When it comes to hand-tracking in VR rhythm games, the question arises: Is Quest’s hand-tracking precise and responsive enough for a game like BEATABLE? After spending time with the early access version of the game, which challenges players to tap, clap, and snap to the beat, XR Games’ latest offering proves to be adequate for casual gameplay. However, there are lingering doubts about its precision and responsiveness for more serious gameplay.
BEATABLE Details:
Developer: XR Games
Available On: Horizon Store (Quest 2 and above)
Reviewed On: Quest 3
Release Date: April 10th, 2025
Price: $10
Note: This game is in Early Access which means the developers have deemed it incomplete and likely to see changes over time. This review is an assessment of the game only at its current Early Access state and will not receive a numerical score.
Gameplay
Playing Beatable can be done while seated or standing, requiring only a small area on your desk, table, or any flat surface. The game features four tapping lanes where beats emerge, offering a compact playspace similar in size to a keyboard. Players interact with two types of beats (‘note’ and ‘hold note’), as well as symbols for clapping and finger snapping. While it retains a physical element, Beatable offers a refreshing change from the intense physicality of games like Beat Saber. Additionally, the game includes a mixed reality mode, adding to its appeal.
Learning to play Beatable is as straightforward as Beat Saber. The game relies on tapping the table with an open palm, making it easy to pick up and play. However, achieving mastery in Beatable may pose a challenge due to potential limitations in Quest’s hand-tracking latency, which could affect muscle memory retention at higher difficulty levels.
“That ‘aha!’ moment when creativity gifts you something special! —— BEATABLE is that game! Kudos to XR Games for this instant classic!“ Money Mark—Beastie Boys. 🙏🏽
Here’s a video of us pushing the @MetaQuestVR‘s hand tracking… pic.twitter.com/tk3QyExzHe
— XR Games (@xrgamesvr) March 24, 2025
The precision of activating notes and achieving ‘Perfect’ hits in Beatable may vary for each player. While the current precision level is suitable for casual gameplay, becoming an expert may require experimenting with optimal hand positions. Personally, I found myself adjusting my approach to hitting notes, aiming for the perfect timing with varying degrees of success.
Due to its reliance on hand-tracking technology, Beatable compensates for tracking delays by applying input and audio delays to synchronize detection, a technique commonly used in console development.
For optimal gameplay experience, it is recommended to calibrate your playspace accurately to your table and ensure adequate lighting conditions. Failure to do so may result in hitting notes too early or too late. Moreover, achieving 100% precision is crucial for mastering the game, but my primary concern with Beatable lies in its gameplay mechanics, which I elaborate on in the Immersion section below.
Immersion
My experience with Beatable left me conflicted. While engaging in tapping and following beat patterns in intermediate and expert songs can be enjoyable, the game lacks a certain ‘cool’ factor that is often present in other VR rhythm games.
Unlike games like Beat Saber or Dance Dance Revolution that make players feel immersed in the moment, Beatable falls short in creating that sense of immersion beyond basic interactions like tapping and clapping.
While Beatable succeeds in utilizing the table as a haptic feedback mechanism, enhancing the gameplay experience, there is room for improvement in terms of reliability. The game’s mechanics, although visually appealing, may lack the depth and engagement found in other rhythm games.
Comfort
Beatable offers a comfortable gaming experience, suitable for playing in various settings and positions without the need for artificial locomotion.
Pro Tip: To enhance comfort and reduce impact noise during gameplay, consider using a large desktop foam pad to cushion your hits.
Conclusion
While Beatable delivers a satisfactory level of precision for casual gameplay, the potential for mastering the game remains uncertain. The innovative use of the table for haptic feedback showcases XR Games’ creativity, but further enhancements are needed to address the challenges of Quest’s hand-tracking technology. With ongoing updates and DLC music releases, Beatable has the potential to establish itself as a pioneering title in the evolving landscape of XR gaming.
Note: This game is in Early Access which means the developers have deemed it incomplete and likely to see changes over time. This review is an assessment of the game only at its current Early Access state and will not receive a numerical score.
