Nikoderiko The Magical World Review (PlayStation 5)

Nikoderiko: The Magical World impresses with its vibrant, bright graphics and a manageable download size of 10.21GB. The game offers a Platinum trophy, which is a significant draw for trophy hunters. Players can adjust video settings such as motion blur, screenshake, and brightness, and choose between performance or quality graphics modes. The inclusion of subtitles and two difficulty levels (easy and normal) makes the game accessible to a broader audience. Local two-player co-op support and the use of the DualShock speaker for sound effects add depth to the gaming experience. The game features in-game cutscenes and interactions, which can be skipped or fast-forwarded, and characters are voiced, enhancing the narrative.

The gameplay is action-packed and fast-paced, with tight and responsive controls. Players can select levels from a world map, reminiscent of classic games like Crash Bandicoot and Rayman. The game includes various actions such as jumping, high jumping, wall jumping, sliding, picking up and throwing items, gliding, and ground pounding. Hidden collectibles like gems, coins, keys, and letters to spell “NIKO” add to the replay value. Bonus rooms and hidden areas provide additional exploration opportunities. The game’s locations are visually stunning with excellent lighting, and players can ride and use unique animals, each with special abilities.

However, the game has its drawbacks. Controls cannot be remapped, and menu navigation is limited to the stick, with no d-pad support. Boss battles are notably difficult and may not be enjoyable for all players, presenting significant difficulty spikes. While the game is generally suitable for children, these boss fights and angled levels could pose challenges. The unlockable content is not particularly appealing, and the sporadic voice work can make the game feel quiet and lifeless at times. The absence of tutorials and accessibility options is a notable oversight. Additionally, the game offers little replay value beyond collecting items, and it can be challenging to discern what can be jumped on or thrown. Levels with forks in the road can lock players out of certain paths, requiring a replay to explore fully.

Despite these issues, the game boasts a nice soundtrack, fast loading times, and quick respawning. Collectible gold flies, reminiscent of those in Rayman, and cool-looking actions and animations add to the charm. Players can take out enemies in various ways, with some only vulnerable to specific attacks. Levels can be replayed to collect missing items, and a heart system adds a layer of challenge, as each hit takes a heart until game over, with hearts available for collection to replenish them. At the end of each level, players mash a button to smash a bulb, adding a satisfying conclusion to the level. The camp feature allows players to buy chests with in-game coins for music, art, and island views, and the treasury offers a place to view models, listen to music, and more.

In summary, Nikoderiko: The Magical World is a solid game with vibrant graphics, tight controls, and a lot of replay value for those who enjoy collecting items. While it has some drawbacks, such as difficult boss battles and limited accessibility options, it provides a fun and engaging experience, especially for fans of classic action platformers. The game’s levels are well-designed, offering players a sense of freedom and exploration, making it a worthwhile addition to any gamer’s library. Overall the game just struggles to create its own identity.