TEMBO THE BADASS ELEPHANT Reviews
Tembo: The Badass Elephant is a very fun game, visually beautiful and with well designed controls, whose main attenuating is the short duration of it. But if you leave that aside, you certainly find a very entertaining and even addictive package. If you're a fan of old school platform games, do not forget to try it, I consider it the best of the genre in a long time. Play it, you will not regret it.
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A nice concept let down by predictable design
Overall, Tembo feels like a badass-tribute to Sonic the Hedgehog. It should have taken a few more pages out of the Blue Blur's playbook though in order to create a more complete experience that honored Sonic's legacy with consistent gameplay that focused on its strengths rather than constantly shining a spotlight on its weaknesses.
Despite some annoying gameplay elements, Tembo the Badass Elephant is a wonderful mash-up of some of the best 2D action-adventure platformers ever released.
A good idea, nice art style and mix of ideas, absolutely terrible gameplay.
That retro approach is Tembo's greatest strength – and weakness. While levels are impressively designed, and the task of defeating every enemy soldier and finding each citizen adds a satisfying challenge, it also feels like a remix of titles you'll have already played. Fantastic animation and great visual humour provide saving graces.
Overall not quite a ton of fun but still bananas. Just don't tell Donkey Kong.
Tembo the Elephant starts strong. It seems peppy and fun, with a protagonist you can't help liking. Then, it shifts gears. That change in tactics takes something that stands out and feels unique and makes it feel more like others in its ilk. It's the last thing it needed, since so many of Tembo's moves are shared with other heroes. It's entertaining enough, but doesn't quite define itself as one of the greats.
If what you want is a fun and simple platformer, then look no further than Tembo. The whole game has a fun, nostalgic feel to it from start to finish, and the civilians and phantom enemies as collectibles give you a reason to go back and play the levels again. The game is never too easy or too hard, but, at the same time, it doesn't really challenge you too much in any way. For the price, Tembo the Badass Elephant definitely gives you your money's worth in a short but enjoyable experience. If you don't take it too seriously, then there is a lot of enjoyment to be had here, because an elephant never forgets - to have fun and be a Badass!
Infused with excellent level design blended with all the good ideas from the 16bit greats of Donkey Kong Country, Yoshi's Island and Sonic the Hedgehog, Tembo the Badass Elephant is spoilt by the bizarre decision to force collectable progression in a game that feels based on travelling fast and hard, along with its reliance on one-stick-commands-all control scheme. Even so, anyone looking to spend an entertaining afternoon with a good platform game should dig their tusks into a jar of Tembo the Badass Elephant.
Tembo's style, pace and emphasis on mass destruction sets it apart from other 2D platformers, and it's almost an elephantine four tonnes of fun. While the need to replay levels to harvest points can transform it into a grind, this badass pachyderm's infectious energy gives him irresistible force.
Tembo stumbles at times, but its overall charm, and moments of rhythmic zen keep it fun throughout.
Tembo's big action setpieces prove the old adage that great things come in small packages.
Despite some of its more questionable gameplay choices, however, excellent presentation combined with tight controls make Tembo a terrific start for what hopefully ends up being a new franchise. If you're itching for some classic 2D platforming in the vein of the old Sonic games and yearn for a new "badass" character, Tembo hits all the right spots.
2D side-scrollers certainly aren't at the top of everyone's favourite genre. But a fun, new approach, a fantastic concept and beautiful design might well see Tembo become a mascot for the future.
The cell-shaded graphics are beautiful, and the soundtrack and sound effects are notably pleasing to the ears
In the end, Tembo the Badass Elephant is an enjoyable 2D platformer that's satisfying enough to warrant at least one playthrough.
Try it if you have found modern platforming games to be too "soft."
Tembo the Badass Elephant is a platformer that only comes once in a while, making it an experience that no gamer can afford to miss. Game Freak takes a break from their Pokemon duties to show everyone that they're no one trick pony and that Pulseman was no accident.
Tembo the Badass Elephant has an awesome name, and the game play to match. The only drawback is the archaic progression system. Those looking for a quick romp with hints of masochism for perfect runs should definitely check it out. The charm and pitch-perfect game play are more than worth the price of admission.