Lunistice is a linear 3-D platformer that pays homage to low-poly games you might’ve seen on 32-bit systems like the PlayStation.  There’s some weird story here that I can’t figure out, but all you need to know is you play as Hana the tanuki and guide her through several dream worlds as she hops and spins her way to the goal.  It’s available on Switch and PC, but reviewed on Switch here.

Hana can run and double jump, as well as use a spin attack to swat away enemies.  There are seven worlds with two stages each, and feature typical themes like beach, fun park, food, forest, space, etc.  Each world introduces a new gameplay mechanic, like bouncing on beach balls or grinding on branches, riding on waterslides, etc.  Scattered about the levels are pieces of origami for you to collect, as well as cartridges and hidden keys off the beaten path.  I’m not sure what all that stuff does, but there is a hidden stage I didn’t unlock at the end, so maybe that’s how you do it. If you get hit three times or fall into a pit, you’ll start over at the last checkpoint, but you get unlimited lives at least.  But the game ranks you at the end of each level depending on how much you collected and how fast you were.  After beating the game, you can replay it with two new characters with different skills as well.

The main problem I had with the game is the controls.  They are way too loosey goosey and it feels like you’re always walking on ice.  Perspective also makes it hard to tell how far you jump sometimes, so falling into pits will kill you more than anything.  The game is also a bit short, but at only five bucks, I can’t knock it too much for that.  I just would’ve liked it a lot more if the controls were tighter.

Kid Factor:

You can swat away blocky enemies with your tail, but that’s about as violent as it gets.  Reading skill is helpful, but not necessary to play.  Younger gamers may get frustrated at the difficulty, though.  Lunistice is rated E for Everyone.

Tags: Game Reviews