The long awaited launch of the Meta Quest edition of MADiSON arrived upon us with great anticipation. However, while the PC VR edition of the game was warmly received in 2024, a year is a long time in the realm of VR. While MADiSON isn’t a bad experience on Meta Quest, according to 131XR’s review, there’s too much evidence of its flatscreen roots to be considered of the quality of many of its VR horror peers.
The Origins of MADiSON VR
MADiSON originally launched for PC way back in 2022. The game received significant praise for its combination of intricate puzzles and heavy horror atmosphere. An ideal pairing for VR, of course. Developer Bloodius Games obviously recognised this, and following some DLC content for the original release, began working on a VR port.
‘Port’ is the optimum word here. Many titles claim to have been reworked specifically for VR. However, it seems that MADiSON VR is not one of them. There are so many leftovers from the original flatscreen version of MADiSON that it significantly impacts the immersion of the experience.
MADiSON VR Review
MADiSON VR is scary. There’s no denying that. But we need more from VR horror games; this isn’t 2015 any more.
The game’s story isn’t particularly well delivered. The gameplay mechanics are rote. The level of detail within the world is satisfying, but the implementation of highlights for points of interaction stretch to the point of breaking the immersion. According to the 131XR review below, you’ll frequently reminded that, after all, it is just a game.
Can MADiSON VR be Rescued?
Despite several delays in the release of MADiSON VR, the game ultimately has not lived up to expectation. The attention needed is no quick fix, either. There are fundamental problems in the delivery of the VR edition of the game that would take a considerable amount of investment to rectify. Whether or not Bloodius Games intend on doing so is not currently known.
Regardless, by all accounts the game has sold reasonably well in VR. As such, we’d be more than happy to see the studio give it another go. After all, MADiSON VR isn’t a bad game. It’s just not a very immersive one.
Have you played MADiSON VR? What’re your thoughts on the implementation of VR in the game? Let us know in the comments below!
