FOX n FORESTS Reviews
A gorgeous and unique platformer!
Bonus Level Entertainment have produced a very nice retro platformer with FOX n FORESTS that is a lot of fun to play. The only issue some of you might have is the pice of the game which is $20 for a 5-6 hours adventure, but while short it's definitely very fun.
Fox n Forests is a good action and platform game that captures the vibe of the SNES games very well. It has a simple gameplay and provides a nice challenge. The problem lies in the fact that you need to replay the stages to get hidden items and gain access to new levels - this ends up getting boring.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Although the gameplay starts out far stiffer than it should and the upgrade system feels more like a grind than anything else, FOX n FORESTS manages to carry itself with particularly strong level design and a unique season shifting mechanic. Being able to switch the season of each stage on the fly leads to dynamic platforming scenarios and Rick's move-set later on turns him into a fluid and enjoyable character to play as. With several secrets to uncover in each stage and a risk versus reward checkpoint system, FOX n FORESTS comes off a creative action platformer with a strong identity of its own.
Not only did they deliver a truly breathtaking rendition of the classic art style, but also introduced an interesting mechanic to the already familiar style of play. There were some choices I didn't love, mainly having to revisit levels numerous times to continue forward. And while it certainly doesn't reinvent the wheel, it hits the sweet spot for those looking to go on a nostalgia trip.
Fox n Forests isn't for everyone – it feels more like a game development experiment that resulted in a nice bite-size nostalgia trip and was released just for fun.
Fox n Forests delivers on all angles for anyone who's been in love with the new renaissance of retro platforming games. The beautiful artwork, exploration, and combat makes this a game that Nintendo Switch owners should welcome with open arms.
A lovingly crafted 16-bit platformer for fans of Wonderboy and Ghouls 'n' Ghosts, Fox n Forests has enough style and addictive side-scrolling gameplay to ultimately outweigh its structural flaws.
Fox n Forests is a great game, but does wind up being slotted a bit below something like Shovel Knight. The core platforming and action-oriented combat work well, as does the seasonal shifting mechanic.
Any initial excitement is washed away within the first hour or two, giving way to repetition, boredom and often complete frustration. Extinction had great potential but sadly comes up way short.
Fox n Forests is an authentic retro-inspired love letter to 16-bit era platformers, and I dig that. The game does include some modern touches, and a bit of Metroidvania style progression, but the look and feel is straight out of the SNES. I didn't quite enjoy having to replay levels to collect the magic seeds to proceed as it creates an artificial progression barrier. You also won't be able to replay boss encounters, which is some of the best moments in the game.
FOX n FORESTS brings a classic 16-bit platformer environment to the Nintendo Switch with a very good audiovisual environment and an interesting gameplay mechanic when it comes to changing weather seasons. The experience ends up getting harmed by controls that feel too heavy at times and the repetitiveness that is imposed on the player to finish the level goes too far, making this a too short adventure for its own good.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Fox n Forests is still a fun platformer in the end, even if it does hold itself well short of greatness.
Whether you're looking for something that'll provide a hearty challenge, something that will get you nostalgic or a game with plenty to do and plenty more to explore, then Fox n Forests is for you.
Fox n Forests can't be faulted for its fantastically accurate portrayal of 16-bit platforming; very few indie games have managed to nail the look and sound of the SNES so well. Its season-changing gimmick also makes for some inventive moments. Where it lets itself down is in its fiddly controls and its short length, which combine to make a game that's merely good when it could have been great.
Fox n Forests delivers a religious hommage to the 16-bit era platformers, with satisfying big sprites, pixelart backgrounds, but also loose collisions and a mad respawn system. Its numerous upgrades add a nice touch to the adventure, but serves as a weak excuse to revisit the same stages over and over. This is particularly infortunate, because Fox n Forests still has nice aces up its sleeve, like specific controls and shoot'em up stages.
Review in French | Read full review
Fox n Forests is not a bad game by any means. But, it's a game whose flaws drag it down, creating something entirely pedestrian.
With old-school design comes both nostalgia and frustration. It knows that and it's surprisingly proud of that. It's clearly made with a lot of love for the genre. If you're nostalgic for such games too, there's really not much to dislike, but neither is there anything new to behold.
People looking to scratch that 16-bit platformer itch will have a good time with it, and people looking to find nice 16-bit recreation will get something well done here.
Slavish adherents to modern sensibilities may wish to look elsewhere. However, if you're looking for a blend of fast-paced fun and familiar flaws, you can't go wrong with this game.