Review: Exploding Kittens VR

On the Meta Quest 3, you can play Exploding Kittens VR, an insanely immersive version of the clever and entertaining card game. I personally have never played the original card game but as an avid fan of sitting around the table at Christmas time with a collection of board games and ultimately fighting with everyone…I was keen to check this out! So was it full of guts and glory or just fluff and filler…. here’s what to expect from Exploding Kittens VR. Let’s get into it!

Presentation and Visuals

The quirky, eccentric art style of the original card game is still there in Exploding Kittens VR, but the virtual reality aspect takes it to a whole new level. Embrace the Exploding Kittens universe with this vibrantly colored, whimsically animated, and cartoonishly designed game that will transport you to a familiar yet exciting new world. The colorful yet simple cartoonish graphics really suit this particular style of game and it’s easy to feel absorbed into this wacky world even after only a few minutes of gameplay. One notable feature is the 3D animations that play when certain card actions are made. These animations add a touch of visual flair and really bring each match to life. Nothing says exploding kitten more than a virtual pussycat sitting in front of your face with a ticking bunch of dynamic for a seat!

Away from the game tables, the world itself is littered with mini games and objects to interact with. Would love to see this hub padded out with other online players but my preview didn’t allow for online multiplayer which was a shame. As whimsical as the rooms are to explore, it would be better with other people wandering about.

Gameplay

Exploding Kittens VR remains faithful to the core concept of the original card game. Think Uno but with a healthy dose of crazy added and you’re on the right track! The objective is still the same: outplay your opponents in a strategic manner while avoiding the fateful ‘Exploding Kitten’ card. You don’t draw cards anymore; instead, you use a new tactile VR mechanic to open mystery balls, which contain items that have the same effects as the cards in the original game. This deftly employs the physicality of virtual reality, ensuring that every turn is entertaining and engaging.

The game becomes even more immersive as you have to physically execute actions like slamming down a gavel to block an opponent’s move or using X-ray specs to peek at upcoming balls.

At the time of review, online play was unavailable as mentioned, but the main gameplay against bots was really entertaining. Playing against actual friends, though, would surely cause mayhem and laughter. No need to wait until Christmas time to beat your Gran now!

Mini-Games and Progression

The side games at first seemed like unnecessary padding, but they actually tie in well with the main experience. Playing the arcade machines in the social hub is possible with coins earned from the main game, and tickets are earned by doing well in these mini-games. To make it feel more cohesive, you can use these tickets to unlock unique avatar gear. This means that one action leads into the other and helps connect everything in a satisfying way. One thing that keeps you hooked is how you can earn rewards in both the main game and mini-games, which ultimately allows you to unlock new customization options for your avatar. Funny hat you say?…don’t mind if I do!

Depth and Strategy

What makes Exploding Kittens VR stand out is the depth it hides beneath its humorous exterior. While it’s easy to learn, the strategic options expand as you start mastering the different tools at your disposal. Every choice matters, whether it’s when to use a defensive item or sabotage your opponents. Sure it’s always handy to have a pliers in your arsenal but how to you cope when you’ve run out. Do you take chances and bluff or use other tools to sway things in your favour? The game ultimately becomes more enjoyable and addictive as you learn the ins and outs of the items and their effects.

Sound Design

The music in Exploding Kittens VR compliments the game’s frantic action. It’s nice and mellow and barely noticeable which is what all good background music should be. The lack of other human players left things feeling a little on the quiet side but I quite enjoyed the escapism. I can only imagine when the game rooms are filled with bodies with mics switched on how quickly I’ll miss the quietness of playing offline! Still, everything is better with friends so they say!

Conclusion

Exploding Kittens VR is a surprisingly fun take on the classic card game that manages to combine irresistible elements of strategy, humor, and immersion. Playing against bots was a lot of fun even without online multiplayer and I can only guess how much more enjoyable it will be when played with friends.

If you’re a fan of the original game or are searching for a fun and challenging virtual reality experience, you should definitely check out Exploding Kittens VR on the Meta Quest 3. The game has great graphics, uses VR mechanics cleverly, and offers deep strategic options. You’ll be left with that ‘just one more go’ feeling every time you play! Purrfect!

Pros:

• Simple to learn, with excellent guides.
• Innovation in virtual reality mechanics for strategic game play.
• Complementing the main storyline are minigames.
• A visually striking and eccentric aesthetic.