Storybook Perfection
2024 may very well be looked upon as the year of the charming platformer. With the already released Astro Bot being met with much critical and commercial acclaim, The Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is also stellar, and we still have the Epic Mickey game incoming. But we are here to talk about The Plucky Squire, first shown in 2022 at a Devolver Digital event instantly struck a chord with me with its bright, colorful, cartoon style. But was this game just more flash than actual substance?
The Plucky Squire is a delightful gem of a game that breathes new life into the world of adventure gaming. From the moment you step into this whimsical universe, it’s clear that the game is a labor of love, brimming with creativity and charm. The standout feature is its imaginative blend of 2D and 3D environments. The transition between the pages of a storybook and the vibrant, fully interactive 3D world is executed with seamless finesse. This clever mechanic not only provides a unique visual experience but also introduces inventive gameplay elements that keep players engaged and excited.
MSRP: $29.99
Platforms: Xbox (reviewed), PlayStation, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $29.99
This storybook has a wonderfully cute story to tell; The protagonist, Jot is a legendary hero in the land of Mojo. Having fought the evil wizard Humgrump many times and won, the evil wizard has grown tired of being a punching bag. In an effort to finally rid himself of Jot, the wizard discovers that the whole of the kingdom of Mojo is just a storybook, so it’s written that Humgrump will lose. You see where this is going, Humgrump literally ejects Jot out of the book and into the ‘real world’ in an effort to rewrite the story and make himself the winner. Jot will find allies in the 3D world who will help him return to the pages of his story to defeat Humgrump. Much of the gameplay will take place within the pages of the book, as players run into various obstacles, they will have to use Jot’s ability to move between the pages of his story and the real world to find items that will help them progress.
Jot’s journey through this beautifully illustrated world is filled with quirky characters and clever puzzles that never failed to make me smile. Even though the game relies on puzzles, the developers have made it a point to provide some top-notch accessibility options in The Plucky Squire. For instance, each boss fight and by extension any of the minigames can be skipped. These fights range from a rhythm-based battle against an epic bird who loves Rock music, to an old-school RPG type fight that takes place on a ‘Magic the Gathering’ like card. I was blown away with the quality in each of these encounters, and to allow players to skip them entirely and not penalize them is for sure a boss move. The overall storytelling in The Plucky Squire is top-notch, with a narrative that balances humor and heart, making Jot’s quest both entertaining and emotionally resonant.
Graphically, The Plucky Squire is a feast for the eyes. The art direction is impeccable, merging storybook charm with modern design sensibilities. Every corner of the game is meticulously crafted, from the intricately designed environments to the expressive character animations. It’s a world that invites exploration and rewards curiosity. As the players make treks onto the desk in the ‘real world’ the environment will change. Mazes that are built with rulers, bottles of model paint and Lego toys, to a real life ‘Little People’ epic condo house that Jot will have to explore. Every time I jumped from 2D to 3D and back I was impressed at smooth everything worked each time. Jumping out oof the book, turning pages and jumping into another page all happens fluidly and looks beautiful in motion.
The gameplay is equally impressive. With puzzles that are well-designed, providing just the right amount of challenge without ever feeling frustrating. The platforming elements are smooth and responsive, and the game’s pacing ensures that there’s always something new around the corner. Clocking in at about 10 hours, The Plucky Squire is here to tell a wonderful story, not dominate your life like Destiny 2 for the next 12 years. What truly sets The Plucky Squire apart is its heartfelt dedication to delivering a magical experience. It’s clear that the developers have poured their passion into every aspect of the game, from the enchanting visuals to the engaging mechanics. It’s a testament to the power of creativity and imagination in gaming.
The Plucky Squire is an absolute triumph of artistry and gameplay. I didn’t even mention the stellar narration that is done by Philip Bretherton, his voice gives the tale being told a certain gravatas, I do wish that the individual characters were voiced but you don’t really miss it with the amazing music and killer narrator. The Plucky Squire’s a charming, inventive, and utterly delightful adventure that deserves a place in every gamer’s collection. Whether you’re drawn to its unique mechanics, captivating story, or simply the joy of exploring a beautifully crafted world, this game offers something special for everyone. Don’t miss out on this enchanting journey—The Kingdom of Mojo needs their hero!
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
