Badminton Time! Review (Quest)
Summary: Badminton Time! is a lively and entertaining VR sports game that blends simulation, arcade action, and party-style fun, making it especially enjoyable with friends. While its movement and swing mechanics can be a bit clunky, its vibrant visuals, creative mini-games, and energetic atmosphere make it a worthwhile experience for casual and social players.
3.4
Shuttle Shenanigans
Badminton Time! is a delightful and energetic virtual reality sports game developed by Fishing Cactus, published by Decathlon, and released on November 13th of 2024 for Meta Quest 3S, Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest Pro, and Meta Quest 2. The game brings the fast-paced, dynamic fun of badminton into the VR space with a fresh, cartoony aesthetic. With a PSVR2 version scheduled for release on June 17th and a physical edition following on July 11th, Badminton Time! is positioned to become a multiplayer favorite among VR sports fans. Balancing elements of simulation, arcade-style action, and party game vibes, the title offers an experience that’s approachable, charming, and most importantly fun.
Badminton Time! is a joyful embrace of easy-to-pick-up, competitive fun. Whether you’re going solo against the AI or looking to rally with friends, the game offers plenty to keep you entertained. One of the first things you’ll encounter is its vibrant avatar creation system. With a broad selection of hairstyles, hats, outfits, and more, you can create unique, expressive characters that add to the playful spirit of the game. Customization doesn’t just stop at your appearance either, you can also choose your dominant hand, and set preferences for singles or doubles matches. These thoughtful touches help make the game feel inviting and personal right from the start.
The game features a number of different gameplay modes, each tailored to different types of players. For those looking to improve their skills, the Training mode offers a structured space to practice mechanics like aiming, timing, and swing strength. Mini-Game mode introduces a more party-centric element to the experience, offering whimsical, Mario Party-style diversions that bring a burst of creativity and humor. Arcade mode ramps up the excitement by adding power-ups to the mix like blinding your opponent with clouds or pelting them with a flurry of shuttlecocks. It’s chaotic fun that doesn’t take itself too seriously. For those looking for a more traditional experience, Realistic mode strips away the bells and whistles to deliver a grounded version of badminton that focuses more on skill and precision.
Beyond the main modes, there are additional features that round out the experience. You can join matches locally, play with friends online, or join random matchups. Tournament mode is another highlight, allowing you to compete in brackets against AI opponents, challenge friends, or participate in friendly or ranked online matches. The inclusion of a live match menu is especially useful for anyone with a large friends list and it lets you quickly see who’s online and what matches are in progress, making it easy to jump into the action. This kind of quality-of-life feature demonstrates a level of polish and social integration that many VR titles still lack.
When it comes to gameplay, Badminton Time! successfully captures the general feel of the sport in VR, but not without a few hiccups. Hitting the shuttlecock back and forth can feel incredibly satisfying when you manage to find your rhythm. However, finding that rhythm is often easier said than done. One notable issue is the movement system. You’re restricted to strafing side to side and up and down across the court, which means you can’t physically turn or reposition your body naturally within the game. This can lead to awkward moments where you’re craning your neck upward or twisting around in your play space to keep up with the shuttlecock’s position. While the hit detection is functional and consistent, there is a noticeable lack of tactile feedback that makes judging the strength and direction of your swing tricky. These mechanical quirks can result in missed hits and unexpected plays that feel more frustrating than fun, especially in more competitive or realistic settings. The game also doesn’t offer much leeway as in if you miss, it’s usually game over, with little margin for error or compensation. I also constantly ran into a glitch where if the shuttlecock landed on the back boundary line, then the game would freeze and wouldn’t continue, which I found pretty annoying after the third time it happened and I had to restart a match.
The things I loved the most about Badminton Time! are its mini-games and arcade features. These modes take the core mechanics and remix them in creative, engaging ways that keep the experience feeling fresh. For example, in the Loot Chests mini-game, you and up to three others try to hit the shuttlecock into open treasure chests. In another mini-game called Snake, a robotic snake slithers across the ground, and you must aim your shots precisely to knock off its segments. These modes not only provide a welcome break from standard gameplay but also double as effective practice tools for improving your aim and timing. They’re a highlight of the package, especially for casual players or those looking for quick bursts of fun.
The game is a visual delight, bursting with color and whimsy. There are ten distinct environments to play in, ranging from high mountain regions to snowy forests, each with its own unique aesthetic and ambiance. These levels are bright, colorful, and packed with fun details like wandering animals and animated scenery that give the world a sense of life and motion. The game runs smoothly, maintaining a consistent frame rate and crisp visuals. The cartoonish art style, while not pushing graphical boundaries, is charming and effective, creating a welcoming and playful atmosphere that suits the game’s tone perfectly.
The audio design in Badminton Time! also deserves praise. The soundtrack is upbeat and action-packed, providing the perfect backdrop for competitive play. The sound effects are a mix of realistic and exaggerated noises; shuttlecocks whizz with satisfying whooshes, rackets produce believable thwacks, and more playful effects, like an octopus sliding across your face, add humor and personality. The audio contributes greatly to the game’s immersive and entertaining vibe, reinforcing its lighthearted tone.
Final Thoughts?
Overall, Badminton Time! is a nice entry into the VR sports genre. While it stumbles slightly when it comes to fluid movement and realistic racket control, it more than makes up for it with charm, variety, and a clear passion for multiplayer fun. It’s a game that’s best enjoyed with friends, especially in arcade or mini-game modes, where the focus shifts from technical precision to shared laughter and unpredictable antics. If you are playing solo, you can still have a good time, thanks to the wealth of content and practice options, but those looking for a more immersive, simulation-level experience may find themselves grappling with the game’s control limitations. Still, if you’re in the market for a social VR experience that combines physical activity, arcade fun, and goofy charm, Badminton Time! is a smashing good time.
About the Author
Nay Clark Gaming holds a special place in my heart and I never stop talking about video games. I really love all types of games and have an interest in games that have complicated stories and lore because I enjoy untangling the mystery of it all. When I'm not gaming, I unsuccessfully try to control three amazing and incredibly bright kids.
Related Posts
Ghost Town Meta Quest Review →
The Phoenix Gene Review (Quest) →
Gorn 2 (Quest 3S) Review →
