A familiar adventure

There are a lot of franchises I didn’t think I would be talking about in 2021. Marsupilama is certainly at the top of that list. I have vague memories of playing the original Genesis game from back in 1995, but to think this series has been around for over 20 years still boggles my mind. Yet here we are with a brand new Marsupilama game and much to my surprise it is a very competent 2D platform game that not only stays true to the franchise but manages to be quite a bit of fun in the process. This doesn’t feel like the normal made-for-kids license cash-in. There was some care and pride put into this release.

Marsupilama: Hoobadvanture (say that three times fast) is a straightforward 2D platformer that focuses more on execution than complexity. The game uses just three buttons to perform all its actions and instead relies on context mechanics to perform different actions. The jump button is mandatory, but the other two can be used to roll, attack, or grapple depending on what the situation calls for. It is simple in design but makes the game play focus more about execution. It helps that the level design is built in a smart way that lays out exactly what the player needs to achieve. It is just a matter of pulling it off as opposed to wrestling with the controls.

MSRP: $29.99
Platforms: Xbox (reviewed), PlayStation, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $24.99

The story is straightforward and more of an excuse for the platforming. Players can assume the role of three different characters, which all play pretty much the same outside of a few nuances. They have unleashed a ghost upon the island after messing around with some objects on the beach. The game is broken down into three areas and consists of 28 levels to play through. Time attacks also unlock and there is plenty to collect, but the game can be powered through in a matter of hours.

What makes this work is a combination of pinpoint controls and solid level design. I was able to get right into the action and all the mechanics just made sense. With it being designed with younger players in mind it does do a lot of hand holding. Constantly repeating how mechanics work and showcasing ways that the player can progress. This is not a bad thing, just one to note going in.

Visually I was impressed from the start. The game runs at a rather solid 60fps and is chock full of vibrant color. I really enjoyed the character and world designs. Everything just screams that Saturday morning cartoon vibe. It is odd for me that a franchise that has been around as long as Marsupilama that is somehow not a household name. It is one of those things that everyone seems to recognize but has little nostalgia for.

With so many games aiming for the gamer dollar it is nice to see one that could have been an easy cash-in spend so much time paying attention to the finer details. Games aimed at younger players don’t need to forget the fundamentals of what makes people fall in love with gaming. Think back to titles like Mario Bros. and how they were accessible, yet finely tuned and how it hooked an entire generation on the hobby. Kids are smarter than some developers give them credit for and I am thrilled to say that Marsupilama: Hoobadventure is one of the best attempts at the genre I have seen this year. Definitely recommend checking it out on whatever platform you own.

Review copy of game provided by publisher.