Game: Gimmick! 2
Genre: Action, Platformer
System: Steam (Windows) (also on Nintendo Switch, PS4 & PS5 & Xbox)
Developer | Publisher: Bitwave Games | Clear River Games, Sunsoft
Controller Support: Yes
Steam Deck: Playable
Price: US $ 24.99 | UK £ 22.49 | EU € 24,99
Release Date: September 5th, 2024
A review code was provided, and many thanks to Overload PR.
A Welcome Return of a Forgotten Classic
The original Gimmick! was a NES gem that graced the gaming world in 1992. A clever 2D platformer that was ahead of its time, it often gets overlooked when discussing the pantheon of classic platformers, partly due to its limited release. Despite the quality and innovation it brought to the genre, not many had the chance to experience it back in the day. However, in recent years, Gimmick! found new life through re-releases on modern consoles, allowing a wider audience to see what all the fuss was about finally. I had the pleasure of reviewing the original game when it was re-released, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It felt like the perfect opportunity to celebrate a long-lost gem that had finally gotten the attention it deserved.
But just when I thought that was the end of the story, something unexpected happened. Gimmick! 2 was announced not as another forgotten relic of the ’90s but as a brand-new, fully-developed sequel for modern systems. This wasn’t just a nostalgia trip or a cash grab; this was a bona fide continuation of a classic designed with today’s technology and sensibilities in mind. Naturally, my curiosity was piqued. Could Gimmick! 2 possibly live up to the cult status of its predecessor? Or, even better, could it surpass the original in ways that long-time fans and newcomers alike could appreciate? The answer is Yes.
Familiar Story, Fresh Faces
Gimmick! 2 brings back the beloved green protagonist, Yumetaro, a cuddly toy with a lot of heart. Time has moved on, and Yumetaro’s original owner has grown up. In a touching and relatable twist, she passes her cherished toy on to the next generation, a younger child who becomes the new owner. However, in a narrative turn that echoes the first game, the new owner is kidnapped by an evil wizard. The wizard, of course, whisks her away to an alternate dimension, setting the stage for another rescue mission.
In true retro style, the plot of Gimmick! 2 is presented quickly and without unnecessary fluff. The opening cutscene lasts less than a minute, and it communicates everything you need to know without a single line of dialogue. Before you know it, you’re thrust into the action, just like in the good old days of gaming. It’s a straightforward setup but one that works effectively to get you engaged and ready to jump back into the fray.
A Formula That Still Works
The gameplay of Gimmick! 2 stays true to the spirit of the original, with a few modern refinements. Like its predecessor, this is a 2D action platformer where your primary objective is to make your way through six levels, each culminating in a boss fight. Yumetaro’s move set remains intact, focusing on simple movement and jumping, along with his unique ability to summon a star. This star isn’t just a weapon for attacking enemies; it’s also a versatile tool for solving puzzles throughout the levels. You can use it to activate switches and move platforms, and it can even be a makeshift block to reach higher platforms.
Mastering the star mechanic is crucial if you want to explore every nook and cranny of the game. When thrown, the star bounces around with its own physics, and it takes some skill to predict its movement and make the most of it. While the game is accessible enough for newcomers to platformers, allowing them to progress with just the basic move set, there’s plenty of incentive for skilled players to dig deeper. The game rewards mastery with secret levels and hidden chests that unlock new cosmetic items for Yumetaro, adding a layer of replayability that feels both organic and rewarding.
Level Design: A True Delight
One of the biggest joys of playing Gimmick! 2 is its carefully crafted level design. Each level offers a variety of experiences, from enemy encounters to simple but satisfying platforming puzzles. Movement in the game feels fluid and responsive. Although Yumetaro doesn’t have a sprint function, which might feel a bit odd to those used to Mario’s faster pace, you quickly become accustomed to building momentum as you move through the levels. The game encourages you to use the terrain to your advantage, such as gaining speed down steep slopes and timing your jumps perfectly to clear gaps. The result is a gameplay experience that feels both familiar and refined, reminiscent of the original game but improved in every way.
A Gorgeous Graphical Overhaul
Gimmick! 2 doesn’t just replicate the 8-bit graphics of the original; it completely reimagines them. The game opts for a stunning hand-drawn art style that’s vibrant, colourful, and full of life. Every frame feels like a work of art, radiating positive energy and a welcoming atmosphere that’s hard not to fall in love with. The visual upgrade is significant, and it brings a fresh, modern feel to the game while still retaining the charm of its retro roots. The character designs, environments, and animations all benefit from this new approach, making Gimmick! 2 a visual treat.
But the aesthetics don’t stop with the graphics. The game’s soundtrack is another highlight, featuring a delightful score that perfectly complements the action on-screen. The music is upbeat and positive, adding to the overall feel-good experience that the game delivers. It’s the kind of soundtrack that sticks with you long after you’ve put down the controller.
Content: Quality Over Quantity
With six levels to play through, Gimmick! 2 might seem a bit short by modern standards. However, the game offers regular checkpoints and unlimited lives, allowing you to progress at your own pace without frustration. If you need to take a break, the game will autosave at your last checkpoint, so you can jump back in whenever you’re ready. In addition to the main levels, there are various cosmetic items to find, which you can use to customize Yumetaro’s appearance. The game also features two difficulty settings: a standard mode for those who want a traditional challenge and an assisted mode that gives Yumetaro more health, making the game a bit easier for younger players or those new to platformers.
Some players might find the content offering a bit thin, especially if they’re used to the more expansive games of today. However, for those familiar with retro games, Gimmick! 2 follows the original formula of quality over quantity. The game’s tight design, engaging mechanics, and beautiful presentation make it worth the price of admission, especially for fans of the genre.
Conclusion: A Star Reborn
Gimmick! 2 is everything a sequel to the original classic should be. It takes the core elements that made the first game special and builds on them with refined graphics, improved level design, and a charming presentation that outshines the original in every way. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel or introduce groundbreaking new ideas, it does what it sets out to do exceptionally well. This is an easy recommendation for fans of retro platformers, and I’d even go as far as to recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good gaming experience.
Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot
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