This Week I Have Been Mostly Playing…
Pikuniku on Nintendo Switch
The definition of fun is ‘enjoyment, amusement or light-hearted pleasure’ and boy does Pikuniku nail it on all three counts. It’s already been out for six months but one of the few titles I regret not buying day one. It was so good I completed the whole thing in a three hour stint that I loved every minute. Sure it’s short but it doesn't need to be any longer.
It’s a light puzzle 2D platformer with you playing ‘the beast’ who ends up helping the creatures of the world defeat (spoiler alert) an evil corporation. You exit your cave and then talk to everyone to help with things they need. It’s all very simple until they bring in quite tricky platforming areas later that do offer a bit of a challenge. The game oozes charm and has countless funny moments, get more than a few chuckles from me.
Looks wise I wasn't initially sold until I saw our character move a few steps with those giant telescopic-esque legs. It’s hilarious, John Cleese's silly walks in video game form. The aesthetics grew on me so quickly, its uber cute and perfectly complemented with the jaunty music.
Interestingly there is very little hand holding, none of the characters abilities are explained to the playing meaning you need to experiment which is cool. Too often is the game play in other titles interrupted by pop ups telling you how to jump or put on a hat….
Speaking to friends we all hark back to games we played as kids and talk wistfully about how great these were. I wish I had this game when I was eight, it would have seemed the greatest thing in the world. That’s not to say its a complete kiddie game, I got a kick out of it!
If I were to sum up the game in two words? Fucking delightful.
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