The cultural impact of Robert Louis Stevenson’s landmark 19th century novel cannot be overstated. Historical tales like The Pirate Queen show there’s room for more serious stories, yet Treasure Island’s depiction of swashbuckling pirates searching for treasure remains more prevalent with VR games like Sail, Furious Seas, and Battlewake. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Pirates VR: Jolly Roger takes the latter approach.

The Facts

What is it?: A VR action-adventure game where you play as a pirate exploring a cursed island. Platforms: PC VR (reviewed on PC VR via Quest 3 and Virtual Desktop) Release Date: Jan 14, 2025 (PC VR), Q2 2025 (PS VR2) Developer: Split Light Studio Price: $19.99

Pirates VR: Jolly Roger delivers a colorful VR adventure, yet Split Light’s latest game feels like a missed opportunity. Noticeable jank, design issues and shallow combat have left me wanting more, though it’s balanced out by rewarding exploration and great visuals. If you don’t mind a brief visit to the Caribbean, this lighthearted four-hour campaign has its charms.