Kitsune Tails Review: Nostalgic 2D platformer with engaging story and tough challenges.
Kitsune Tails Review – A Rollicking Retro Romp
Platform: PC, Switch
Developer: Kitsune Games
Publisher: MidBoss LLC
Reviewed On: PC
Release Date: August 2, 2024
Opening Storyline and Characters
In the vibrant world of Kitsune Tails, players are introduced to Yuzu, an enthusiastic new Kitsune messenger. Her journey begins with the excitement of her new role, her best friend Kiri’s eagerness to confess her feelings, and Akko’s curiosity about Yuzu after a chance meeting. This setup quickly takes a dramatic turn when Akko is kidnapped, with Kiri appearing to be involved. What starts as a seemingly standard retro platformer swiftly evolves into an adventure filled with twists and narrative depth.
Kitsune Tails cleverly uses its opening moments to establish character motivations and set the stage for an emotionally engaging story. The relationship dynamics between Yuzu, Kiri, and Akko are central to the plot, adding layers of personal stakes to the quest.
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Gameplay Mechanics and Narrative Depth
Kitsune Tails is a retro 2D platformer that emphasizes both challenging platforming and a compelling narrative. The game features fully voiced cutscenes that set up the plot and provide insights into Yuzu’s feelings and the emotions of the people in her life, including Kiri, Akko, her parents, the guardians she must fight, and various NPCs she encounters. This narrative focus is more in-depth than what is typically expected from a game that initially seems to lean heavily on nostalgia.
Platforming Challenges and Level Design
The core gameplay of Kitsune Tails revolves around navigating levels filled with tight, challenging platforming sections. The game draws inspiration from classic platformers, particularly Super Mario Bros. 3, with Yuzu’s physics closely resembling Mario’s. However, Kitsune Tails introduces several unique mechanics and modernizes the classic formula in various ways.
One of the notable differences is the absence of a life counter. Instead, players restart from the last checkpoint upon dying. Yuzu begins each life in her “super” form, allowing her to take a hit and revert to her weaker fox form rather than dying immediately. This design choice provides a built-in safety net, enabling the developers to create more challenging levels without causing excessive player frustration. Additionally, players can always leave a level to find or buy power-ups if they get stuck, ensuring that progress is always possible.
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Power-Ups and Abilities
Kitsune Tails offers a variety of power-ups that enhance gameplay and provide strategic depth. Some of the power-ups include:
- Spirit Orb: Restores Yuzu to her humanoid form, allowing her to take an extra hit.
- Golden Fox Head: Turns Yuzu into an invincible fox form with a super dash for a brief period.
- Samurai Garb: Grants Yuzu the ability to attack with a spear and stab it into walls for extra height.
- Breakdancing Forest Garb: Allows Yuzu to spin jump onto enemies and break blocks below her.
- Shark Form: Enables perfect swimming and running on water at full speed.
- Bird Form: Provides a double jump and slow fall ability.
- Ice Fox Costume: Lets Yuzu freeze enemies and walk on ice without slipping.
- Salamander Form: Grants the ability to spit fire and swim in lava.
These power-ups introduce a variety of gameplay mechanics and puzzle-solving opportunities, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.
Level Structure and Boss Fights
The gameplay loop of Kitsune Tails is reminiscent of classic platformers but with its own unique twists. Each of the six worlds in the game consists of seven numbered levels, at least one ghost house, a boss, and extra encounters like wandering enemies and merchants offering challenges. The goal of each regular level is to reach the Tori at the end, either walking through it for a coin or crossing the top for ten coins. Ghost houses require players to defeat possessed armor sets with unique attack patterns and arenas.
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The bosses in Kitsune Tails are a highlight, each with its own distinct mechanics and patterns. However, the game’s difficulty curve can be inconsistent, with some bosses, particularly the first elemental guardian, posing a significant challenge due to quick attacks and large hitboxes. Despite this, the variety and creativity in boss designs add to the overall appeal of the game.
Character Progression and Replayability
Midway through the game, players gain control of Kiri, who has a distinct playstyle compared to Yuzu. Kiri’s abilities include a sword, a wall jump, and a stomp attack, along with temporary and permanent power-ups that enhance her offensive capabilities and agility. This shift in perspective adds a new layer of gameplay and narrative depth, as players experience the same levels through Kiri’s eyes.
While this mechanic is interesting, it does come with some drawbacks. The levels Kiri traverses are mostly the same as those already completed with Yuzu, which can feel repetitive. Additionally, once players progress far enough to control Kiri, they can no longer play as Yuzu, even after defeating the final boss. This limitation, along with the inability to revisit the first world after completing it, slightly detracts from the overall experience.
Visuals and Sound Design
Kitsune Tails features charming retro-inspired graphics that pay homage to classic platformers while incorporating modern touches. The environments are colorful and detailed, with each world offering a distinct visual theme. Character sprites are well-animated, and the various power-ups and abilities are visually distinct, making it easy to recognize their effects.
The game’s sound design complements its retro aesthetic, with a soundtrack that evokes the feel of classic platformers. The fully voiced cutscenes add depth to the narrative, enhancing the emotional impact of the story. However, the absence of voice acting for one character feels out of place, given the game’s otherwise comprehensive voice work.
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Conclusion: A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Experience
Kitsune Tails successfully blends nostalgia with modern gameplay mechanics and narrative depth. The game’s challenging platforming, creative power-ups, and engaging story make it a standout title in the retro platformer genre. Despite a few minor issues, such as inconsistent difficulty and repetitive level design, Kitsune Tails offers a delightful and rewarding experience for fans of classic and modern platformers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What platforms is Kitsune Tails available on?
A: Kitsune Tails is available on PC and Switch.
Q: Who developed and published Kitsune Tails?
A: Kitsune Tails was developed by Kitsune Games and published by MidBoss LLC.
Q: When was Kitsune Tails released?
A: The game was released on August 2, 2024.
Q: Do I need to play the original game to enjoy Kitsune Tails?
A: No, Kitsune Tails is a standalone game with its own story and gameplay mechanics. However, familiarity with the developer’s previous work, Super Bernie World, may enhance your appreciation of the game’s references and inspirations.
Q: What kind of gameplay can I expect from Kitsune Tails?
A: Kitsune Tails is a 2D platformer with a focus on challenging platforming sections and a compelling narrative. Players will navigate levels, solve puzzles, and utilize various power-ups to progress through the game.
Q: How does the game’s difficulty compare to other platformers?
A: Kitsune Tails offers a range of difficulty levels, with some sections and bosses being particularly challenging. The game includes checkpoints and power-ups to help players progress, but some parts may require practice and precision.
Q: Are there any unique gameplay mechanics in Kitsune Tails?
A: Yes, Kitsune Tails features a variety of power-ups and abilities that introduce unique gameplay mechanics, such as transforming into different forms with special abilities and using environmental elements to solve puzzles.
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Q: Can I replay levels after completing them?
A: Yes, players can revisit most levels after completing them, except for the first world. This allows players to explore different paths and collect additional power-ups.
Q: Does Kitsune Tails have any post-game content?
A: Yes, the game includes extra hard “Kaizo” style levels, a custom level-building feature, and a minigame. Players can also look forward to community-created custom levels for additional challenges.
Q: How does the narrative in Kitsune Tails unfold?
A: The narrative is delivered through fully voiced cutscenes that provide insights into the characters’ emotions and motivations. The story evolves as players progress through the game, with new twists and developments keeping the experience engaging.
Q: Is there any replay value in Kitsune Tails?
A: Yes, the game offers replay value through its challenging levels, optional power-ups, and post-game content. Players can also experiment with different playstyles and strategies to complete levels and achieve higher scores.
Kitsune Tails stands out as a charming and engaging retro platformer that combines nostalgic elements with modern gameplay and storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of classic platformers or new to the genre, Kitsune Tails offers a delightful adventure that’s worth experiencing.