Nikoderiko: The Magical World Reviews
Nikoderiko: The Magical World is a vibrant platformer that the whole family will enjoy. Jam packed with eye-popping visuals, loveable characters and solid level design, it’s the prototypical modern day platformer. Hampered only by long loading times and a smattering of bugs, the main drawback might only be how heavily it leans on its source material, essentially becoming Donkey Kong Country Returns-lite - for better or for worse. Sporting modern palatability and polish alongside the old school gameplay, if there was ever a game that a parent could show their kids about ‘platform games back in my day’, Nikoderiko is the one.
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.
"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.
Nikoderiko: The Magical World offers a fantastic platforming adventure that fans of Donkey Kong Country and Crash Bandicoot are sure to adore. Sure, it isn’t the most original title you’ll play in the genre, but with its wonderfully designed levels, creative variety of gameplay mechanics, and gorgeous visuals, it’s hard not to fall in love with Niko and Luna’s daring escapade.
Although Nikoderiko: The Magical World doesn't quite match the class of its great idols, this playable love letter to the platformer genre is a title that fans can give a chance without hesitation.
Review in German | Read full review
Nikoderiko: The Magical World must first of all be appreciated for the courage of wanting to bring an increasingly less covered genre to the foreground, namely the platformer. Unfortunately, in this respect, the guys at VEA Games did not pay due attention to the gameplay mechanics: gliding instead of the double jump and an overly generous sliding attack do not allow the title to rise to higher ratings, while still remaining a experience to give a chance.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Nikoderiko: The Magical World is a nostalgic nod to classic platformers, offering solid content and fun co-op gameplay. Though it lacks its own identity, the affordable price and enjoyable challenge make it worth playing, especially with friends.
Review in Dutch | Read full review