The Beanstalk
- January 25, 2018
- Beanstalk VR Team (BYU)
Get on SteamThe Beanstalk is a virtual reality fairytale experienced based around the classic, "Jack and the Beanstalk." It's a student project created by a team at BYU Provo, and now we're releasing it so that you can try it out for free. Get inside, explore the world of Jack and the Giant, have fun, and be careful not to fall while climbing the Beanstalk!
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The Beanstalk VR is a commendable first project, showcasing the potential of student developers.
- The climbing experience is engaging and adds a nice element to the gameplay.
- As a free experience, it offers a decent introduction to VR for younger audiences.
- The graphics and overall presentation feel dated and lack polish.
- Gameplay is mostly passive, with limited interaction and a very short duration.
- The narrative progression can be confusing, and the experience may not appeal to older players.
- story8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the experience is a brief, VR retelling of the classic fairy tale "Jack and the Beanstalk," where players interact with storyboards and elements of the narrative. However, many users feel that the storytelling is simplistic and outdated compared to more modern VR narratives, likening it to a basic storytime experience. Overall, while it captures the essence of the original tale, it lacks depth and innovation.
“The Beanstalk is a short 5-10 minute experience that tells a fairy tale story based on Jack and the Beanstalk.”
“So this is basically a cinematic/story VR experience of the classic Jack & the Beanstalk fairy tale.”
“But at this point there are much better examples of storytelling in VR, and this feels really dated.”
“The actual climbing part was fairly intense, but the narrative getting there was like sitting through daycare storytime.”
“It is exactly the same story, but in VR.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally considered mediocre, with some users finding the colors and visuals underwhelming; however, the environments are well-designed and align with the game's theme.
“The colors and graphics overall are a bit lackluster, but they fit the theme well, and the environments are very nicely arranged.”
“The colors and graphics overall are a bit meh, but they go with the theme, and the environments are very nicely arranged.”
“The visuals are not the best, but they're okay.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is described as straightforward and unremarkable, lacking any standout features or innovations.
