Bearnard Review

Game: Bearnard
Genre: Adventure, Puzzle
System: Nintendo Switch (Also available on Steam (Windows))
Developer|Publisher: Michael Wiklinski | Untold Tales
Age Rating: EU 7 | US Everyone 10+
Price: US $14.99 | UK 12.49 | EU € 14,99
Release Date: May 9th, 2025

A review code was provided, thanks to Wire Tap Media.

Bearnard: Something Fresh and Bear-y Original

At first glance, Bearnard might look like just another 2D indie platformer, the kind you’ve seen a dozen times before. But if you’re expecting fast-paced action or familiar hack-and-slash mechanics, you’re in for a surprise. Bearnard breaks the mould by blending physics-based puzzles, deck-building, and turn-based combat in a way that feels refreshingly unique. It’s not a game for the impatient, but if you’re craving something different and thoughtful, this little bear’s big adventure just might hit the bullseye.

Breaking the 4th Bear Wall

You play as Bearnard, a brave (and slightly full-of-himself) bear on a mission to find his missing father and save the forest from an ominous invasion. The game is narrated like a classic storybook, but Bearnard frequently interrupts the narrator with sass and sarcasm. Sometimes it’s clever, sometimes it’s a groaner, but it’s always delivered with charm. His over-the-top confidence when defeating enemies adds some fun flavour to the storytelling, even if the humour is occasionally hit or miss.

A Bow, an Arrow, and Some Strategy

The core mechanic revolves around Bearnard’s trusty bow and arrow. Aiming is intuitive, thanks to a guiding arc that shows your arrow’s general path. You’ll use it to hit switches, solve environmental puzzles, or even get a sneaky hit on enemies before combat starts. The bow feels great to use, there’s a certain joy in lining up the perfect shot, especially when it triggers a clever chain reaction.

Turn-Based Tactics with a Twist

When you engage an enemy, the game switches to a grid-based, turn-based battle system. You can move, attack, and, most importantly, play cards from your growing deck. These cards let you heal, lay traps, buff your stats, or infuse your arrows with elemental power. Battles aren’t about brute force; they’re about outthinking your opponent and using the battlefield (and gravity) to your advantage. You might shoot a rope holding a heavy object, crushing a foe mid-fight. It’s a smart, puzzle-like system where every move counts.

The game doesn’t go easy on you either. In fact, after my first real battle with a deceptively cute gnome, I got absolutely wrecked. The difficulty is high, but not unfair. The silver lining? You respawn right before each battle and can retry instantly. That checkpoint system encourages experimentation and persistence, turning every loss into a learning opportunity. If there’s one thing missing, it’s an adjustable difficulty setting for those who might find the challenge too steep.

Upgrade and Outwit

Bearnard isn’t just about tactics, it’s also about progression. Defeated enemies drop coins, and as you level up, you’ll earn skill points to unlock new abilities and cards. It scratches that satisfying “just one more upgrade” itch. Better still, your deck continues to grow as you explore, opening up new strategies and playstyles.

Your owl sidekick, Blue, even helps out mid-adventure, flying to grab unreachable loot or helpful cards. Little touches like this keep the experience fun and light, even when the gameplay gets tough.

Visuals, Vibes, and Verdicts

The pixel art is clean and well-crafted, showcasing a variety of biomes from snowy peaks to creepy dungeons. While visually solid, Bearnard doesn’t quite pop with the same visual flair as some other indie hits. There’s a slightly sterile feeling to some environments, like they’re missing that final polish or artistic edge. But what it lacks in aesthetic wow-factor, it more than makes up for in inventive gameplay.

Conclusion: The Bearnard Necessities

Bearnard is a charming, challenging, and creative game that defies expectations. It’s not for players seeking a fast, button-mashing fix. But for those who love turn-based strategy, puzzle-solving, and unique mechanics, this game is a hidden gem worth discovering. Stick with it through the steep early learning curve, and you’ll uncover one of the most original indie adventures in recent memory. A free demo for Bearnard is available on Steam.

Final Verdict: I Like It a Lot

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