Maestro – REVIEW

Maestro is an ambitious project that rethinks rhythm games in VR, offering you a unique opportunity to feel like a real conductor. The game is based on the innovative hand tracking technology on Quest headsets, thanks to which players can control a virtual orchestra using gestures instead of controllers.

The main feature of Maestro is its advanced hand tracking, which sets it apart from other rhythm games. The French studio Double Jack focused on creating just such an input method, which allowed you to immerse yourself in the process of managing the orchestra, as it happens in real life. A simple wave of the hand can give a command to individual instruments, and a raised palm causes an increase in the power of sound. All this makes the game incredibly natural and controlling the game using hand tracking becomes preferable to controlling controllers.

But I must say that despite the accuracy of tracking, at high speeds the system sometimes skips gestures, which can lead to the loss of a note. However, this is more of a technical aspect that will probably be improved over time, as has happened with other games such as Beat Saber.

Visually, Maestro perfectly conveys the atmosphere of a real concert. Standing on stage, the player feels like a conductor, and the animated audience adds even more realism. Although the audience and musicians sometimes seem to be of the same type, their presence makes the game more lively and emotional.

Maestro’s music is a mix of classical works and jazz compositions. You can conduct such masterpieces as Wagner’s “Flight of the Valkyries” or Orff’s “Carmina Burana”. The game lacks the ability to add custom tracks, which could make it even more exciting.

Maestro is suitable for both standing and sitting play. For those who prefer to sit, a swivel chair is recommended, as the game requires frequent turns and position changes. During the game, you can unlock additional items such as wands, costumes and backgrounds, which stimulates further progress.

Maestro is a bold step forward in the rhythm game genre that brings a new breath to the use of hand tracking in virtual reality. The game offers a unique and memorable experience that is different from all rhythm games.