New Super Lucky's Tale Review- A Foxing Good Time

This isn't my first foray into the world of Lucky and his Guardian family. Those that have known me for a while know how much I loved this game when it released on Nintendo Switch , and have seen me flood my timeline on Twitter with images, brief snippets of gameplay, and dad jokes galore. I even gave it a perfect score in a previous publication. Now almost a year later, this charming romp has finally made its way to PS4 and XBOX ONE, to hopefully find an even bigger audience of platform lovers on systems that really need more adorable mascot fueled platformer games. Does the journey still stand shoulder to shoulder with the giants that are Mario and Sonic?

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Spoiler, It does!

Game: New Super Lucky's Tale

Publisher: Playful

Developer: Playful

Release: August 21, 2020

Platform: PS4 (reviewed), XBOX ONE, Nintendo Switch (November 2019)

Review Code Provided in Advance of Release

It would have been really easy for me to just cut and paste my review from last November when New Super Lucky's Tale came out on the Switch, but that would not be fair to the lil fox. Even though not much has changed from the Nintendo Switch version to the PS4 version I am reviewing, the charm is all there, and the tight platforming still speaks to me. This is my third time playing through the campaign, I am still having a blast.

Lucky takes queues from other platformer games, but adds alot to the fold. You have the standard double jump, but the fox does not feel "floatie" in the least, which was something that has plagued my impressions of Little Big Planet and New Super Mario Bros. games in the past. He also does not jump very high with either of the two jumps, further distinguishing himself from his peers. There's more balance and control to his in air movement, which actually helps with some of the more technical jumps later in the game. To make up for height, further distance can be added to each leap by tail swiping to reach far away ledges, correct direction, or compensate for miscalculations when jumping. While in the air the shoulder buttons can also be used to launch Lucky into a nose dive toward the ground looking to burrow or attack enemies below him. It all contributes to some impressive acrobatics when done correctly and feels fluid and natural.

When on the ground the little fox can tail swipe three times in succession with little interruption, making combat timing far less demanding, which is refreshing. Not every game needs to have perfect parries as a mechanic, and sometimes it's more fun to just swish a tail again when your timing is off and not be punished for it. The shoulder buttons are still used for the dive when on the ground, but instead Lucky burrows directly into the soil or slides across hard surfaces. This mechanic makes for some interesting levels and uses when in combat, and I never tire of it. Shooting up from the ground surprising unsuspecting enemies for a quick tale swipe while the are stunned looks great and feels satisfying.

The air and ground mechanics are great on their own and would make a very serviceable platformer, but when combined in the side scrolling 2D levels that are peppered throughout the game, that's when New Super Lucky's Tale really shines. The game world consists of multiple hub worlds with portals and fox holes that lead to well designed 3D platformer fair, 2D autoscrolling reflex testing romps, physics based marble labyrinth levels, and slide puzzles that at times can have you scratching your head. Each type of level feels unique, balanced and most of all fun! There's honestly a lot for everyone in this game, young and old.

The majority of the game is not overly difficult, but instead focuses on fun and puns. It's ideal for people looking for a relaxing fun experience, or for kids just getting into games. Once the credits roll, more fun opens up for completionists and people looking for more of a challenge as well. Now that the game has found its way to the PS4 and XBOX ONE, trophies/achievements are now part of the experience as well, adding even more reason to explore every corner and perform well in each level. I have never been a big trophy hunting player, but I have to say that the addition of these to the experience has added another layer of enjoyment that I didn't now I was missing.

This brings me to the aspect that may be important to alot of people. How the game looks and sounds on bigger consoles. I am happy to report that there are improvements in both aspects, though it is important to state that this is not a slight on the Nintendo Switch version in the slightest. What already popped and sang to my ears in the previous version is just more vibrant and infectious than it was before. The native sharing capabilities of these platforms of these platforms are also a selling point of these releases for those without capture cards. Not a huge deal, but a nice cherry on top.

On top of this, there are some really funny jokes, 80s references, video game tropes poked at, nods to other series, collectibles strewn throughout the world, costumes to collect, and a great story too. The game really has everything for a small platformer, and that is truly the only fault I could find with this game. By the time I got to the end of the game, I was still sad that there was no more adventure for Lucky to embark on. As I have said before, when you love something this much, you just don’t ever want it to end. That is how I feel about New Super Lucky’s Tale. To again borrow from my own review last year, it is a PERFECT platformer game in a world already filled with Mario titles. New Super Lucky’s Tale stands shoulder to shoulder with these juggernauts and is a must have title.

What it comes down to is that New Super Lucky's Tale is a joy to play, and though the new platform releases don't change the game, they do enhance the experience and allow more people the chance to enjoy this great game. That's what really matters isn't it? Playing great games together and having fun!

10/10

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