Kitsune Tails review

Kitsune Tails review

As a seasoned gamer who can remember the thrill of playing Super Mario Bros 3 on my trusty old NES, I must say that Kitsune Tails has taken me back to those golden days of side-scrolling platforming action. This foxy-filled adventure is an absolute delight for anyone yearning for a taste of nostalgia or simply looking for a fun and challenging game to play.


Over the years, I’ve found that 2D platform games, which have been around for more than a few of our lifetimes, continue to be my preferred choice in video gaming. The thrill of leaping between platforms and crushing foes is something that never grows old, as evident when you play classic titles like Super Mario from the ’80s and still enjoy every moment. Learning about Kitsune Tails, a fresh 2D platformer inspired by these vintage games, filled me with excitement, and after playing it, I can say it’s exactly what I’ve always imagined!

As a devoted fan, I’d rephrase that in a first-person perspective like this: “I embark on an exciting journey as Yuzu, a charming purple fox girl, basking in life’s joys with my parents away from home. My adventure takes an unexpected turn when I meet a new friend, sparking tension with my lifelong bestie Kiri, who harbors feelings of jealousy towards our budding romance. A rash act of envy sets off the plot, propelling me on a heart-pounding rescue mission that will see me leaping through captivating platform worlds.”

As a diehard retro gamer who fondly remembers the magic of Super Mario Bros 3 on NES, stepping into Kitsune Tails instantly transports me back to those cherished days. The game’s design echoes the nostalgic charm of my childhood favorite, complete with stage layouts reminiscent of a theatre and an overworld dotted with square-numbered levels.

Kitsune Tails review

In the initial phases of Kitsune Tails, you’ll find the gameplay quite straightforward yet engaging, serving as an introduction to its classic platforming mechanics. Swiftly jumping across gaps, shattering blocks, and squashing pesky bugs and possessed umbrellas will soon feel like second nature. Before long, the difficulty level begins to escalate, pushing your skills to the limit. To progress further, it’s essential to explore and make use of the diverse array of power-ups cleverly concealed within chests scattered throughout the game world.

With a simple apple, you’ll acquire the skill to execute a spin jump, breaking boxes beneath you and warding off adversaries that could otherwise hurt your cunning fox paws. Subsequently, the soldier power-up equips you with a spear for attack, plus the ability to impale it into walls to create a platform. Moving forward, you’ll encounter opportunities to test an avian suit boasting impressive jumping capabilities, a shark suit that allows swift swimming, and a lollipop granting ice powers, transforming enemies into solid blocks. Each world introduces its own distinct power-up that greatly assists in overcoming the levels it encompasses, and experimenting with them all is exhilarating fun.

In addition to the multiple power-ups, the game also offers diverse stage designs. Some stages involve chasing a winding platform over obstacles, others have lava that rises, and there are even ghost houses filled with spirits eager to chase you. The different worlds offer novelty for those seeking new concepts, including the traditional ice world, water world, sky world, and fire world, each presenting unique challenges and surprises. The classic Nintendo touch of introducing something fresh in every stage is clearly present in Kitsune Tails, keeping players thrilled about what’s coming next.

Kitsune Tails review

Kitsune Tails offers more than just challenging platform levels; it provides engaging overworld content as well, and the arcade is the highlight among these. The arcade is constantly updated with fresh mini-games, allowing you to collect coins that can be spent in the shop. In the shop, you’ll find power-ups you can employ between or during stages, depending on the difficulty level you choose. Additionally, there are occasional games of chance for power-ups, such as matching card games (similar to Super Mario Bros 3) and spinning a roulette wheel for some random luck-based entertainment.

Initially, I assumed that Kitsune Tails, being an indie game with a budget-friendly price tag, would have a brief playtime span. Boy, was I wrong! This game seems to be longer than most platformers out there. There were instances where I thought the end was near, only to discover more intricate levels waiting for me, making it well worth the investment.

While Kitsune Tails is an exceptional platformer, it’s challenging to overlook one aspect – it doesn’t present anything truly innovative. Most concepts the game presents are familiar ones, and although this resemblance might be purposeful in certain instances, it somewhat lessens the overall enjoyment.

Kitsune Tails offers a delightfully engaging retro-style platforming experience with an array of diverse environments and power-ups. If you share my affection for Super Mario Bros 3, you’re likely to become utterly smitten with this charming platformer. Although it may not break new ground in terms of innovation, it certainly delivers a lot of enjoyable fun this year.

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2024-08-01 12:16