Penny's Big Breakaway Reviews
With layered yet totally approachable gameplay mechanics and a fully-realised world to put those mechanics in, Penny's Big Breakaway is a breakout success that should be experienced by absolutely everyone with a passing interest in 3D platformers. Every moment I spent with this game was utter bliss and learning the intricacies of movement and learning my way around imaginative levels was a treat. Genuinely phenomenal.
Playing Penny’s Big Breakaway washed me over with a wave of nostalgia that Sonic Mania was already supplying. There are some tricky moments everyone needs to be careful when playing on the controller and that is your right thumbstick. I’ve died several times because my thumb flicks the thumbstick and the yo-yo does a trick that kills my jump. I’ve given my thumb a Homer style strangling for its betrayal. I delightfully bestow the Thumb Culture Platinum Award upon this gem of a game.
Penny’s Big Breakaway is a delightful breath of fresh air for the 3D platforming genre. It doesn’t just feel like a love letter to Sonic, but rather a number of mascot platformers from back in the day that captured our hearts. There are a few issues here and there, but for a first official release in 3D platforming from Evening Star, it’s a great start, featuring a massive collection of beautiful levels, solid mechanics and gimmicks, and a soundtrack that keeps the vibes charming throughout. There’s a lot to enjoy here, and I hope it’s just the start of things to come for Evening Star, Penny, and the world of Macaroon.
3D platformers can still be done well, it turns out. All you have to do is focus on the action, fix the camera in place, and fine-tune the controls. Things like the narrative still need your attention, just not as much of it. I was pleasantly surprised by this game. Penny’s adventure is well-crafted, colorful, and tons of fun. The challenge level gets pretty high, sure. And the controls are still built for speed. But this is all part of the package. If you’re looking for a new 3D platformer, Penny’s Big Breakaway should be at the top of your list.
Penny’s Big Breakaway is a wonderful 3D platformer that captures the vibe of the classics of the genre perfectly with its creative level design and vibrant visuals. It manages to feel really unique thanks to its clever yo-yo mechanics too, which certainly help set it apart from similar modern releases – even IF it can make for some clumsy situations, especially with the lack of camera control. It’s just a really fun game that has a lot going for it, with the wealth of collectibles, bonus levels, and additional challenges ensuring it’ll keep players hooked in for some time. Some of the team at developer Evening Star are best known for their work on Sonic Mania, but their first original platforming release proves that they don’t need to rely on a recognisable mascot to show off their platforming prowess.
"...these knots aren’t enough to halt Penny’s Big Breakaway’s momentum. From solid level design and an extremely well-done character controller, this game is an easy recommendation for the momentum-favoured platformer player."
A creative fusion of familiar platformer elements that improves with time and investment, and proof that Evening Star is more than just the Sonic Mania crew.
An ingenious combo-driven challenge that's speedy and fun.
Penny's Big Breakaway is a tremendous achievement by Evening Star, expertly combining tight controls, excellent level design, and a raft of creative ideas, all while throwing in a hefty dose of pure speed. Though the Switch version can feel a little rough around the edges at times, this is still an easy recommendation to make to anyone who considers themselves a fan of Sonic, 3D platformers, or both. Penny's inaugural adventure has got it where it counts, and if you're looking for a challenging, yet approachable new 3D platformer to add to your library, it doesn't get much better than this.
Penny's Big Breakaway combines retro gameplay with modern indie innovation to create a stylish 3D platformer that plays well and radiates creativity.
It’s already been a busy year for game releases, but I’m so glad I took time off from the high-stakes, melodramatic adventures of ecoterrorists or the comically action-packed exploits of galactic fascist pawns for Penny’s good-ol’-fashioned sense of fun. Here’s a game that’s not just worth playing, but replaying and finding every little secret. Even if its retro vibes and dated designs can be frustrating, they account for pennies out of each successful dollar that Penny’s Big Breakaway cashes in thanks to its sense of speed, charming art direction, and clever innovations.
Penny’s Big Breakaway may not work all the time, but when it does, it's an incredibly fun and incredibly charming game that is almost impossible to stop playing.
Penny's Big Breakaway is a fantastic debut from Evening Star and a must play for platformer fans everywhere.
Penny’s Big Breakaway proves that the art of busking is never easy, but it is always worth it. Those that can wrangle Penny and Yo-Yo’s tricks - and not get caught up in the strings - will enjoy going around the world for a high score.
Penny's Big Breakaway is a godsend for those who lost all hope for 3D platformers making it big. While I'm not a fan of the main character's aesthetic and the last few levels being pretty buggy, the overall game & experience were given a lot of care and thought by Evening Star. Besides, gameplay & level design matters, and this yo-yo-centric misadventure has it in spades, along with some charm and boppin' tunes to jive to courtesy of composer Tee Lopes. If you love 3D platformers and can't get enough of replaying the same levels over and over for the best times & scores possible while finding out new platforming tricks with yo-yo-style shenanigans, this one will do it for you.
Penny’s Big Breakaway might be a bit unrefined, but behind the occasional bugs and argumentative camera is one of the best momentum-based 3D platformers I’ve ever played, with unique movement mechanics that rival Sonic at his absolute best.
While definitely rough around the edges, I thoroughly enjoyed Penny's Big Breakaway. There is a lot to get out of its levels whether it's a faster time, higher score, or all of its collectibles but I don't even need a specific reason to play through them again because controlling Penny is entertaining enough in and of itself. If you're looking for a fun and fast 3D platformer then look no further. 🪀
A compelling game lies at the heart of Penny's Big Breakaway. If you're willing to give it the proper staging and some time to practice, it will put on a great show as a speedy platformer with a fun learning curve. However, getting to that point requires seeing past its many distracting elements. I enjoyed my time with Penny, but if we're being honest, I think she needs to polish her act.
Penny's Big Breakaway is a melting pot of fresh ideas and slow-cooked nostalgia that'll caress the palate of the speedrunners and score-chasers out there, while potentially cooling a little thanks to some technical flubs and awkward controls. If you've got a hunger for Saturn and Dreamcast-era 3D platformers you'll be more than satiated here.
I had a great time with Penny’s Big Breakaway, despite some glaring gameplay issues. It features a confusing control scheme, and the lack of camera control is something I don’t exactly miss from the late 90s. Still, it managed to win me over with its infectious charm, innovative ideas (even if some of them didn’t exactly pay off), and exciting set pieces. It’s hard not to smile while playing it, it’s just that upbeat, it’s just that fun.