Kickerinho World (2021)

Ports from mobile games are often a risk. Sadly Kickerinho World is an example of a mobile game that was already on the right platform.

This is one of those reviews where I’m happy to concede that maybe I just don’t get this game. But I think what would help a new player know this for sure, is a demo. If you can, I strongly suggest downloading the free mobile version so you can test it out for yourself. It probably won’t take you much to be better than me. But it would allow you to discover if this is worth the investment on the Nintendo Switch. Kickerinho World is a game that reminds me of a lot of old tricky mobile games like Flappy Bird. You’re either going to gel with the challenge or you’re going to play it a few times and never touch it again. I found the game to be confusing and uncomfortable to play. This would not be the quickfire gaming session I would try in the waiting room myself. But I do believe there is an audience for this type of game. It’s just not for me.

Ports can be great, but it’s important to know the distinction between “can I port this to the Switch” and “should I port this to the Switch.” In the case of Kickerhino World, the answer to the first question might be yes, but the answer to the second is most definitely a no. This game’s already been around for years, and it somehow plays worse now than it ever has before. Not by leaps and bounds, no, but worse is still worse when there’s as little gameplay going on as there is in a game like this. It may be free of ads and those all-too-pesky premium currencies, but it’s still not worth the money.