In a gaming landscape crowded with sequels, remakes, and the reimagining of classics, the announcement of Gimmick! 2 in June 2024 came as a delightful surprise to the community. It’s easy to forget about the gem that is the original Gimmick!, released in 1992 by Sunsoft. This cult classic, well-known for its challenging gameplay and limited distribution, especially in Japan and Sweden, has garnered a devoted fanbase over the years. With Bitwave Games at the helm — previously revitalizing the original through Gimmick! Special Edition in 2022 — Gimmick! 2 promised to not only respect the legacy of its predecessor but also elevate it for a modern audience.
One of the most commendable aspects of Gimmick! 2 is its ability to maintain the essence of the original while introducing new elements to captivate today’s gamers. The hand-drawn art style injects a fresh, vibrant energy into the game, complementing the nostalgic vibe without relying solely on the pixelated graphics of yesteryears. This modern approach not only enhances the visual experience but also makes it appealing for new players who may have never encountered its predecessor.
The refined control scheme is another significant improvement over the original. While Gimmick! was notorious for its difficulty, Bitwave Games has introduced checkpoints and infinite continues, cleverly designed to encourage players to engage in “one more go.” This balance is crucial as it invites persistence without excessively punishing players who are still mastering the game’s challenges.
Underneath the colorful exterior and charming mascot, Yumetaro, lies a deceptively challenging gameplay experience. Players are thrust into a whimsical world devoid of dialogue, tasked with rescuing a young girl from an evil sorcerer. The simplicity of Yumetaro’s moveset, which includes running, jumping, and utilizing a star projectile, belies the depth of strategy and skill needed to master the game. Players quickly learn that this star is not merely an offensive tool but also a versatile instrument for traversing the intricacies of the levels, engaging in puzzle-solving and time-sensitive platforming that requires impeccable timing and precision.
The physics-based mechanics of the star introduce complexity to the gameplay, as players must grapple with its bouncy nature in determining how to hit switches or utilize it as a launch pad to access hidden areas and collectibles. This layer of challenge is both rewarding and punishing, as Gimmick! 2 pushes players to experiment with their environment.
Gimmick! 2 shines through its level design, with each of the six worlds offering meticulously crafted platforms, hazards, and whimsical bosses that captivate the player’s attention. While some sections of gameplay lean on traditional platforming mechanics, the innovation shines through unique experiences such as outrunning a giant snowball or hitching a ride on a whale. These elements infuse a sense of thrill and unpredictability, ensuring that players remain engaged throughout the journey.
The game caters to various skill levels with its dual difficulty modes: the “Assisted” option, designed to ease newer players into the gameplay mechanics, and the original “Gimmick!” mode, which remains true to the original’s difficulty for seasoned veterans looking for a hardcore challenge. It allows players to enjoy the game’s intricacies at their own pace, fostering a sense of accomplishment no matter the path taken.
Gimmick! 2 benefits from a polished audiovisual presentation, featuring a captivating hand-drawn art style reminiscent of beloved mobile games like Cut The Rope. Accompanying this visual feast is a well-crafted soundtrack by former Rare composer David Wise, whose melodies enhance the mood without becoming monotonous. This attention to detail is essential, especially in a game where players may find themselves attempting the same sequence multiple times.
Despite some minor connectivity issues reported during the Steam launch, the game plays smoothly on the Nintendo Switch. Long load times and penalties for failure commonly seen in older games are notably absent, returning players to the last checkpoint seamlessly, thus ensuring a smooth experience that amplifies the thrill of mastering its challenges.
Critiques about the variety of enemies and the aesthetic choices aside, Gimmick! 2 stands as a fantastic addition for both fans of the original and newcomers to the platforming genre. It offers a charming yet demanding experience filled with cleverly designed challenges that command attention to detail, precision, and practice. Bitwave Games has crafted a sequel that breathes new life into a classic without merely relying on nostalgia, making Gimmick! 2 a must-play for any platformer enthusiast.
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