C-Smash VRS review: Another great reason to buy a Quest 3

C-Smash VRS was a hit for the fledgling PSVR 2 platform last year, but as Sony's headset appears to have slowed considerably and Meta has launched another version of its standalone Quest with the Quest 3, the game has landed on another digital storefront. 

I couldn't be happier about that, since I'm reluctant to drop big money on a PSVR 2 with Sony's support seemingly dwindling already, and after hearing so many rave reviews about C-Smash VRS, a sort of VR rework of Cosmic Smash, a Dreamcast title from yesteryear, I was excited to jump in.

Reader, I was not disappointed.

Squash, anyone?

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Boiled down to its basic components, C-Smash VRS is a digital game of squash; players hit a ball through virtual environments only for it to come right back for another go.

That sounds simple, but it only takes a couple of rallies to start sending your shots curling off the bat, ricocheting off the walls, and generally building up a bit of a sweat. In fact, even as someone who's in fairly good shape, I found myself panting after some more intense matches - and that's even with your character's movement tied to an analogue stick (there are accessibility options for seated or single-hand users, too).

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Once you've absolutely leathered the digital targets on one side of the room, there's more to do, but regardless of which mode you're playing, it's hard not to love C-Smash VRS' unique visuals that offer solid, block colours, glimpses of deep space, and an NPC here or there. The constantly shifting colour palette and rotating obstacles also mean that it's very easy to spend longer playing than you might expect, and that's something I haven't always been able to say about VR games.

And, while there are time limits on levels, it's easy to enter a sort of flow state that sees you pretty casually returning the ball up the court. You will need to find plenty of space for it, though, lest you punch a light fixture like I did (oops). Still, at least the wireless nature of the Quest headset makes it easier not to get yourself tangled up.

1v1 me

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Aside from the wide array of targets and obstacles, it's possible to take on your friends - or work with them. Sadly, though, the multiplayer modes weren't available pre-launch so we'll have to test that once it's in more players' hands (or on more players' heads?). Once it comes, you'll be able to play modes that have you protecting blocks, or simply trying to smash the ball at your opponents, and more besides.

Thankfully, that allowed me to spend more time in Zen mode, my pick of the options here. It's a little more casual, but no less exhausting, and lets you work through levels quickly while tackling modifiers. You can repeat stages as much as you'd like, whereas Journey Mode, which is pretty much the same core campaign, ends if you're defeated.

Infinity Mode is essentially an endless mode where you'll just keep hitting moving blocks, dodging out of the way of them, and returning your shots. All of these are variations on a theme, but there's still plenty to enjoy here.

The Verdict

From its banging soundtrack to its pixel-perfect paddling, C-Smash VRS is one of Meta Quest 3's most enjoyable titles, even a year on from its PSVR 2 launch. One more game, yeah?

5/5

Reviewed on Meta Quest 3. Review code provided by the publisher.