Review Day: Walkabout Mini Golf (Quest 2)

Walkabout Mini Golf is a fun, relaxing VR game that really captures the spirit of going to the mini golf course on your beach trip.

At just $15, the game is packed with more content than some games from big deal companies. There are 8 unique 18-hole courses (each with a separate Hard mode) with new ones being added for free regularly. Early courses are very reminiscent of classic mini golf tropes, while the later ones are more imaginative (ever golfed in space?). When you're done actually playing golf, each course also has treasure hunts that unlock new cosmetic balls and putters to play with.

The mechanics of putting are great, and the fine differences between hard and soft swings feel pretty real -- definitely better than anything the Wii used to do. Trying trick shots is fun, and you never have to wade into the water to get a lost ball. The only downside to putting is that you spend a lot of time looking down and then to the side, which is a little tiring with a heavy headset like the Quest 2.

There are two options for movement: a click-to-move to avoid motion sickness, and free walking/flying. I adapted to the flying over time and experience no motion sickness at all when I'm soaring over a golf course at high speeds. There's also a wonderful "click to get back near the ball" option so you don't have to adjust yourself just right to putt. The graphics are cartoony and not super detailed but the style works well. The music that plays on each course is a perfect complement and makes each round a pretty chill experience.

Walkabout Mini Golf also has an Internet multiplayer option (headset sharing would take too long to swap) which works as both a fun game to play and a framework for just talking to your friends. I can set up a private room with Anna and Ben and we can play mini golf while shooting the breeze. You can see the floating head and putter of each player, which lets you do silly things like lie down next to a hole or wave your arms as a distraction, much as you would on a real course.

This is the game I've played second-most (behind Beat Saber), and it's definitely a must-buy.

Final Grade: A