

Like the game’s campaign, they are pretty short but that only maximizes the enjoyment. Though there are only nine, the co-op puzzle levels are Pikuniku’s best feature. Its brevity ensured that I stayed interested long enough to see the story through to its end.Īnd after that, you have the co-operative levels to enjoy. I definitely do not think that applies to Pikuniku though, as it is just as long as it should be due to its comical ups and downs. Now, usually there is some negativity associated with a game being short. The final boss also ends in a huge anticlimax – another thing the game struggles with throughout. The final boss requires quick reflexes and careful timing – something that the rest of the game has absolutely none of. That is, of course, until the final boss, where the game showcases a textbook example of a difficulty spike. The few boss encounters that happen are equally simple and underwhelming.

The solution to each problem you are presented with in the game is painfully obvious every time. Physics based puzzles can often be frustrating in other games, but they are regularly the best part of Pikuniku due to some thoughtful level design that ensures items will roll or fly to where they should.Īlthough the puzzles are enjoyable, they are never anywhere near challenging. You swing from grapple points with your feet, and you can kick buttons, barrels, boxes and other characters in order to solve puzzles or laugh at cartoony physics. As such, your key way of interacting with the world around you is through your feet. As far as a rating is concerned I think the devs have made a little gem of a game here and I’d happily score it 9/10.Immediately you will notice that Piku is nothing but a red oval with eyes and legs. Pikuniku is due to be released on the 24 th January on Steam, GOG and Itch for only £10.29 making it a really good value for money. If you do want a bit of head to head competition then there is always racing or basketball to keep you entertained, although playing basketball with only long rubbery legs and no arms is quite difficult. There is also a number of co-op levels to play on local multiplayer meaning you can play with family and friends with the emphasis on helping each other to a common goal rather than smashing each other’s heads in. You can expect to get around 5 hours of gameplay from the main story mode, maybe more if you are a completionist like me as I still can’t find some of the trophies! It’s nice to see a developer focusing on the gameplay and feel of the game rather than gimmicky graphics and effects and that really sets Pikuniku apart from others in its genre.

Many of the puzzles require a logical approach, sometimes you just stumble upon the solution, and sometimes you may even need a special hat in order to complete a task! In the ’90s this seemed to be the staple format for most games.

Each person you meet will require you to do something for them in return for an item which will let you progress further. I think the main retro feel of the game is the things you need to do to progress. The music is very reminiscent of Sonic in quite a few places also adding to the retro vibe. The game has a 1990’s feel to it partly because of the familiar side scrolling platform format but also because there are little nods towards games of that era such as Sonic and Mario and even slightly earlier games like Dig Dug. The developers Sectordub have managed to take serious and complex issues and squeeze them into a fun little game which will help kids realise all that glitters may not be gold! This truly is a dystopian adventure and isn’t afraid to make statements against greed and capitalism which is often lacking from games aimed at the younger generations. As you make your way through the strange world filled with quirky little blob shaped characters, helping them with their problems such as broken bridges and not so scary scarecrows, you start to uncover a darker side to the goings on in this strange place. When you delve a little deeper into the game its then that you realise that there is an underlying message in this little adventure that isn’t as cute and cuddly as the world first seems. State conspiracy, and start a fun little revolution in this delightfullyįrom the outset Pikuniku seems to be aimed at younger gamers with the simple yet charming graphics having the feel of a Mr Men book and the catchy tunes that could have been pulled from a kids cartoon. You need to help peculiar characters overcome struggles, uncover a deep Place in a strange but playful world where everything is not as happy as it Which is described as an absurdly wonderful puzzle/exploration game that takes
