As a seasoned gamer with decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that Gimmick 2 has been a breath of fresh air in this modern era of cookie-cutter sequels and remakes. Having grown up playing classics like Bubble Bobble and Rod-Land on the arcade, it’s refreshing to see a game that captures that old-school charm while still feeling contemporary.
I examined the updated version of Gimmick, a delightful platformer thought to be lost long ago, which was brought back into the current awareness from its obscurity on the Famicom. Starring the character Yumetaro who resembles Bub & Bob, it was an adorable game built around physics and gained popularity due to its excellent soundtrack created by Sunsoft’s legendary composer Mashashi Kageyama. Many people found themselves asking why it didn’t receive a broader release during its original time.
As a devoted admirer, I’m thrilled to share that Bitwave Games, who brought the original masterpiece to life last year, has developed such a deep affection for the Gimmick-verse that they’ve taken it upon themselves to create a sequel! This new version boasts a sleeker, contemporary art style, although fans can look forward to unlocking a nostalgic pixel art filter later on. The gameplay has also been subtly tweaked to distinguish this sequel from Tomoi Sakai’s 1992 classic title.
Once more, you’ll guide Yumetaro, the living doll, and his versatile magic star through another adventure. This mystical star can be thrown at foes or used to navigate puzzles by bouncing off them. The primary challenge in this sequel lies in the intricate puzzles, which are longer and require a lot of thinking to solve. Mastering the art of aiming the star to hit switches with precise bounces can sometimes be a matter of trial and error, but the physics engine is well-designed and never feels unjust.
As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but feel an electrifying surge of excitement as our protagonist picks up speed, gracefully gliding down slopes and skillfully leveraging momentum for tricky jumps or pinpoint-accurate star throws. The game offers a myriad of routes through its six stages, brimming with warp zones, pipes, and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. It’s filled with delightful and unexpected set-pieces that truly distinguish it from its predecessor.
The game offers an endless loop of respawning upon death, fostering a persistent “let’s try one more time” sensation without becoming aggravating. In the toughest scenarios, you’ll eventually conquer that challenging chain of jumps, activate that hidden switch, or unravel that complex puzzle through trial and error and swift finger movements. For those finding the game too challenging, Bitwave has provided a more accommodating assisted mode to ease newcomers into platforming.
Similar to its predecessor from Sunsoft, Gimmick 2 recaptures the visual charm of retro arcade games, notably resembling Taito’s Bubble Bobble world and Jaleco’s enchanting Rod-Land. The artwork, skillfully hand-drawn, is vibrant, radiant, and sharply detailed. Its animation is nothing short of marvelous. You may think you’ve encountered the sweetest blob creature with anthropomorphic traits, but then another one appears, making you “aww” even more, only to be attacked by a barrage of stars shortly after.
The superbly cool jazz-funk saxophonist Kageyama, known for his exceptional audio skills, set a high standard with the Gimmick! soundtrack’s popularity. However, Bitwave has made an astute choice by bringing on board another saxophone and video game OST legend. For years, David Wise was a prominent figure at Rare, boasting an impressive resume. Most notably recognized for his work in the Donkey Kong Country series, Wise delivers top-notch musical accompaniment here, offering a blend of remixed tracks and new compositions that seamlessly match the game’s retro-modern style.
Title 2 represents the follow-up that refines its predecessor and draws from its origins while also embracing the traditions of the platformer genre, showcasing a studio’s deep respect for their source material as well as the elements that make platformers enjoyable for both contemporary players and those who appreciate challenging retro games. Though it might be shorter than today’s standards, its high level of difficulty may not appeal to everyone due to its classic playstyle. However, this game is nearly an ideal homage to a bygone era and a worthy tribute to the forgotten masterpiece of Yumetaro.
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2024-09-10 12:16