The Next Penelope is like a cross between a top down racer like Super Sprint, mixed with the high speed action of an F-Zero game.  The story combines intergalactic battle racing with Greek mythology, but the plot doesn’t really enhance the gameplay much.  And no, this game is not about Wacky Races’ Penelope Pitstop.  You’ll compete in all sorts of super-difficult racing and battle missions as you progress through levels around the galaxy.  The Next Penelope is available to download on Nintendo Switch and PC, but reviewed on Switch here.

Play control is unique in that there are no gas and brake buttons.  You’re always going.  It kind of reminds me of Kirby’s Air Ride in that regard.  But this frees up buttons to be used for weapons, of which there are many.  Each of the face buttons and shoulder buttons will allow you do things like boost, drop mines, fire lasers, teleport, and much more.  Good luck remembering what each button does!  Luckily the first mission in each area is kind of an intro to a new weapon in your arsenal.

Using your weapons will deplete your energy, though, but you can regain it by passing over certain fields on the track, or by using certain weapons.  Be careful, because if you run out of energy or fall off the track, it’s Game Over and you’ll have to start the race again.  Other than racing opponents, some missions will require you to collect items on a track or just simply make it to the end.  Completing races will net you experience points which you can divvy out to improve your stats.  There is also a local four-player multiplayer mode as well.  The only problems I had with the game were the insane difficulty and having to remember which button fires which weapon.  But if you are up to the challenge, you may want to check this one out anyway.

Kid Factor:

The Next Penelope is rated E for Everyone with an ESRB descriptor of Mild Fantasy Violence.  The only violence in-game are exploding polygonal space racer ships, but the illustration of an injured Penelope with one eye and half an arm a little unsettling.  Reading skill is needed for the text, and younger gamers (and older ones as well) may get frustrated at the high difficulty.

Tags: Game Reviews