Game: The Plucky Squire
Genre: Adventure
System: Steam (Window) (also available on Nintendo Switch & PS5 & Xbox Series X/S)
Developers | Publishers: All Possible Futures | Devolver Digital
Controller Support: Yes
Steam Deck: Verified
Price: US $29.99 | UK £24.99 | EU € 29,99
Release Date: September 17th, 2024
No review code was used, as I purchased the game myself.
The Plucky Squire is a whimsical action-adventure game that feels like stepping into a living storybook. Developed by All Possible Futures with creativity and charm in mind, it beautifully blends classic 2D gameplay with innovative 3D mechanics, creating an experience that is both fun and fresh. From its clever puzzles to its heartwarming tale, The Plucky Squire offers a magical journey through the pages of a book and beyond.
Story and Characters in The Plucky Squire
At the heart of The Plucky Squire is the story of Jot, our brave hero who must save his friends from the villainous Humgrump. What makes the plot stand out is its twist: Humgrump, tired of his eternal role as the defeated villain, uses his meta-magic and breaks free from the story’s script, changing the narrative and banishing Jot from the pages of their storybook.
Now, Jot must navigate both the 2D world of the book and the 3D realm outside its pages to restore order and save his friends. Simple! Actually, it is quite simple as the game isn’t particularly difficult, allowing all ages of the family to enjoy it.
The narrative is endearing, filled with humorous writing and charming characters. As the player, you’ll be reading a lot and meeting plenty of new characters. Some players might think there is too much reading to do, but it is a storybook-based game, and reading is part of the fun of playing it. Furthermore, the storybook theme is woven seamlessly into the gameplay, with the book’s whimsical tone pulling you through one more surprise after another.
Gameplay: A Unique Blend of 2D and 3D
The Plucky Squire’s most impressive feature is how it fluidly transitions between 2D and 3D gameplay. Much like classic top-down adventures such as The Legend of Zelda, the 2D sections involve solving puzzles, slashing enemies, and exploring the illustrated world on the pages. These sequences are well-crafted, with responsive controls through standard combat mechanics. You earn lightbulb-shaped currency by defeating enemies, which can be spent on new attacks like the sword throw and spin attack, as well as upgrades.
For me, the place where The Plucky Squire truly shines, however, is in its puzzles and world manipulation. You must “think outside the book”, literally and figuratively, to solve the clever, multi-layered puzzles. Whether it’s swapping words on a page to change objects, turning back to earlier pages to retrieve items, or tilting the book to make objects shift, the gameplay constantly keeps you engaged and thinking creatively. The game’s interactive storybook design makes every page feel alive, and the way you manipulate the world feels fresh and inventive.
Then there are the 3D sections, where Jot steps out of the flat, illustrated pages into the “real” world. These moments are especially enjoyable, offering a new perspective to the game’s exploration. Jumping between dimensions not only serves the puzzle-solving but also brings a sense of wonder as you move between 2D and 3D spaces. It’s this constant shifting between perspectives that gives The Plucky Squire its unique flair, keeping the experience from ever feeling repetitive.
Presentation and Art Style
Visually, The Plucky Squire is a real treat for the eyes. The storybook aesthetic is beautifully realised, with crisp, colourful illustrations that make you feel like you’re playing within the pages of a classic children’s tale. Each page is filled with little details that give the world character, from the brush strokes of ink to the way the book moves and shifts as you turn the pages.
The 3D sections are just as well-designed, contrasting nicely with the 2D world while maintaining a consistent art style. Movement between the two is smooth, and it’s fascinating to see how the environments interact with one another.
The soundtrack is brilliant, real toe-tapping stuff. It also enhances the storybook atmosphere with light, playful melodies that accompany the game’s charming tone. The sound effects, from the rustling of pages to the clink of coins, further immerse you in the world.
I played The Plucky Squire solely on my Steam Deck, and the game runs relatively well. Later sections of the game, especially the 3D world, suffer from framerate drops, but the framerate issues didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the gameplay. I’ve seen updates to the game since its release, so the developers are on the ball.
Conclusion
The Plucky Squire is more than just a clever idea; it’s a well-executed and enjoyable adventure. While its combat may feel a bit familiar, straightforward, and easy, the puzzle mechanics and seamless integration of 2D and 3D gameplay make this a standout experience.
The story, characters, and art style are endearing, pulling you into a magical world that constantly surprises and delights; I played the game with a constant smile on my face. It’s the kind of game that reminds you of the magic of childhood storybooks while offering modern, innovative gameplay.
Final Verdict: Two Thumbs Up 
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