Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Reviews
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is one of the smartest, most original pixel themed metroidvanias in years with some great ideas around badge and permanent upgrades, as well as open sandbox traversal through a beautiful city. It’s wonderfully presented, vibrant, and effortlessly enjoyable despite its challenging battles and occassional backtracking. Dont let this indie slip away and out of mind.
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is a joy. It combines old and new ideas with fast gameplay, smart puzzles, and a story with numerous unexpected layers. It has the energy of games like Minish Cap and makes fun of capitalism and laziness with its own characters. Some parts of the game, like badge upgrades and contracts, feel like they could use more work, but the charm and creativity keep you interested. There is a lot to love, whether you’re here to explore, learn how to master the yo-yo, or just laugh at a dysfunctional family while they save the city. We hope this isn’t the last time we see Pippit, since yo-yos are back in style.
If you’re jonesing for a fresh action adv…yoyovania, then Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo will absolutely fit the bill.
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is Yoyovania that excel in all aspects of what makes metroidvanias great and so much fun! A definite must-play for fans of this genre
This game made me feel things. Memories long forgotten of those days of my youth playing GBA on the bus. Those times when I sneakily woke up in the middle of the night to get in an hour of Super Nintendo time. Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo made me laugh with often hilarious writing. It also made me yell in anger due to complex puzzles and occasionally its frustratingly difficult combat. I loved the way that the combat skills doubled as traversal options and puzzle solutions providing gameplay depth that I wasn’t expecting.
With its clever yoyo mechanics, densely packed map, sharp writing and generous accessibility options, Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo easily stands out as one of the best modern entries in the top down 2D action adventure genre.
"Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo" truly shines as a unique gem with a personality all its own. It's a heartfelt and intelligent homage to the great classics of the past, blending irreverent characters, biting social commentary, and gameplay that's a cross between a Zelda-like and a Metroidvania. With a simple but brilliant idea like the yoyo, Pocket Trap has crafted an experience that entertains, surprises, and leaves a lasting impression, proving that innovation can spring from a deep love for the medium's roots.
Review in Italian | Read full review
From an unexpectedly profound plot to its familiar yet modern take on old-school game that both borrows from other greats in addition to bringing cool ideas, Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is definitely easy to recommend to anyone who wants something different from top-down games. If Pocket Trap isn’t on your list of indie studios to watch now, it definitely should be.
Zelda, Mega Man, and Metroid are just a few names to which Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo pays homage. And while living up to those greats is grueling work, somehow, Pipistrello makes it look easy. It’s wonderfully designed, perfectly paced, and filled with secrets and side attractions that are well worth its lengthy runtime.
Pipistrello And The Cursed Yoyo kept me up late into the night because I was always setting myself one goal after another. Solving the mystery of certain rooms, paying off debts from the upgrade tree...
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is a phenomenal love letter to a bygone era of video games and toys that many people played and loved.
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo" shines as an outstanding metroidvania, reimagined through the unique concept of "yoyovania." The developers masterfully craft a deep and engaging gameplay experience around Pippit's yoyo, paired with smart progression and excellent level design. Despite a limited number of boss battles and occasional platforming challenges, the game stands out for its witty yet profound narrative, nostalgic 16-bit aesthetic, and a superb soundtrack enriched by Yoko Shimomura's touch. With solid localization and accessibility features, it’s a must-play indie adventure, offering around 20 hours of pure gaming joy.
Review in Italian | Read full review
With bombastic characters, perfect pacing that can be finetuned, a new game + mode and an ending made for the people, this game has cemented itself as one of my favourites of the year. I usually move on when I finish games, but Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo may just reel me back in like a yoyo with how much of a delightful experience it is.
I did not like the character. I did not like the quest. I did not think what I was doing was noble and I thought everyone sucked. But. The game is so well made the level of polish creates such a sheen it glosses over the mental disgruntlement I have. It’s an indisputably well made game that ticks the boxes like it was born to defy expectations. Pipistrello is daunting, but it knows what it has and never tries to pretend otherwise. Good luck, you’re definitely going to need it.
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo delivers a clever, challenging Metroidvania adventure with inventive mechanics, retro visuals, and a surprisingly nuanced narrative, making it a standout indie gem from Pocket Trap.
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo delivers a creative and charming experience, blending clever puzzles, rewarding exploration, and a versatile combat system. The inventive use of the yoyo as both a weapon and a tool keeps gameplay dynamic, while the world of New Jolt City — with its charismatic characters, cultural references, and retro aesthetic — builds a unique and memorable universe. Despite a few rough edges, the game stands out for its originality and the relaxed, playful way it tells its story.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
A lovingly crafted and self-proclaimed “Yoyovania” that pays homage to titles like The Legend of Zelda and Castlevania while still maintaining its own unique identity. No small feat, but Pipistrello accomplishes it.
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo lived up to all my expectations, and is one of the very best Metroidvanias I've ever played.
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo delivers much more than it promises. It is a unique experience, with its own identity, relevant social criticism, and the kind of humor that only a Brazilian game could do so well. An initial strangeness to the controls does not overshadow the brilliance of an adventure that shows how much the national independent scene has to offer.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review