Platform reviewed: Meta Quest 2
Also on: Meta Quest 3/3s, Steam
Price: $24.99 (base game) $33.98 (base game and Secret Sorcery DLC)
I love when developers explore the potential of VR beyond shooters, and it’s even better when they take creative risks to deliver something truly unique. Conducting an orchestra in VR wasn’t something I ever imagined could be so enjoyable, but the French studio Double Jack has proven me wrong with Maestro. By far, this is my favorite VR game to date.
The game begins with me standing before a small orchestra in an empty theater. As I take my place on the podium, wondering why I’m here, a voice from behind startles me. Turning around, I see a man in 1700s French aristocratic attire, complete with a wig and powdered face, striding toward me. With an air of arrogance, he asks if I’m the new conductor. I couldn’t help but chuckle when an orchestra member calls him out for being a bit over the top. That moment cemented my love for the game. Subtle humor like this elevates Maestro from being just a good game to a truly great one
Erik, the maestro, isn’t as bad as his pompous introduction suggests—in fact, he’s an excellent mentor. He guides me through the tutorial, teaching me how to conduct tempo by moving the baton to the beat, reminiscent of hitting the beats in Guitar Hero. The hand-tracking feature adds to the immersion, making every movement feel precise and natural. Erik also introduces me to advanced techniques: signaling different sections to join in by pointing at them, emphasizing stronger beats with sharper baton movements, and controlling the orchestra’s dynamics with subtle hand gestures. The game directs my focus to specific orchestra sections using light cues—a clever touch that helps keep me on my toes. The tutorial is short, effective, and I’m ready to step up to the podium for my first performance.
There’s a wide selection of songs to choose from, ranging from classical masterpieces to modern jazz. I start with a classic but I’m impressed with the diverse lineup. Before performing, I select a difficulty level—easy, medium, or hard—and choose a song from a book on my podium. Once I click on a song, its sheet music appears, and Erik instructs me to hand it to him. With his usual flair, he waltzes off with it. Moments later, I find myself standing before a large, cheering crowd, eagerly awaiting my performance. Amused, I take a few bows—not because the game prompts me, but because it feels fitting. Then, I tap my baton on the stand, signaling the orchestra to begin.
The gameplay mirrors the tutorial, but the stakes feel higher with the audience’s energy and anticipation. If I perform well, the crowd rewards me with a standing ovation. Adding to the realism, social media posts appear on the screen, as if audience members are sharing live updates from the concert. It’s a clever touch that enhances the illusion of conducting a real performance.
After the performance, I find myself back in the empty theater, where Erik awaits with a silver platter in hand. He lifts the lid to reveal my rewards: a selection of macarons, a flute of champagne, some notes from the audience, additional music, or new cosmetics for my baton, gloves, and orchestra. These additions provide the progression mechanic of the game and adds to the overall charm.
I couldn’t resist seeing what would happen if I offered Erik a cookie or some champagne. While he doesn’t move, his eyes follow the cookie as it inches closer to his face, almost as if he’s silently judging me. Whether this was an intentional feature or not, it added an extra layer of humor to the experience. The funniest moment, however, came when I tried to return the glass of champagne to the platter. Instead of setting it down gracefully, it toppled off and broke, prompting an indignant 'hmph' from Erik. His reaction, equal parts annoyed and dignified, had me laughing out loud
One of the newest additions to Maestro is the Secret Sorcery Pack DLC, which introduces iconic music from the Harry Potter films and Disney’s Fantasia. These tracks not only add to the game’s repertoire but also appeal to fans of these franchises. The game also offers historical context for each song, sharing insights about the composer. This educational touch enhances my experience, blending entertainment with a bit of a history lesson.
My only complaint, and it’s a minor one, is that I wish I could perform several songs in a row, creating the feeling of putting on a full concert. Currently, the game only allows me to perform one song at a time. I understand why—adding a multi-song performance would likely complicate the rating system—but it’s a feature that could elevate the concert experience even further.
Final Grade: A
In a VR landscape dominated by shooters, Maestro is a breath of fresh air. The game cleverly combines the joy of conducting an orchestra with fascinating historical insights into the music. Its humor and charm elevate the experience, making it truly unforgettable. Double Jack has crafted a masterpiece with Maestro. If you’re seeking a unique and delightful addition to your Meta Quest library, this game is well worth your time.
Review code provided by Mighty PR