the ingenious implementation of virtual reality in Astro Bot: Rescue Mission, the game encompasses many aspects to make this a truly remarkable love letter to platformers. Although its inspirations are evident, it manages to innovate and serve up surprises throughout which makes each of its 40 levels an absolute blast.

Each level introduces new ideas and gameplay mechanics that make each step a memorable moment. Stages are expertly designed around a theme that elicits sheer joy. This can be platforming elements such as jumps altering the position of panels or environmental challenges which adds variety to your quest. A highlight is when you are pulled into the experience. At key points, you get access to a weapon and must shoot or suck up enemies as you progress. Switching from controlling a character within the world to directly impacting it is a delight and further engrosses you in the world.

Toast Interactive uses perspective masterfully to create stunning segments that toy with depth. Watching Max leap from area to area as you observe from a range of angles is wonderful. As you scour the environment, you discover secrets and can wander off the linear track to collect scattered items. The use of space is what really shines here. You feel part of the world and it’s a thrill to not only control Max around the diorama but also interact with the world and be part of her adventure.

Time to Go Back

Stages have three Mudpups to collect. Some are out in the open whereas others are tucked away and out of plain sight. Not only does this encourage you to take your time and explore but it also adds an element of replayability. You need a certain number to progress at key points, so sniffing these out is necessary. In addition to this, sand timers throughout levels challenge you to collect the letters of your name in a time limit. Doing so will reward you with coins which you can spend on upgrades for your character or to gain additional boosts.

There is a lack of enemy variety. The key types are established early on and remain throughout. Each requires you to dispose of them in different ways. With some, you can jump on their heads and others will need a quick kick. Bosses however are a highlight and require you to use a variety of skills to overcome. These include both third and first-person interaction with quick evasive movement and accurate shooting. Due to juggling a variety of elements, these encounters are a thrill and perfectly capture the frantic, playful nature that imbues the genre.

On the traditional overview map, you’ll see additional minigame challenges. In these, you must try to collect the most coins or shoot an array of targets in the fastest time. The bonus levels are a nice distraction that offers objectives and rewards. These can aid you on your adventure giving you access to extras that will help you on your journey.

Walk the Line

With any platformer, the controls are key. Wrestling with movement as you try to avoid hazards and leap over gaps is frustrating and can spoil a game. Luckily, Max controls like a dream. Every step and turn is responsive and jumps include a Crash 4-style marker so that you know where you’re going to land. This is further amplified with haptics as punches offer slight feedback and taking damage causes your headset to rumble. These small additions help to immerse you in the game further.

Everything looks stunning through the 4K OLED headset. Although the game was previously released on the Meta Quest, from comparisons, it is clear that the game has had a visual upgrade. Backing this is the charming soundtrack which adds to the comforting nature of the game but also communicates the theme of each level.

Max Mustard is the PSVR 2 game I’ve been waiting for. Its clever use of perspective makes navigating Max through the rich, diverse world a delight. Each of the 40 levels introduces fresh ideas, keeping the experience surprising all the way to the end. With numerous nods to classic titles, this ode to the genre is a joy and an essential title for any PSVR 2 owner.

***A PSVR 2 code was provided for this review***