Lunistice

Presenting itself modestly as "a simple and short experience", Lunistice has masses to offer. A first run is maybe a handful of hours, but the thirst to retry is so strong it's almost hard to move on to each new stage. Add the challenge of finding all the cranes and hidden items, avoiding resets, and setting faster times, plus unlockable characters with different moves, and it's a full and generous package. Launching at $4.99 or your regional equivalent, weighing in at a lean 600MB, and having a demo on the eShop, Lunistice is simply a must-try game.

Almost everything about Lunistice feels as if it could've come out alongside Nights into Dreams or an early 3D Sonic game, with lots of flashy environments and moving pieces. Not only that, everything has a slightly blurry, blocky look, which makes you feel like you're watching the game play out on a CRT screen. Add in a fair number of collectibles to pick up in each level, and you can see why the game practically screams "1990s."

Lunistice is a diamond-in-the-rough game with a great soundtrack that deserves your attention if you enjoy polygon throwbacks to the ‘90s. Seriously, it’s only $5, so pick it up and get ready for a polygonal ride.

A competent platform game that could have been even better, if it weren't for some problems in its gameplay.

Lunistice is a throwback to classic 3D platformers of yesteryear. While not particularly innovative, it's hard not to be charmed by its creative designs, incredible score, and frenetic movement.

While I have my gripes with some of Lunistice’s design choices, it's ultimately a wonderful indie platformer with lots of character. As someone who grew up in the age of early 3D games, and arguably the golden age of platformers, Lunstice is a loving tribute to those simpler times.

Lunistice has been created to give fans of platformers who are on their way to middle age something to reminisce with.

Stages are well designed and replayable, platforming feels tight and responsive, and performance is perfect. Its only significant failing is how quickly it comes to an end, with many of its best ideas feeling underexplored. Lunistice feels like a tease of a hopefully much grander sequel that I can't wait to play.

Somewhere between a dream project and a homage to a bygone video game era, Lunistice rushes into the indie scene with great awe. With sincerity and intellectual honesty, the A Grumpy Fox production appeals to the audience of platformer aficionados, winking at 32-bit classics both ludically and technically. The end result is an amazing title, capable of amusing and entertaining both those looking for a contained experience and those who will want to tackle everything the game has to offer. There is no better way to invest 4.99 euros.

A Grumpy Fox did an amazing job with this game and it's hard not to be impressed. It's a wonderful game, and I will be keeping up with the developers to see what they make next.