Hatch Tales: A Heroic Hookshot Adventure review

Hatch Tales: A Heroic Hookshot Adventure review

As a seasoned gamer who’s witnessed the rise and fall (and rise again) of countless gaming generations, I must say that Hatch Tales: A Heroic Hookshot Adventure has been a delightful addition to my Switch library. The game harks back to the golden age of platformers, yet it manages to feel fresh and innovative.


As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my excitement over the long-awaited arrival of Hatch Tales: A Heroic Hookshot Adventure. Originally conceived as a sequel to the beloved indie hit Chicken Wiggle on the 3DS, this game had quite the journey before reaching our hands. Back then, we were both a chicken and our worm companion, an adventure that was more enticing with its catchy title. I must admit, the new title might not be as easy to remember, but it certainly delivers a satisfying dose of Chicken Wiggle goodness, details on which I’ll share later.

As a gaming enthusiast, diving into Hatch Tales: A Heroic Hookshot Adventure feels like striking gold! This game is jam-packed with value and depth that’s hard to beat. You get the fresh, exciting Hookshot Adventure starring a character reminiscent of Farfetch’d, accompanied by an avian ally, but that’s not all! There are nostalgic Chicken Wiggle levels that hark back to the retro era, and hidden stages inspired by Renegade Kid’s beloved indie game, Mutant Mudds. It’s mind-blowing to think about games from the 2010s being labeled as retro – it definitely gives you a pang of nostalgia! But hey, here we are, enjoying every bit of this incredible gaming journey!

Hatch Tales: A Heroic Hookshot Adventure review

Developer Atooi is known for creating enjoyable games with a retro vibe, and I enjoyed Xeodrifter immensely. This new game promises even more fun, crafted with care. In the main storyline, you guide your character on a mission to vanquish a monstrous snowman-like villain. You advance through stages by collecting a specified number of gems using a hookshot, but there are numerous hidden treasures to discover, cleverly concealed sprites scattered throughout challenging landscapes that unveil special tower areas for each set of levels. A magical scroll initiates a side quest (!), and finding all 100 additional gems will unlock delightful Chicken content.

As a gamer, I’m finding that my character gains unique skills as I progress through this game, similar to the MetroidVania style. These abilities make survival and exploration easier. For instance, I can transform into a ghost to bypass spikes unscathed, master double-jumps and even fly, sprint through breakable areas like Samus, and drill straight into the ground with my drilling ability. The hookshot, being the main feature, works flawlessly, allowing me to maneuver effortlessly and instinctively, much like I remember from Umihara Kawase or Bionic Commando in the past.

Besides gem gathering, you’ll encounter various foes as well, which can be handled using a variety of tactics, some reminiscent of traditional pecking. My main complaint was the absence of engaging, original boss battles that I craved for a real challenge. I yearned for intricate patterns, something extraordinary that echoes the classic platformers of the Super Nintendo era that served as inspiration for this journey. Unfortunately, they were too straightforward and left me longing for more complexity.

Hatch Tales: A Heroic Hookshot Adventure review

Beyond the substantial main game and numerous levels reminiscent of classic Chicken Wiggle and Mutant Mudds stages, there’s also a level editor mode. Originally intended for the initial Chicken Wiggle makeover, this feature is now available. It’s enjoyable to customize and offers an extensive range of elements drawn from various games to create your unique hookshot-themed creation.

This exceptional package is ideal for Chicken Wiggle enthusiasts, as it significantly surpasses the original game with a slightly matured theme and an astonishingly vast array of add-ons that promise endless entertainment. Initially designed for the 3DS, Hatch Tales: A Heroic Hookshot Adventure undeniably holds its ground among the classic platformers on the Switch.

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2024-10-28 13:16