Nikoderiko: The Magical World Reviews
I by no means think Nikoderiko is a bad game. On the contrary, I think it’s a lovely little piece with some strange missteps (the voice acting feels unnecessary) but an overall strong presentation. Yet the execution, particularly on the Switch, is just not a spectacular piece. It janks in weird places, the fluidity is ruined by the limitations of the hardware, and sometimes the perspective changes are too frequent and too unexpected. I adore the chances and swings, and, when it works, it works so very well. When it falls, though, you really feel the weight of it all and the legacy it’s trying to carry.
Nikoderiko: The Magical World is a wonderfully satisfying platforming experience that borrows and expertly replicates the elements that made classic entries in the genre so beloved. Smart level design, enjoyable gameplay, lots of collectibles, and a killer soundtrack all come together to make this one an easy recommendation if you love DKC.
Nikoderiko: The Magical World looks fantastic, plays brilliantly, and hits all of the right spots.
A remarkable platformer designed for the whole family whose main "sin" is to pay excessive homage to other titles, instead of pursuing a flavor of its own. Still, it's very solid and very beautiful to look at.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Nikoderiko: The Magical World is everything that nostalgic fans of old platformers need to dive back into the memories of yesteryear. It may not be among the most original games of the past decade, given the many similarities to Crash Bandicoot and Donkey Kong, but the care with which the work was created allows it to stand at more than decent levels of harmonious enjoyment.
Review in Italian | Read full review
An interesting, though in places all too challenging platformer for one or two people. The storyline is unlikely to be memorable, but the escape to the back of the board from the dragon - already rather so.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Nikoderiko: The Magical World could be labeled as the son of Donkey Kong Country and Crash Bandicoot, but almost all the experience is based on the Nintendo IP. It's great and it has the same level of quality, but we expected to see more unique ideas and concepts. Also, the Nintendo Switch version is not the ideal way ti play it.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Nikoderiko does things you already know from other games. Only it does them in a worse way. You want a game like that? Play Crash. Play Donkey Kong Country. Play the new Astro Bot, even though it's a different kind of platform game. All of these games are much better and won't frustrate you with stupid bugs or even glitches. If anything stands out here, it's the graphics and the local co-op.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Nikoderiko is a true love letter not only to Donkey Kong Country and Crash Bandicoot, but also to the platformer genre. By mixing the most varied elements present in these games, we are graced with a game that brings a nostalgic and at the same time current experience. Despite having some minor problems and a dull unlockable system, the game is fun and capable of putting a smile on the player's face with each reference. A title recommended for all fans of the genre and that will please both more experienced and novice players.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
I'm definitely looking forward to whatever they make next which will hopefully be a bit more polished and much less derivative. 🦁
"Don't change a winning team" is the great mantra of Nikoderiko: The Magical World. Niko and Luna's adventure may be exaggeratedly faithful to Donkey Kong Country and Crash Bandicoot, but when its inspirations are excellent and the execution is so neat, the result is necessarily a fun experience tailor-made for platform game lovers, with professional level designs, lots of secrets to find, a magnificent soundtrack by David Wise and a level of graphics and camera dynamism difficult to find in its contemporaries. The cost to be paid was the formation of its own identity, in a title that only goes against the tide to collide with small icebergs.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Nikoderiko is a great homage to yesteryear.
Inspired by the great platformer classics, Nikoderico: The Magical World offers a familiar experience with no big surprises, but it's consistently fun both solo and in co-op mode.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Nikoderiko: The Magical World convincingly and sincerely reworks some of the most famous and celebrated platforming tropes. VEA Games' debut is a heartfelt homage to some genre classics, presented in a very pleasant and well-crafted aesthetic. The overall difficulty is quite challenging but just right, and it's also playable with friends. Niko and Luna's adventure is recommended for those who love strongly old-school experiences, though you'll need to get used to a somewhat unintuitive control system initially before being charmed by the delightful antics of the two lovable mongooses.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Nikoderiko: The Magical World stands to be one of the most unexpected entries in the “Surprises of 2024” category. Cypriot studio VEA Games signs off its debut on the video game scene with a splendid platformer that has nothing to envy vis-à-vis the top of the class. The celebratory intent towards great sagas of the genre is evident, as is, for the record, the essentially derivative nature of the work. However, the average quality is so high, the pace so sparkling and the challenge so well calibrated that it is impossible not to be thunderstruck by the end result. Do not let it pass you by for any reason.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Nikoderiko: The Magical World may feel very familiar to longtime fans of the platforming genre, but it offers a polished and enjoyable experience. The variety in platforming mechanics, along with engaging boss battles, make for a fun time. With difficulty options, the game is Z accessible to both experienced players and newcomers. And if you can bring a loved one along for local co-op, it only enhances the experience, much like the cheerful outlook of the game’s main characters.
Nikoderiko: The Magical World is a good example of the platform genre. A fun and challenging game that constantly gives us the feeling of playing something we've already played before. It's not something that bothers us too much and I'm sure that the little ones at home won't even mind, it's more likely that they won't even notice it, but it's true that comparisons are odious and it's a real shame that in the end the game doesn't have anything that gives it a personality that stays in our memories and that will make it end up going more unnoticed than it deserves.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
If you're looking for a light platformer with local co-op that offers a healthy dose of nostalgia, Nikoderiko: The Magical World is an excellent choice. It's an adventure that's charming, entertaining, and despite its minor flaws, it provides hours of fun for the whole family.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Nikoderiko: The Magical World runs the risk of looking like a mere Donkey Kong Country clone with elements of Crash Bandicoot, but it has the merit of being competent in all the main aspects that made these series worthy of fame, despite some technical flaws. With always beautiful and interesting stages, the campaign is fun to play alone or with others in local co-op. Whether you're a fan of the famous mascot platformers or someone newer to the genre, Niko and Luna have an adventure that's worth enjoying.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Nikoderiko: The Magical World is a solid game with vibrant graphics, tight controls, and a lot of replay value for those who enjoy collecting items. While it has some drawbacks, such as difficult boss battles and limited accessibility options, it provides a fun and engaging experience, especially for fans of classic action platformers. The game’s levels are well-designed, offering players a sense of freedom and exploration, making it a worthwhile addition to any gamer’s library. Overall the game just struggles to create its own identity.