We’ve all heard the phrase curiosity killed the cat! Well, why do we never, ever learn? Touching stuff that we don’t understand is only going to end badly. And yet, if we see something shiny, we can’t resist. Accordingly, it’s understandable that messing with cursed items is probably a terrible idea. You have no idea of the powers you’ll unleash or the trouble you’ll rain down on society. However, this is exactly what happens in Marsupilami: Hoobadventure.
Developed by Ocellus and published by Microids, this is an action-adventure platform title. It uses a classic and well-trodden approach and therefore will feel familiar to fans of Crash Bandicoot and its peers.
Marsupilami: Hoobadventure is simple but enjoyable.
Now, the familiar style and approach may disappoint some gamers. Yet, I loved how easy it was to pick up, the blend of levels, and the challenge that was on offer. Subsequently, the straightforward style allows you to jump into the action with little thought. Furthermore, it will be accessible for players of all ages and this was fantastic.
The story is both amusing and nonsensical while playing second fiddle to the action. You control Punch, Twister, and Hope, the 3 Marsupilamis who live a peaceful life in Palombia. These curious creatures open a cursed sarcophagus and they inadvertently release a ghost that curses every animal on the island. Thankfully, the 3 heroes are immune and take it upon themselves to lift the curse and save the island’s inhabitants.
3 heroes, but they are all the same.
Now, when a game offers an array of characters to select, you’d think they’d all have special powers. However, in Marsupilami: Hoobadventure, this isn’t the case! Annoyingly, each of the heroes offers no new abilities or skills and this was disappointing. The developers missed an opportunity, and this undermines the fantastic gameplay. Yet, don’t let this oversight put you off as the core concept and drip-fed mechanics make it fun, nonetheless.
The story spans 3 worlds while comprising over 20 levels. Furthermore, there are oodles of collectables, bonus stages, time trials, and loads of monsters to tackle. Subsequently, every level will test you, while keeping you entertained. On top of this, there are different difficulty settings to push newcomers and veterans alike.
Fruits, feathers, and secrets.
Every stage follows a similar approach. Consequently, you must rush from point A to B while jumping chasms, avoiding traps, and defeating monsters. Each hero can leap off walls, roll through boxes, and whip foes with their tail. As they search each stage, they must look for hidden areas and bonus levels. Within each of these secret zones, you will earn tickets, find fruit, and increase your lives. Sadly, none of these mechanics is unique, but they work well with the theme.
Though the familiar elements won’t shock you, the extra levels and the time trials will test you. Subsequently, it was addictive and will appeal to hardcore players. Furthermore, attempting to better each of the time trials is no mean feat! Consequently, achieving a gold medal in each stage is easier said than done. Therefore, the additional challenge this offers breaks up the repetitive nature of the core gameplay.
Marsupilami: Hoobadventure is wonderfully colourful.
What I adored about Marsupilami: Hoobadventure was its beautifully colourful world and clean-cut imagery. It uses a side-scrolling perspective, and each level is wonderfully vivid. Moreover, every enemy is unique and the obstacles you face look daunting and dangerous. On top of this, I enjoyed exploring each stage when new elements were introduced. Whether it was parrots that shot you out like a cannonball, or a turtle that gave you a lift, it was fantastic.
The graphics were supported by excellent audio. The upbeat and jovial tunes will amuse you thanks to their whimsical and unusual nature. Moreover, its energetic songs add to the fun carnival atmosphere. What’s more, the sound effects are loud, OTT, and just what I hoped for.
Easy-to-understand controls.
Thanks to the excellent tutorial, the controls are easy to understand. Alongside this, the setup is well-considered, and I found it to be extremely responsive. Thankfully, this made the hectic moments easier to manage. The simple to master controls make this a user-friendly title that is great for players of all ages.
Action-adventure titles are always addictive and moreish, and this one is no different. Thanks to its simple approach, you will be sucked into the action while finding it tough to put down. Alongside this, the time trials, collectables, and the hidden areas ensure that it has plenty of replay value. Therefore, completionists will have their work cut out for them as they’ll struggle to finish this. Thankfully, this increases the gameplay while adding to the longevity.
Marsupilami: Hoobadventure is an excellent platform title.
Though much of the action is familiar. Marsupilami: Hoobadventure is still a wonderful game. Thanks to its drip-fed mechanics, a large variety of foes, and an array of collectables, it is an excellent platform title. Subsequently, I recommend you buy it here! Can you remove the curse or are the animals doomed? Roll, leap and swing your way to victory in this colourful island platform adventure game.
