Beyond Blue: After The Storm VR Meta Quest 2 Review

I love any chance to experience underwater life. As an asthmatic advised against scuba diving, virtual experiences are the closest I’m likely to get. I thoroughly enjoyed the original Beyond Blue, so learning about a VR sequel piqued my interest.

The gameplay is arguably simple, teetering between chill and exciting (more so as the story deepens). For the most part, it’s relaxed, which is perfect for me. Those of us who remember the early days of consumer VR might recall diving/swimming experiences like Ocean Rift, which could be scary or intimidating. Beyond Blue: After The Storm puts you in the water with sharks, but they don’t feel threatening (which shark experts would likely appreciate). They’re just there, doing their own thing, while you swim alongside them.

Your tasks are straightforward: you’re guided to locations and given clear instructions, such as using a special spray to heal creatures or cutting through debris. As you progress, you gain teammates to help you uncover what’s happening in the area. Movement feels natural, thanks to propulsion devices on your wrists; simply activate them to move forward. My only real issue is the turning/looking combination. I might have missed a movement option, but the snap turns feel jarring compared to everything else. I understand the benefit of separating view from movement, but even a smooth turn option (instead of snap turn) would have been welcome (perhaps I missed it?).

While exploring, you can use a tool to study creatures, triggering factoids (it would be better if the information remained visible while the trigger is pressed, as it disappears too quickly). Swimming alongside dolphins or whales is always enjoyable, though an artificial ceiling can break immersion (unfortunately, in one area, it prevented me from getting closer to a whale).

Overall, the game is relaxing and a pleasure to play due to the beautiful environment. You learn about ocean life and can even unlock mini-documentaries exploring the real-world science behind the game.

Final Thoughts?

If you enjoy the idea of safely spending time underwater, enjoying ocean wildlife, this is a great option. It’s reasonably priced for the enjoyment of simply swimming around. The story is fun to explore, but I could happily swim with the fish for hours. Grab a copy for some lovely, safe time in the ocean.