Walkabout Mini Golf Review: Essential VR Worth Scheduling with Friends

In the realm of virtual reality (VR), certain games stand out as must-haves, and Walkabout Mini Golf is undeniably one of them. This game has cemented its place alongside VR legends like Beat Saber, offering an experience that is both captivating and endlessly enjoyable. Here's a detailed review that explores why Walkabout Mini Golf is a VR multiplayer game you and your friends shouldn't miss.

A Magical Golfing Experience

Walkabout Mini Golf offers a magical experience that feels both expansive and intimate. With 18 holes per course, the game might seem standard at first glance, but it's anything but. The developers at Mighty Coconut have crafted each course with a level of creativity and attention to detail that rivals theme parks, offering a VR-first design that's unmatched. From hidden Easter eggs to breathtaking visuals, each course invites players on a unique journey, making every game a new adventure.

The game's design philosophy, dubbed the "Walkabout path," guides players through visually stunning and creatively designed courses that are both challenging and rewarding. Notable courses include the Jim Henson’s Labyrinth add-on, where players can immerse themselves in iconic scenes from the film, putt through the Bog Of Eternal Stench, and navigate a full-scale maze. This level of detail and dedication to theme immersion makes Walkabout Mini Golf a standout VR experience.

Course Design and Creative Vision

Mighty Coconut's approach to course design is both inspired and methodical, resulting in a game that's constantly refreshing itself with new and imaginative courses. The studio's pipeline, from idea generation to VR implementation, ensures a steady release of new content that keeps the game fresh and engaging. Courses range from lost cities like Atlantis and El Dorado to adaptations of classic tales like Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, each offering a unique mini-golf experience.

The creative direction, led by studio head Lucas Martell, and the talented team of artists, delve into our collective imagination to bring forth courses that are not just about golf but about exploring new worlds. The attention to detail, from the thematic elements to the unique "shape language" of each course, ensures that players are always discovering something new, making each round of golf a discovery in itself.

Physics and Gameplay: A Realistic Touch

The physics of Walkabout Mini Golf strike a perfect balance between realism and fun, offering a gameplay experience that mirrors the joy and frustration of real-life mini-golf. The game's physics system ensures that each shot feels authentic, adding a layer of skill and satisfaction to the game. Additionally, the game supports various comfort settings, including teleport and stick-based locomotion, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

The design choices, such as the non-colliding putter and auto-extending feature, allow players to focus on the game without worrying about environmental obstacles. This level of accessibility and attention to player experience is what sets Walkabout Mini Golf apart from traditional mini-golf games.

Beyond Golfing: Lost Balls, Hard Mode, and Multiplayer Fun

Walkabout Mini Golf is filled with hidden treasures and challenges that extend beyond the basic game. Each course hides a lost ball, adding an element of exploration and collection to the game. Unlocking the "hard" version of a course offers players a new perspective and additional challenges, keeping the gameplay engaging over time.

The multiplayer aspect of Walkabout Mini Golf is where the game truly shines. The ability to share private rooms, enjoy DLC courses together, and the guest pass feature, which allows friends to join in on DLC courses, emphasizes the game's focus on community and shared experiences. This social aspect, combined with the game's immersive and enjoyable gameplay, makes Walkabout Mini Golf a must-play with friends and family.

Final Thoughts

Walkabout Mini Golf is more than just a game; it's an experience that brings people together in the virtual space. Its blend of beautiful environments, engaging gameplay, and social features make it a standout title in the VR landscape. Whether you're a seasoned golfer in the virtual world or new to the game, Walkabout Mini Golf offers something for everyone, making it an essential addition to your VR library. So, charge up your headsets, gather your friends, and prepare for an unforgettable VR golfing adventure.