There’s always a gamble involved when picking up a game aimed at a younger audience. It’s about going beyond the boundaries of a typical “kid’s game” and appealing to players of all ages. Classics like Super Mario, Spyro, and Crash Bandicoot find this balance, creating worlds that appeal to both young and old audiences. But with new releases, the question often arises: Can they convey the charm of Pixar?
Fortunately, The Plucky Squire from All Possible Futures, published by Devolver Digital, perfectly achieves this elusive balance. With its sleek visuals and unique gameplay experience, it stands out as one of the best surprises of the year. A blend of charm, bright design, clever puzzles, and quirky storytelling, The Plucky Squire is as accessible as it is fun.
write this down
In The Plucky Squire, players take on the role of Giotto, the heroic protagonist of the popular children’s book. When Giotto’s nemesis, the magician Hanglamp, banishes him from the 2D world and into the 3D reality, Giotto embarks on a journey to save his story. To regain his place in the book, he must navigate both dimensions to complete the adventure using a little magic, a sword, and his puzzle-solving wits.
The Plucky Squire’s storybook pages and real-world setting (a young enthusiast’s bedroom) become a playground for the game’s dynamic, dimension-hopping mechanics. This mechanic isn’t just a novelty, it’s central to both gameplay and storytelling. It’s playful, but never feels overly challenging. Although it feels a little rudimentary, the generous hints that guide the player make for a frustration-free experience. It certainly looks more like Stardew Valley than Dark Souls.
The puzzle design is simple yet original. Giotto is able to physically manipulate the words on the pages of the story world to reconstruct the environment. For example, you can replace “Forest” with “Ruins” to clear a path, or replace “Closed” with “Open” to unlock a door. Although the mechanism is simple, it encourages experimentation and keeps you on the lookout for word combinations that lead to more interesting results.
Combat is simple and focuses on swordplay with responsive attacks that work well within the story. However, you may find yourself earning coins by chopping down more trees than your actual enemies. Although it may not offer complex mechanics, the combat complements the relaxed gameplay and its lighthearted atmosphere.
Mini-games, such as boxing and rhythm-based challenges, are sprinkled throughout, playfully experimenting with the art style and lending to the game’s sense of humor. Variety and humor keep the experience fresh, sticking to the outlandish imagination of children’s books while still being rooted in childlike daydreams.
look at the part
The Plucky Squire is visually stunning and gets full marks for its art style. The transition between the picture book world and the 3D world is seamless, each as vibrant as the other. The 2D segments make you feel like you’re stepping into a living picture book, and the art design is unique. Meanwhile, 3D World transforms Giotto into a fully realized adventurer, exploring and battling vibrant bedroom landscapes filled with blocks, playing cards, toys, paint, and even pesky bugs. It scratches the nostalgic itch for those who fondly remember games like Army Men. Surge’s Heroes on Nintendo 64.
Sam’s bedroom is also detailed, with Easter eggs and objects to explore. Landscapes littered with everyday objects are what sell the game world, giving it a sense of realism and life. It’s cohesive and attractive to explore as well as look at.
final thoughts
The Plucky Squire provides a fun experience with clever puzzles and an engaging story. The game isn’t particularly difficult, but its approachable approach tailored to its target audience makes it an easy and light-hearted adventure. For those who prefer more demanding gameplay, The Plucky Squire’s simplicity may hold you back. A little more variety and challenge in the combat could add depth and make for a richer experience.
Still, the seamless transition between storybook illustrations and detailed 3D worlds feels like a visual love letter to anyone who’s ever turned a cardboard box into an adventure. The world design is great, with Sam’s bedroom serving as a creative playground filled with Easter eggs, and it’s worth the price of admission alone.
Ultimately, The Plucky Squire succeeds as an engaging and original take on the action-adventure genre, with clever puzzles, fun yet simple combat, and a heartwarming story. This is a game that leaves a lasting impression, proving that the combination of simplicity and creative vision can be just as rewarding as a title aimed at adults. For those drawn to the art style or intrigued by its unique setting, The Plucky Squire is a fun adventure worth embarking on.
4 stars (out of 5)
Highlights: Fun storybook visuals and seamless transition from 2D to 3D. A clever dimension hopping mechanism. Dynamic environments with fascinating details and easter eggs
Cons: Combat lacks depth and variety. Overall puzzle difficulty is light
Developer: All possible features
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC
Available: Currently
Review was conducted on PlayStation 5 using a pre-release code provided by the publisher.
