As a gamer who grew up during the golden age of platformers and still holds a soft spot for that era, Nikoderiko: The Magical World feels like a long-lost friend that I didn’t know I needed. VEA Games seemed to have read my mind, filled the void left by Astro Bot with this vibrant, entertaining gem.
Every so often, I stumble upon a video game that feels like its creators peeked into my thoughts, tinkered around, and crafted the perfect experience at precisely the right instant. In my case, VEA Games must have noticed the platformer-shaped void left in my heart after my last encounter with Astro Bot, and decided to fill it with a delightful treat called Nikoderiko: The Magical World.
Nikoderiko, a name I sometimes stumble on, is a vibrant, enjoyable platformer that takes concepts from various classic games, adds a fresh twist, and creates something unique that appeals to fans of 90s and early 2000s platform titles, satisfying all the right criteria.
As Niko, or alternatively his partner Luna, you’re given the mission of retrieving an old artifact from the antagonist Grimbald to save the island. Engaging in combat with the Cobring army, this journey offers numerous opportunities for leaping, swinging, swimming, and fighting through seven distinct locations. Along the way, you can gather shiny gems, golden keys, and helpful insects.
From the get-go, I’d like to mention that Nikoderiko: The Magical World is visually striking. It immerses you in an exaggerated, vibrant realm filled with oversized adversaries, many of which are themed around a mining corporation. These creatures often create obstacles at crucial moments or chase after you, intensifying the pressure during high-tension pursuits. The artwork has a lively, animated cartoon feel reminiscent of Saturday mornings, complete with vivid colors and dynamic lighting. This sensation is reinforced by the characters, particularly Niko who resembles a mongoose-like character from the Drake family. Although they lack complexity, the characters are well-established from the beginning and are difficult to fault, with the voice acting effectively conveying their wit and sass.
The soundtrack has been produced by none other than David Wise, the man behind the classic Donkey Kong soundtracks, as well as the more recent Yooka-Laylee games, and Snake Pass. These are as catchy as you’d expect, with melodies that will stick in your brain, you’ll catch yourself humming as you stand doing the dishes hours later. Each tune perfectly matches the biome that you are currently traversing, be it rich tropical jungles or frigid arctic wastes, the music is a standout throughout Nikoderiko: The Magical World.
In this game, you’ll move through different levels that involve jumping between enemies, ropes, and pillars in a classic 2D platformer fashion. However, there will be instances where the levels take on a more three-dimensional aspect, similar to Crash Bandicoot, with your character either moving deeper into or away from the screen as you evade chasing creatures or search for hidden items. These brief nods to retro gaming were enjoyable and added a touch of nostalgia. Yet, the core gameplay is heavily inspired by Donkey Kong series titles.
In this game, you’ll encounter fascinating bosses at the end of every world, each with distinctive mechanics to master as you defeat them. The experience is always fresh and engaging. Three adorable creatures are available to navigate through the levels, helping younger players or providing access to hidden areas. You’ll experience exhilarating minecart chases with sparks flying and daring last-second jumps across vast chasms. The levels are beautifully silhouetted, hiding secrets for you to discover. Cannons propel you onto and off the screen as you gather golden bugs to spend in the post-level shop on character models, concept art, and even the game’s soundtrack. Everything about it feels spot-on, so much so that it seems like a spiritual successor to Tropical Freeze that I’ve been yearning for since 2014, complete with the scattered “NIKO” letters hidden in each level.
The Magical World. I’m head over heels for the elements I cherish in this genre and believe it deserves all the praise. Plus, with its couch co-op mode, lower difficulty settings, and endearing, larger-than-life characters, it’s a game that caters to both young gamers and those reminiscing about the past. This game is superbly designed, offers an enjoyable gaming experience, and manages to tick all the boxes. I can’t wait for a possible sequel in 2024, as this title has already made quite an impact on me.
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2024-10-14 19:16