The Adventure Pals (2018)

Despite being technically competent, The Adventure Pals alas becomes forgettable because of the lack of ambition from the developers. Because of the fear of making mistakes, Massive Monster played it safe, dooming the game to mediocrity. It can still be a fun pastime, though, especially if played with a friend.

Adventure Pals seeks to be the weird alternative game that your kids will love, and it looks attractive because it's reminiscent of a mix of different games and familiar shows. Unfortunately, its unashamed emulation of other works is both glaring and disappointing. What isn't disappointing, though, are the game mechanics, which may be similar to others, but can be framed as a teaching mechanism for game experiences to come. Combined with punchy controls, this makes for a wonderful skeleton of a game, although it's regrettably tightly draped in the likes of superstar media from yesteryear.

The Adventure Pals may not be the deepest or most challenging game in the platforming genre. Nonetheless, it still manages to stay fun thanks to its topsy-turvy plot, accessibility and the neat ideas that are sewn into the charm of its art style.

Colorful, wacky, and fun, The Adventure Pals is an entertaining platformer that’ll give you a reason why you should have your very own giraffe and pet rock as companions. While some levels feel repetitive and the dialogue text size could be tweaked, it’s a purrrtastic adventure to play on your favorite console.

A wonderfully charming platformer than has more character in the first five minutes than some manage in their entirety. The inclusion of local co-op means you can make your way through the story with a friend and share the weirdness together.