With multiplayer options to take in too, Pikuniku comes recommended. You won’t be controlling Piku for all that long, but the three-hour or so length also feels about right. Plus, it’s hilarious to observe just how often kicking something can be a perfectly suitable solution to a problem. The jumping movement is a little floaty, but the animation of Piku walking (along with all the characters, actually) is so endearing. However, for a challenge there are optional additional platforming sections that ramp up the complexity that really test your agility and reflexes and reward you with in-game trophies. The platforming sections present the most challenging gameplay, but they’re designed in a way that prevent them from becoming too frustrating for younger players. These can also introduce basic puzzle elements that do just enough to engage your brain, even if ultimately all Piku must do is kick different things. This might sound mundane, but when enveloped in the quirkiness of Pikunuku, it’s enough to make it a memorable experience. This is where the variation of the game comes in, with RPG elements introducing quest-like objectives like finding a missing worm in a cave system or proving how cool you are in a dance-off. Before, though, the inhabitants of the different villages require some additional assistance. Mr Sunshine does have help, though, in the form of a robot army whose larger machines act as enjoyable boss battles in each village. Much of Pikuniku then sees you helping to save other villages that are being drained of their resources by Mr Sunshine, who is consolidating all the island’s wealth for himself. Fortunately, the locals quickly realise that Piku is not to be feared and that something isn’t quite right about another character, a Mr Sunshine, who has made a name for himself through throwing money around in exchange for all the locals’ corn. Unlike the typical call to adventure, though, they are almost immediately thrown into a cage, mistaken for a monster by the area’s locals. The setup sees the Piku (the gangling red creature) awoken from its slumber in a cave by a ghost. For a game that seemingly is about a funny looking red creature that has an oblong ball for a head and a couple of long legs, the tone is surprisingly cutting towards the attitudes of capitalism, though don’t expect an admiration for socialism in response.įree money sounds great, but in this instance, it’s pretty useless. Much like the outside world, despite Pikuniku‘s bright colours and quirky looking characters, there is something sinister at play underneath. Pikuniku captures that feeling and gives it a good kick. The graphics are bright and fun, the script is hilarious, and for those who like them there’s a bunch of secrets and collectible masks.Has the world got you down? You grind all day long for money, but it’s never quite enough. It’s not a super long game, but the co-op does help lengthen how long you’re going to keep coming back. For instance, at one point the frame rate began to stutter for seemingly no reason. I’ve had a ton of fun with it, and only had a few minor issues. It’s 11 levels full of the same kinds of puzzles you get in the main game, and I had loads of fun playing them with my kids.Īt just over a tenner, Pikuniku is a fantastic game. If playing on the Switch, there is also one small section that allows you to use the touch screen.Īs well as exploring the world (made up of a handful of levels which you can freely move between), and solving puzzles, there is a co-op mode. You can also swing on hooks placed around the world, and zoom along zip wires. The shoulder buttons let you switch your mask and use certain items, if you have them. Pikuniku’s controls are very simple, with a button to curl into a ball (to move faster or through tight spaces), one to jump and one to kick/use certain things. So don’t give me any of that “I don’t like crazy Japanese games” rubbish. Spoilers: there's a difficult rhythm mini-gameĪlthough it is styled like a crazy Japanese game (it does have a Locoroco-esque charm), Pikuniku was actually made by Europeans. Once they’ve taken simple rubbish (crops, trees, what have you) under the orders of Mr Sunshine, of course. You find a world of happiness, where people are given free money! It rains from the sky every so often - actually, that’s incorrect, it’s thrown from the sky by robots. Waking up in a cave, the ghost (yes “the” ghost, just roll with it) tells you to go out - so you do. You’re still here? Fine, I’ll tell you more about the game, then… But I’m warning you, it’s charming as all get out on its own merits. Pikuniku Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Language Nintendo Switch Pikuniku Select a product Digital Pikuniku This item will be sent to your system automatically after purchase. Which isn’t much - and that’s for the best. Go find the trailer and check that out, and you’ll have all of the information that you need. Pikuniku is a 2D puzzle platformer full of charming characters, and to tell you more would only spoil your enjoyment of this title. Reviews // 21st Jan 2019 - 4 years ago // By Andrew Duncan Pikuniku Review
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