‘EATABLE’ Early Access Review – Intuitive Rhythm Game Tailored for Hand-Tracking

When it comes to rhythm games, precise input and low latency are non-negotiable. So, how does Quest’s hand-tracking tech stack up? Dive into the early access version of XR Games’ BEATABLE, and you’re in for some lively tapping, clapping, and snapping to the beat. While it’s solid enough for casual play, I’m not entirely convinced it’s nailed precision and consistency just yet.

BEATABLE Details:

• Developer: XR Games
• Available On: Horizon Store (Quest 2 and above)
• Reviewed On: Quest 3
• Release Date: April 10, 2025
• Price: $10

Note: Since this is an Early Access release, consider this a snapshot of where the game stands right now, with no numerical score attached, as it’s set to evolve over time.

Gameplay

You don’t need an expansive play area to enjoy Beatable. Whether you’re seated or standing, all you require is a small section of your desk or table. In this compact space, four beat lanes stretch out towards you, bringing notes straight from the horizon. The play area is roughly the size of a keyboard, presenting you with a couple of note types—’note’ and ‘hold note’—and symbols for clapping and finger snapping. It’s a refreshing shift from Beat Saber’s full-body workouts, offering a more relaxed yet still physical experience. Plus, there’s a nifty mixed reality mode.

Mastering Beatable is about as straightforward as picking up Beat Saber. All it asks is a tap on the table with your palm—no arduous button mapping like Guitar Hero. Yet, despite the simplicity, I’m not sure if becoming proficient at Beatable is in the cards for me.

Finger-snapping with one hand while swiftly responding to notes with the other is enjoyable. However, I can’t shake off the feeling that Quest’s hand-tracking might be too sluggish to foster that firm muscle memory needed for high-level play.

XR Games has issued a statement saying they counteract the tracking delay by "applying a small input and audio delay, syncing detection accordingly," a familiar tactic in the console world. That said, make sure your table is calibrated with your play space for optimal results, or you’ll find yourself constantly out of sync. And don’t forget about good lighting for best performance.

While precision is key for mastery, my issues with Beatable aren’t rooted there—nor with its catchy, if somewhat unfamiliar, soundtrack. It’s more about the overall feel and stickiness of the gameplay, which I’ll delve into in the next section.

Immersion

I’m torn. Normally, VR rhythm games have this magical way of making you feel awesome. Who cares if you look a bit goofy while playing? The slick feeling they impart is part of the fun. Unfortunately, Beatable misses that mark for me.

Sure, tapping and following the beat on your desk is engaging. You’ll encounter interesting flow patterns as you progress into more challenging songs. But beyond that, it doesn’t transcend much beyond simple desk-playing movements. Beat Saber doesn’t turn you into a swordsman, and DDR doesn’t transform you into a pro dancer, but they make you feel like you are. With Beatable, I don’t have that sense—I’m just following the motions.

A part of me wonders if some added elements, like bongos or a high-stakes control panel scenario, could elevate the experience beyond its basic desk thumping. Despite these musings, XR Games has adeptly navigated one of hand-tracking’s major pitfalls—the lack of haptic feedback. The use of the table as a massive button is ingenious, although I wish it were just a tad more reliable.

Comfort

Beatable scores well on comfort. You can engage in it sitting or standing anywhere you’ve got a flat surface, and it doesn’t involve any artificial movement beyond simple touches.

Pro Tip: If prolonged play starts to wear you down, consider using a foam desk pad for both comfort and reduced noise.

Conclusion

For a casual game, Beatable’s precision is on point, though building expertise might still be a hurdle. The innovative use of the table for feedback is downright clever, and with some refinements, XR Games could overcome Quest’s hand-tracking challenges. Should they fine-tune these aspects and keep the DLC songs rolling out, Beatable could spearhead a novel XR gaming subgenre.

Note: This game is currently in Early Access, implying future changes. This review reflects its current state without a numeric rating.