If you’re someone who likes games that offer a sense of childish whimsy and escapism, then chances are you are very familiar with the new The Devolver Digital title,The Plucky Squire.This title sees you take control of Jot, a storybook hero, and through the power of fourth-wall-breaking 2D and 3D dimension-hopping, you’ll need to take down the evil wizard Humpgrump once and for all.
I’m In Love With The Plucky Squire’s Unique Storybook Art Style
We got to check out some extended gameplay at Gamescom and it looks a blast.
It’s an ambitious game that offers imagination-fuelled fun,but being a cozy indie game, it’s over before you know it, and you’ll find yourself hungry for more.So, to make sure that you have your hunger for cute and cozy adventures sated, we are going to list some superThe Plucky Squirealternatives to play after you roll credits on this storybook adventure.
If you’re looking for a game that serves as the grandfather of all 2D/3D switching games, you’ll want to tryFez.Fezis the product of an insane amount of stressPhil Fish heaped upon himselfover a decade ago, but one could argue the stress was more than worth it, asFezstill holds up as one of theall-time indie greats.
It’s one of thefirst examples of a Metroidbrainia,a sub-genre that has been furthered by titles likeOuter WildsandAnimal Well. Here, you’ll need to rotate a 3D world through a 2D lens, but thanks to your magical rotation powers, you’re able to manipulate the scenery to find new paths and secrets. It’s clever, mind-boggling, and despite its age, it’s still a gem worth playing.
A Really Buggy Game
If you were a huge fan ofThe Plucky Squire’scartoon visuals, platforming sequences, and being able to navigate a suburban household while being the size of an ant, then you’ll get a real kick out ofTinykin.This title takes you back in time from a futuristic setting to a 1990s suburban home. With the help of little alien life forms called theTinykin, you’ll need to find out what happened to Earth as we know it today.
This game has a surprisingly interesting story, refined and varied platforming mechanics, and sublime visuals. However, the real standout here are the Tinykin who behave similarly to little Pikmin, which can be used to climb, electrify, and destroy the world around you.So, if you want to show that big things come in small packages, thenTinykinis the one for you.
3Toodee and Topdee
It’s A Matter of Perspective
This is perhaps one of the least-known and criminally underrated titles on this list.Toodee and Topdeeis a phenomenal 2D meets 3D puzzler in which you’ll simultaneously control each of the two titular characters that occupy the 2D and 3D planes.Only by manipulating the scene and using what’s available to each character will you be able to get through each brain-scratcher of a puzzle. The core gameplay is fantastic, and there’s a nice steady incline to the difficulty of each puzzle.Plus, if you want to enjoy this one with a pal, you can each occupy one dimension, and while this arguably makes the game a lot harder overall, it has to be said that it is a lot of fun and a great co-op experience. Good co-op puzzlers are a rarity, so don’t pass up the chance to play this one.
4Super Mario Odyssey
The Latest Mario Masterpiece
Super Mario Odyssey
I was torn between this one andSuper Paper Mario, as each are wonderful 2D meets 3D epics. However, I went with the most recent outing because it’s arguably the bestMarioouting ever.This high praise is warranted as this game offers many fun-filled moments. It mainly sticks to a 3D mascot platformer format but regularly dips into the 2D realm to offer gameplay akin to retroSuper Mario Bros.
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It’s a title that is paced beautifully and constantly offers a new mechanic, gimmick, outlandish level, or new hat type that keeps you on your toes and keeps the gameplay feeling fresh and vibrant.Admittedly, the 2D/3D split isn’t the primary focus, playing out a little like fan service similarly toSonic Generationsfor example, but if you’re in the market for a platformer with a difference, then this one will not disappoint.
A Cozy, Hand-Knit Adventure
When you aren’t running around the storybook world ofThe Plucky Squireand are cast from the pages you call home, you’ll be tasked with running around a child’s bedroom, and platforming across household objects and desktop clutter, making each platforming sequence feel like a mountainous climb to the summit.The feeling of being a tiny force in a big world is a novel one, and if you want another pocket-sized adventure that can rival Jot’s adventure,Unravelis well worth checking out.
This title allows you to play as the cute-as-a-button mascot Yarny, and using your own wool, you’ll need to swing, climb, and navigate treacherous terrain as a tiny force to be reckoned with.It’s a classic side-scrolling platformer that builds on classic titles that set the sub-genre alight such as LIMBO and INSIDE, but obviously much less spooky and ominous. Being a little guy in a big world has its challenges, but when it’s this fun, you won’t mind one bit.
6Chicory: A Colorful Tale
Illustrated By You
Chicory: A Colorful Tale
The Plucky Squireis a video game in which you play the lead character in a children’s storybook. But colorful, vibrantly illustrated books aren’t the only books tailored to kids.They might not color inside the lines all the time, but they sure do love coloring books, andChicory: A Colorful Taleis a wonderful, creative puzzler in which you can color, create, and shape the world in your image.
When the wielder of the magic brush vanishes from Picnic Province, you are cast in the role of the artist, and through exploring and getting those creative juices flowing, you’ll eventually bring color back to a colorless world.It’s a 2D adventure well worth seeking out, so if you want to add a pop of color to your day,Chicoryis the way to go.
It’s Dangerous To Go Alone…
WhileThe Plucky Squiremay have a lot of whimsical layers you can peel back to reveal different aspects of this new platformer’s varied gameplay, if you strip it all back, this game is a 2DZeldagame at its core.It offers simple hack-and-slash combat, puzzles to solve, and goodies to collect. All that’s missing is an annoying fairy called Navi and this would be a 2D Zelda classic.
Obviously a little bit of hyperbole there, but the takeaway is thatThe Plucky Squireis a Zelda-like, and when it comes to Zelda-likes there’s few that can matchTunicfor quality. This epic indie darling offers incredible world design, challenging combat, and intricately designed puzzles.Plus, thanks to the accessibility settings, you can make this as easy-breezy and cozy as you like. So, if you likedThe Plucky Squire’s2D storybook moments, this is a great alternative.
8Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion
Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion
I hear you; you want a Zelda-like, but you also want the same surreal silliness and humor thatThe Plucky Squireexcels in. Well, in the middle of this Venn diagram, you will findTurnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion, a sublime little Zelda-inspired title that doesn’t take itself too seriously, offers comedic moments in abundance, and calls it a day without overstaying its welcome.
It’s a game that you canplay from start to finish in an afternoon, and it’ll also have you grinning from ear to ear the entire duration. While still enjoying classic 2D Zelda staples, ample side quests to get distracted by, and the game even has a rather challenging end-game combat gauntlet for anyone who wants to test their skills.It’s funny, meta, and cute as hell, so we assure you thatThe Plucky Squirefans will adore this little turnip’s criminal exploits.
9Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
When Worlds Collide
It would be pretty mean for us to mention all these notable Zelda-likes and not mention any games from theZeldafranchise itself. But this isn’t a token entry for the sake of it, as thisZeldatitle is actually very much aligned withThe Plucky Squire.It’s not only due to the classic 2DZeldagameplay on show here, but also because this game has you jump from a 3D Hyrule setting to 2D painted worlds to solve puzzles and manipulate the world around you.
This title is basically a 2D/3D mesh inspired byA Link to the Past, offering a very familiar setting and feel but with new mechanics that get the most out of the 3DS and its hardware. Not many 3DS games would truly get the most out of the 3D capability of the handheld console, but you may’t level that atA Link Between Worlds, as this is a real treat and a brilliantZeldagame worth diving into.
10Astro Bot
Mascot Platformers Aren’t Dead!
Then, to wrap things up, we thought it would be only right to cater to those who loved the 3D platforming sequences and simply wanted more refined mascot platformer action.The choices are plentiful, but at the time of writing, there really is only one game on everyone’s mind, and that’sAstro Bot, Sony’s latest outing featuring everyone’s favorite cute little robot.
This one is an extension of all the things we loved aboutAstro’s Playroom,but with more levels, more new powers to try out, more subtle nods to PlayStation royalty and of course, more unique functions featuring the Dualsense controller.It’s somehow managed to capture the hearts and minds of the gaming community and is actually in the running for game of the year. So if that doesn’t sell this one to you, I don’t know what will.
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