Game: Save Me Mr Tako: Definitive Edition
Genre: Action, Adventure
System: Nintendo Switch (also on Steam)
Developer|Publisher: Christophe Galati | Limited Run Games
Age Rating: EU 7+ | US Teen
Price: US $14.99 | UK £11.69 | EU € 14,99
Release Date: May 5th, 2021
Review code provided with many thanks to Limited Run Games
Second Chances
Save Me Mr Tako originally released on the Switch in 2018 and drew my attention thanks to its graphical nods to the original Game Boy and a rather adorable octopus protagonist. Unfortunately, due to publishing issues, the game was de-listed and removed from the e-shop. Fortunately, the game has received a second chance at life and returns with a definitive edition, ready to warm the hearts of gamers that may have missed it the first time around. It’s a good thing too as Mr Tako is something well worth checking out particularly if you like games with heart and octopuses.
The Quest for Peace
Octopuses and humans are at war and a young innocent Octopus known as Tako is stuck in the middle of it all. Instead of fighting with the humans, Tako decides to take a brave step and resolve the conflict between humans and Octopuses all while going against his own family and attempting to build bridges with the sceptical humans.
For a retro-looking platformer, Mr Tako is very heavy on the plot. You will spend many sections of the game talking to NPCs both human and Octopus learning more about the world, the conflict and the people that inhabit it. The story may have quite a serious underlining message but there are still plenty of witty moments to enjoy along the way.
The solo developer, Christophe Galati, wanted to create a story about tolerance and fighting for a better world. Themes that came about after Galati witnessed the effects a terrorist attack had on France in 2015. There are some pretty deep themes explored in this game and I feel it works here. But if you’re here just to enjoy the platforming the game still has plenty to offer.
Wear a Fine Hat
Mr Tako is a 2D platformer at heart, the main goal is to simply reach the end, where Tako then appears to perform a cute dance. But instead of defeating enemies by bouncing on their heads or just killing them. Mr Tako opts for a more passive approach and instead temporarily stuns baddies with his ink shot. Not only does this stop enemies in their tracks for a short period. It also allows you to jump on them to access higher platforms.
But it’s not all ink spitting. Tako can also unlock a variety of hats which grant him new abilities such as throwing bombs to blow up walls, wings to move about faster and a fine top hat just to look cool. Yeah, some hats are certainly more useful than others. They also allow Tako to take an additional hit before losing a life at the expense of losing the hats abilities.
Levels are short and bite-sized for the most part with the difficulty gradually increasing as you progress. Every now and then you will enter a dungeon-like level where you need to solve some fairly straight forward puzzles before taking on a boss fight towards the end. The game moves at quite a slow pace which may suit gamers who are not keen on platformers that require quick reflexes. While not easy, Mr Tako is a game where taking your time will favour you better than rushing.
Game Boy Love
While so many developers take inspiration from the 8 bit and 16-bit consoles, Mr Tako takes its cues from the good old Game Boy. As well as the typical monochrome filter, the game offers several different colour filters which are reminiscent of the Game Boy Player for the SNES. You can choose to pick your favourite filter of choice, but I found the best way to play the game was just to let the game decide for you. That way you get to see the entire palette range at some point.
The star of the show is of course the adorable Tako. A cute Octopus with an absolute heart of gold. He has a great idle animation where he takes a nap which is always nice to see in a game. With a simple art design, the game runs great in TV and handheld modes and I don’t think I encountered any glitches or bugs.
A Big Adventure
Mr Tako is a surprisingly long game. With over 50 levels to conquer as well as plenty of story and side quests to digest, this is a game that will keep you busy for over 15 hours. The definitive edition of the game features additional difficulty modes if you’re looking for a more casual or harder experience, as well as some general rebalancing compared to the original title. If you already own the original Mr Tako the double-dip may not be necessary, especially if you have already taken the time to make it through the experience.
Conclusion: Worth Saving
Save Me Mr Tako: Definitive Edition still remains a unique platforming experience. If you’re looking for a retro-inspired platformer then this will keep you busy for some time. One where you play as a pacifist Octopus – this is well worth checking out.
A charming octopus that just may inspire you to overcome your struggles and live your own great adventure.
Final Verdict: I Like it a lot
