The Plucky Squire GBAtemp review
Computer
Product Information:
- Release Date (NA): September 17, 2024
- Release Date (EU): September 17, 2024
- Publisher: Devolver Digital
- Developer: All Possible Futures
- Genres: Action-adventure
- Also For: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Game Features:
As the story goes, Jot, the titular Plucky Squire of a children’s book, defends the land of Mojo against the evil sorcerer Humgrump. When the latter discovers his preordained fate, he literally kicks Jot off the book to rewrite the narrative in his own favour.
Our plucky hero has not lost hope as he sets out to restore the book’s happy ending. He will navigate between the 2D pages and the 3D environment of the real world with assistance from fellow whimsical companions.
An adventure that literally leaps off the pages
The Plucky Squire’s premise of an action-adventure game that blends 2D and 3D gameplay isn’t new. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds toyed with this concept a decade ago and this new game’s plot is founded on adventure tropes. That said, developer All Possible Futures has brought an original take on the genre.
Jot’s story of a literal textbook hero is shaken up by breaking the fourth wall and taking the adventure (and gameplay) into another dimension. The land of Mojo is filled with original and quirky characters from a DJ-wizard to metalhead trolls. Such an ensemble of characters breathes life into the game’s universe, even if some elements bear similarities to classic games. In fact, The Plucky Squire strikes a delicate balance by feeling both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
All Possible Futures also delivers a stunning presentation of their 2D/3D hybrid game. The varied environments of Mojo are depicted in colourful detail, evoking the look and feel of a children’s picture book. When Jot leaps off the pages and lands into the real world, the 3D environments teem with items of a child’s bedroom ranging from toys to stickers. Accompanying this experience is a lively soundtrack that adds to the light hearted atmosphere.
Gameplay in multiple dimensions
The Plucky Squire’s main draw is its hybrid of 2D and 3D gameplay. In 2D, you’ll explore Mojo’s locales from a top-down perspective akin to classic Zelda games, fend off enemies and solve puzzles. These take place across book pages in an innovative fashion, with pages that flip as you move from one area to the next.
Jot also has the ability to jump out of the book at specific portals so that he can explore the 3D environment outside. These allow slightly more freedom of exploration but also occasionally involve jumping between dimensions to progress and find items to help them progress in their quest.
The dimension-swapping mechanic is well executed and balanced to provide playtime in both 2D and 3D. There are also some light RPG elements, with unlockable moves and upgrades to Jot’s abilities. However, the RPG aspect seems underdeveloped. For instance, Jot’s companions rarely contribute much and one questions their purpose other than for conversation’s sake.
On top of the dimension-swapping mechanic, The Plucky Squire further includes a mix of gameplay genres in the form of mini-games. From Punch-Out!!-styled rounds to rhythm-based face-offs, these nostalgic nods to classic titles add layers of fun.
Despite the diversity, the gameplay can occasionally feel repetitive. In addition, some puzzles don’t feel challenging enough, and the game’s tendency for hand-holding might frustrate seasoned players. However, this accessibility makes The Plucky Squire an adequate entry point for younger audiences or those less experienced with action-adventure games.
The Plucky Squire: a page turner?
At its best, The Plucky Squire is a heartwarming adventure that invites players to experience an original story across multiple dimensions. The transitions between 2D and 3D, coupled with charming characters and creative gameplay, make for a memorable journey. However, the occasional hand-holding and repetitive puzzle design can detract from the overall experience.
For those looking to experience nostalgic gameplay with a modern touch, The Plucky Squire offers an experience worth exploring that is not far from being a page turner; although it falls short of offering more complex challenges.
The Plucky Squire | Launch Trailer
Verdict
- Well executed whimsical picture book presentation
- Fun dimension-swapping mechanic
- Mini-games inspired by classic titles
- Some underdeveloped mechanics
- Hand-holding aspect
