The 90s was a golden era for colourful platforming titles. Mario and Sonic are two key players that many modern gamers will fondly remember. However, there are many more heroes and plenty of games that will make you smile. Consequently, whenever a developer creates a modern game that’s influenced by this phenomenal decade, I have to take a look. Go! Go! PogoGirl is one such title that tugs at the heartstrings while filling you with nostalgia.
Developed by Ohsat Games and published by Ratalaika Games, this is a retro platformer. What’s more, there are plenty of collectables to find, a timer to beat, and bosses to overcome. However, its simple style and easy-to-master gameplay may be off-putting for veterans of the genre. Moreover, fans of hardcore experiences will not be satisfied with the remarkably simple action.
Go! Go! PogoGirl has no story.
Unlike many of its peers, Go! Go! PogoGirl has avoided the necessity of an interesting or deep-seated plot. Instead, it relies on its colourful backdrops, varied stage design, and boss battles to keep you interested. However, I was disappointed that the action didn’t revolve around a love interest or a gargantuan boss to overcome. Accordingly, the developers have missed one key component that made the likes of Sonic and Mario so undeniably popular.
You control a girl who adores her pogo stick. This fun-loving youngster has no fear and lets nothing or nobody stop her from bouncing around. As such, she uses her toy to leap great heights, attack her foes, and activate power switches. Furthermore, she must find gems, and red crystals, and avoid spikes and chasms as she traverses each stage.
The gameplay spans 4 seasons that each comprises 5 levels. Alongside this, there are 4 giant bosses to defeat, as well as a time trial on each stage. Accordingly, there is plenty to do as you try to complete each level.
Simple mechanics.
The hero doesn’t have superhuman strengths or special abilities. Instead, she relies on her pogo stick to overcome her foes. This almost ordinary tool can leap great heights or spin to annihilate every monster. Moreover, by smashing into the floor, she can activate secret switches to open blocked passageways.
Other than this, Go! Go! PogoGirl focuses on the collection of 2 types of gems. Each stage houses 100 green gems and 3 red ones. You must scour each level to find secret passages and hidden rooms. However, missing one isn’t the end of the world, as your progress isn’t hindered by any errors. Instead, you may return at any time to find every crystal that you’ve missed. On top of this, you must complete each stage without dying. If you can do this, you are awarded a perfect score and you can move on.
This is the crux of Go! Go! PogoGirl and hardcore gamers will bemoan the lack of challenge. Unfortunately, there are no difficulty settings and even the boss battles are undeniably easy. Consequently, if you want a testing experience, then this isn’t the game for you.
If you love retro games, then you’ll adore Go! Go! PogoGirl.
Modern consoles are awash with old-school games. Accordingly, indie developers love to test their skills and ideas within a relatively safe environment. Thankfully, Go! Go! PogoGirl replicates some of the best-looking 90s titles. As such, its garish colour palette, striking backdrops, and interesting but simple sprites are great to look at. What’s more, the basic animation and Mario-esque stage design complete the package.
Alongside this, the audio is amazing. I loved the dated music, the shrill but accurate sound effects, and the OTT noises. Consequently, Ohsat Games have created a modern game that looks and sounds like it belongs to the SNES or Sega Mega Drive.
Excellent controls.
Though Go! Go! PogoGirl doesn’t have the most accurate controls I’ve experienced, the game performs brilliantly. The sloppy nature of the navigation and the slightly inaccurate inputs reminded me of how frustrating 90s gaming was. Subsequently, the developers have inadvertently created an accurate representation of the era with their excellent controls.
Completing each of the 20 stages wasn’t a time-consuming affair. However, collecting every gem whilst staying alive was testing. Furthermore, the time trial element makes you return for more. As such, this inexpensive game was great value for money and great for completionists.
Go! Go! PogoGirl is a blast from the past.
I, like many modern gamers, love ultra-realistic experiences. However, I also adore a retro game that does everything right. Therefore, I couldn’t resist Go! Go! PogoGirl’s charms and its wonderfully retro style. Yes, I wish the developers had incorporated a fascinating story or some interesting protagonists, but this wasn’t to be. Instead, I enjoyed the simple approach and the fun, albeit basic gameplay. Accordingly, I liked what I saw and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you traverse every stage on your pogo stick? Leap chasms, kill your foes, and collect every gem you find.
