Nikoderiko: The Magical World Review – Xbox Series X

There’s something timeless about a platformer that proudly wears its inspirations, and Nikoderiko: The Magical World is no exception.

Developed by VEA Games, this is a love letter to platforming’s finest era, when pixel-perfect jumps and collect-a-thons ruled the day.

Donning the vibrant aesthetic of classic 90s platformers and dragging them to current-gen consoles, this title pits players against the nefarious Grimbald, challenging them to guide (Niko or Luna) through a colourful series of worlds.

The game’s engaging blend of retro style and modern accessibility make it an undeniable charmer, with a few surprising twists along the way.

Story

The narrative in Nikoderiko is a simple but delightful affair. Our heroes, Niko and Luna, are on a mission to recover a powerful relic stolen by the dastardly Grimbald, a villain as sinister as he is humorous. Grimbald, along with his ragtag Cobring minions, has scattered parts of this relic across the land.

Each stage is a bite-sized adventure where players explore wildly varied biomes, each offering its unique take on enemies, secrets, and hazards.

It’s a straightforward premise, but it’s executed with such lighthearted charm that players will likely find themselves drawn to the adventure just for the chance to see what quirky character or unusual level mechanic they’ll encounter next.

The welcome addition of full voice acting and character animations add flair, lending each encounter a fresh cartoonish sense of humour, especially in a genre not typically known for its storytelling.

While it may not explore complex themes, the story’s simplicity is a perfect fit for the genre, keeping players focused on the platforming without getting bogged down in heavy narrative exposition. Nikoderiko’s charm is in the small details – the quirky enemy designs, the playful dialogue, and the occasional cutscene that hints at a deeper backstory for Niko, Luna, and their world.

Graphics & Audio

The graphics in Nikoderiko are as playful as they are polished, capturing the essence of classic platformers with a modern twist. Each world is vibrant and distinct, from glowing crystal caves to lush tropical jungles.

The attention to detail in environmental textures ensures the game looks as charming in motion as it does in stills.

VEA Games went to great lengths to create a universe that feels alive, thanks in no small part to the dynamic lighting effects that highlight everything from pools of toxic waste to the glistening collectables scattered across each level. These visuals are enhanced by a UI that, while minimalistic, never detracts from the lush scenery and quirky enemies.

The soundtrack, composed by the legendary David Wise, brings a nostalgic layer of immersion. Each tune is carefully crafted to match the tone of the environment, whether you’re exploring a frosty landscape or dodging lava in a volcanic cave. Wise’s signature style shines, and you may find yourself humming along to tunes long after putting the controller down.

Every jump, slide, and barrel roll is accompanied by sound effects that capture the tactile joy of classic platformers, making each encounter that much more satisfying. The audio design is a standout, and the soundtrack alone might be worth the price of admission for fans of retro gaming.

Gameplay

The heart of Nikoderiko lies in its gameplay, which draws on a mix of classic influences while injecting a few fresh ideas of its own. Nikoderiko offers a mix of 2.5D platforming and fully 3D exploration sections, giving players the best of both worlds. Niko and Luna each have unique abilities—ground pounds, slides, glides—that add depth to the game’s traversal and combat mechanics. These abilities become essential as players encounter a variety of enemies, some of which require creative approaches to defeat.

For example, enemies with spiky armour need to be tackled from behind, while larger foes must be dealt with through ground-pounding attacks.

VEA Games introduces a slew of platforming tropes with their spin: barrel blasts, minecart chases, and underwater segments filled with rideable seahorses. Each world ends with a boss battle, featuring villains that are as challenging as they are charmingly animated. The bosses are designed to test players’ mastery of the mechanics learned in each world, often requiring multiple retries to succeed. Though the difficulty may peak in these boss battles, health pickups are frequent enough that players won’t find the challenge frustrating—just engaging.

Collectables abound, including letters spelling “NIKO” in each level, as well as hidden treasures and bonus stages.

These elements add replayability, though the game’s relatively short length (about 6-7 hours) means completionists will likely wrap things up in a couple of sessions. The game includes a couch co-op mode, which is a wonderful addition, especially for families. However, the co-op experience can feel chaotic at times due to the frequent shifts in camera perspective, occasionally causing characters to become briefly misplaced off-screen.

Verdict

Though it may borrow heavily from genre classics, Nikoderiko brings an abundance of joy, nostalgia, and accessibility to the platforming scene.

It’s a carefully crafted homage to beloved franchises like Donkey Kong Country and Crash Bandicoot, with enough original touches to make it stand out.

Its accessible gameplay, combined with lush visuals and a soundtrack that’s pure ear candy, make Nikoderiko a must-play for fans of the genre and newcomers alike. The modest difficulty ensures it’s suitable for players of all ages, while seasoned platforming enthusiasts will still find enough to keep them engaged.

If you’re seeking a platformer that oozes charm and combines the best of retro gaming with modern polish, Nikoderiko: The Magical World should be on your radar. It’s the perfect game for nostalgic players looking for a fresh yet familiar experience and is a delightful addition to any platforming fan’s library.