The best way to play drums in VR.

Smash your way to rock greatness in the latest release for the PlayStation VR2 (PSVR2).

Developed by PotamWorks SAS and released first on the Quest series of headsets in 2021, Smash Drums brings the best virtual reality (VR) drumming experience to another platform, starting May. 15.

Smash Drums plays a lot like the Rock Band, or Guitar Hero, the hit music games of the 2000s. In order to achieve the highest score, you need to hit the right drum – or cymbal – at the right time, to keep the song going and show off your skills.

This VR game immerses you with interesting backdrops and scenery but keeps the core focus on the drum kit that appears before you. Just like the games of yore, players have a limited number of input options at their disposal – in this case five different colour coded options which correspond to drums and cymbals.

Due to the limitations of VR, there is no ability to use foot-controlled pedals – for the bass drum or hi-hat cymbals. For those who played games like Rock Band they’ll remember the game did in fact have a bass pedal input, however, it should be noted that players of this nostalgia inducing game had a physical, albeit toy adjacent, kit to play on.

Here the developer has worked to map each song so that your arms are doing all the work, hitting your drumsticks on virtual kit in front of you, to keep the song moving forward.

While the lack of a physical pedal means it’s not the perfect way to emulate what it would be like to play a real drum kit, Smash Drums is probably the best game for the VR market because it’s made with the thought of real drummers in mind.

Of course, the game is made for everyone. So while this is the best way to get that drumming fix for those who are use to playing on a real kit, anyone can strap on a headset and feel like a rock star as they play their way through the included 58 tracks.

For those looking for more recognizable rock anthems from bands such as Bon Jovi, Megadeth, KISS and more, there are an additional 35 songs available via DLC. These packs – which include five songs each – can be purchased for $6 each. Alternatively, you can purchase the premium edition of the game which includes all DLC songs currently released, for $55.

Now let’s talk about gameplay. In Smash Drums there are three different modes available: arcade, fusion, and classic, with each offering different ways to play the game. While you’re still obviously going to be hitting drums regardless, the ways in which you are meant to pay attention and interact with the game are how things differ.

For instance, classic mode will offer up a drum kit with a layout similar to those old school music games. Here you’ll see the notes fly towards you from a “launcher” and you need to hit them at the correct time to ensure you get the most points. In the other modes you can set up either a static drum kit where “notes” will fly over the corresponding drum or cymbal and you’re expected to hit it at the right time; or you can just have drums fly at you and you’ll need to hit them before they disappear.

While each mode has its benefits, and there are bound to be people who will stick to one mode over another, playing in fusion allows for a more realistic experience as you pay attention to your kit and hit the right notes.

Now let’s wrap by talking about the graphics and other technical aspects.

The game comes ready with PlayStation 5 (PS5) pro capabilities, but even if you’re just playing on a regular console, the graphics are impressive. The game offers multiple display modes including performance and fidelity – as well as a social mode which allows for better sharing of footage.

On the base PS5 playing in fidelity mode will see the game play at 90 frames per second (FPS) while performance will clock in at 120 FPS. Here the game will offer lower effects and rendering for performance – 1.25x – while fidelity comes in at 1.50 x and higher effects.

On a PS5 pro, both modes will net you 120 FPS, but the game will render shadows and other effects at a higher rate for performance – 1.50x to 1.75x – and fidelity – 1.60x.

Regardless of the console you’re playing on, Smash Drums looks as great as it plays and should easily help it claim top spot as the best drumming VR game on the console.

Overall, Smash Drums is an incredibly well-done game that will make anyone feel like they’re capable of drumming in a rock n roll band. The work done by the solo developer at PotamWorks SAS is fantastic and there is every opportunity to continue expanding this game as time goes on.

Those looking for a drumming experience that comes as close as possible to realistic – with a stellar playlist and big name bands – this one is for you.

The only downside in this game is the lack of a pedal to mimic the bass drum and hi-hat – and even then, it’s still a great drumming experience. Perhaps down the road, there will be the opportunity for a pedal to be created and make this game even more immersive.

But for now, get ready for a pretty intense arm workout as you play your way to the top of the leaderboards.

Smash Drums was reviewed on the PSVR2 after receiving a pre-release key from the developer.