Review: Maestro VR
Maestro VR – A Refreshing Spin on Rhythm Games
Having played games for over 40 years, it’s rare that something new comes along and reignites my excitement for video games. But Maestro did exactly that—it reminded me there’s still magic to be found in gaming.
I was surprised by Maestro for two key reasons.
First, I’ve pretty much exhausted the rhythm action genre. At one point, I owned nearly every Guitar Hero and Rock Band release out there. Those games were massive, but as time passed, their popularity faded—perhaps because not everyone wanted to fork out cash for plastic guitars and drum kits. This is where virtual reality breathes new life into the genre.
Second, I’m not a huge classical music enthusiast. I do enjoy orchestral movie scores and can sometimes identify composers by their signature style—John Williams is unmistakable, and Howard Shore is another standout. That said, both appear in Maestro’s DLC, which definitely sparked my interest.
As the name suggests, you play an aspiring composer. In your right hand, you hold a baton; your left hand performs gestures to conduct the orchestra. The game teaches you the techniques needed to become a true maestro. You tap your baton in sync with arrows approaching from different sections of the orchestra and use gestures to cue entrances, adjust volume, and signal direction.
The sense of scale is impressive. You start with a modest ensemble guided by a virtual mentor who feels genuinely lifelike thanks to clever height mirroring and positioning. As I looked behind me, I felt as though I were standing inside the Royal Albert Hall—majestic and awe-inspiring.
The game spans a range of music styles. Classical pieces like Swan Lake are there, of course, but you’ll also find jazz and even pop tunes. One DLC features Duel of the Fates from The Phantom Menace—conducting it was a jaw-dropping experience. Then came The Bridge of Khazad-dûm from The Lord of the Rings, which was even more epic. I’ve played hundreds of rhythm games over the years, and while strumming a plastic guitar with friends is fun, conducting a virtual orchestra hits different—it’s unexpectedly thrilling.
After each performance, you’re scored based on timing and technique. You earn new items like batons, gloves, and costumes for your orchestra. You can also change backgrounds and enjoy charming extras—your podium assistant brings you champagne and macaroons, and collectible cards give background info on each composition and composer.
Maestro has been a fantastic surprise—one of the standout experiences I’ve had in VR. If you own a PSVR2, I highly recommend giving it a go. The rhythm action genre isn’t dead—it’s evolving, and Maestro proves it with flair, innovation, and a beautiful blend of tradition and modern style.
Review by Chris.
