![]() ![]() Beyond this, Pikuniku’s extremely simple art style and presentation will almost certainly inspire a smile, and its cooperative levels will definitely please those who enjoy team puzzle-solving. The lack of challenge might have been a problem if any one activity was particularly time consuming, but it all moves along at a brisk enough pace to sidestep that problem.Įxploration is heavily encouraged, even if most secrets don’t yield useful rewards. It’s more like the developers wanted to provide players with a wide range of activities to enjoy, and they definitely succeeded in that sense. The platforming, puzzles and side-challenges never really get difficult, but then it’s not trying to be difficult anyway. Its story is basic, but its chill tone, carefree characters and somewhat subversive writing make it into something thoroughly entertaining nonetheless. ![]() Pikuniku is a thoroughly pleasant and enjoyable jaunt in the life of some dude just stumbles into an adventure. Its music is very much the same: simply pleasant to the point of being forgettable, yet the experience somehow wouldn’t be as enjoyable without it. I won’t go so far as to say that it brings out one’s inner child, but there’s no denying the vaguely nostalgic feelings it evokes. It’s very reminiscent of the art one sees in children’s picture books, and is somehow quite pleasant because of that. It’s all simple shapes and bright colors without a single outline to be found anywhere. Presentation-wise, Pikuniku isn’t particularly striking, but its music and art are still worth noting because of how well they complement the game’s overall tone. ![]() In fact, that complaint could apply to Pikuniku as a whole. Really, the only problem with these is that they’re over all too quickly. Basically, there’s enough freedom here to feel like you came up with your own solution despite knowing that the developers had something specific in mind. Figuring out the solutions to these was thoroughly enjoyable, and that’s due in no small part to feeling like I could solve them my way. Each one only takes a handful of minutes to complete, yet those minutes are filled with all the energetic and thoughtful coordination one would hope to find in a cooperative puzzle-platformer. However, they are still quite well designed. ![]() Just like the single player platforming gauntlets and puzzles, these aren’t especially difficult. Outside of the main game, Pikuniku also offers eight specially-crafted co-op levels to enjoy with one other player. Who knows, maybe they can be traded for something more interesting. Said items aren’t always useful, but there’s no shortage of money so go ahead and buy everything up. One might as well do the latter at some point too, as it’s necessary for buying items in the game’s shops. No matter the prize, it’s best to just take it, enjoy it and get to work either finding the next one or collecting the money Mr. Not all of these items are useful, but the gauntlets themselves are pretty fun even without rewards. These are worth seeking-out since they offer the most interesting level design in the game, and completing them usually yields an item. Most secret spots only yield a trophy or dancing bug, but some hide platforming gauntlets too. They can be found anywhere too underground in a statue, or even in someone’s toaster. Rather, it’s all just there for those who feel like looking for it. Much of this isn’t actually required for the story though. It might sounds like there’s no hook here, but Piku’s tasks are often kind of silly so players will want to stick around to see what they have to do next.Īs a puzzle-platformer, much of the gameplay revolves around exploring the world, overcoming various platforming challenges and light puzzles. It’s not like he’s got anything else going on at the moment. Piku wanders into area, gets dragged into whatever’s going on, and is asked to help out if he feels like it. This is more or less how the rest of Pikuniku plays out. With that done, the villagers’ trust is won, and Piku free to explore the village. Don’t worry though the spider is more confused than upset. How does one fix a bridge? By kicking a nearby spider across the gap of course. Piku isn’t scary though, so they agree to let him go on condition that he fixes the bridge he accidentally broke. Why are they afraid of it? Because it’s supposed to be scary. Almost immediately after leaving is cave, Piku is captured by the nearby village because they think he’s “the beast.” What is the beast? They don’t know. All the characters involved are just a bit too relaxed about everything going on around them. Despite this overly-relaxed tone, or perhaps because of it, Pikuniku’s otherwise simple story comes across as rather entertaining. ![]()
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