I have been itching for months for our next game to arrive on the PSVR2 platform. The time is finally upon us to strap on our jet boots and journey into the vibrant, whimsical world of Max Mustard, developed and published by the local Queensland legends Toast VR PTY. LTD. Was it worth the wait? Does it scratch my itch? Well, you’ll have to keep reading to find out.

Max Mustard is a hand-crafted VR platformer that combines the best of first-person power-ups with the timeless charm of classic third-person platforming. Journey through immersive landscapes, facing tough challenges, unexpected twists, and moral dilemmas as you embark on a heroic quest alongside the fearless Max to rescue adorable Mudpups from the clutches of the devious Stubbins. 

Players will take on the navigator role and must guide Max through 40 hand-crafted levels, each bursting with surprises, inventive mechanics, and seemingly endless variety. Each of the story progression levels has 3 Mudpups that you must free from their cages and guide to the end of the level to return them to their parents.

There are also challenge levels throughout each story arc that will reward you with a Mudpup for achieving your objectives. I loved playing these bonus levels so much that even after rescuing the adorable little Mudpups, I would go back and play them again to see if I could beat my time or farm for more coins to spend at the BetaBuys shop.

Collecting coins spread throughout each level can be spent at the BetaBuys shop to purchase upgrades to help Max on her quest to free the Mudpups. Purchasing upgrades like increased movement speed, in-air dash, and hover distance can make all the difference when facing off against the giant bosses at the end of each arc.

Defeating the gigantic bosses is no easy feat, and you’ll need to not only bring your platforming A-game. You’ll also need a quick trigger finger as well. These battles are intense and super fun. I love the combination of first-person shooting and exercising my platforming prowess. 

Making my way through this incredible VR platformer has brought me a newly restored love for platform gaming. Each of the 40 levels presents a unique challenge that makes finishing each level extremely satisfying. This is jam-packed with references to classic platformers from the last 30 years while bringing something new and fresh with its inventive mechanics. I am particularly fond of those challenging moments when I needed to combine first-person shooting with navigation of Max while looking from a distance. 

Honestly, this game should come with a cuteness overload warning. The Mudpups are so freakin’ adorable. You’d be a total monster if you didn’t fall in love with them. Then there is Max, our fearless adventurer, whose smile could light up the entire room.

I almost lost my mind when Max looked back at me with her infectious smile and wave. I loved how alive this made her feel. The game world is bright and packed with vibrant colours that make even the most challenging moments visually joyful. Each level feels new and fresh, a testament to brilliant level design. 

I could find myself vibing away for hours with a smile on my face at the joyous soundtrack. It is just as bright and colourful as the game visuals. I love how much the sound effects complement the gameplay. Even an enemy sneezing a fireball at you manages to bring a smile to your face. 

Max Mustard is an awesome journey from beginning to end. It pays homage to the classic platformers of yesteryears while delivering a fresh and innovative gaming experience. This bright, joyful, and at times challenging game should be on every PSVR2 owner’s must-play list.

Seriously, with this much cuteness packed into an incredible experience, you’d be a monster if you didn’t play this gem. It should come as no surprise to see that the team from Toast VR PTY. LTD. is in the running for 4 awards at this year’s VR game awards and the AGDA’s. I wish the team the very best at the awards. 

Written by: Gary Nielsen