This game is so close to be a top tier platformer for me, but falls just short. The first half of the game relies mainly on linear platforming and that is when it is at it's best, navigating the obstacles and finding collectables feels really good, as well as a great mechanic where you can place your own checkpoints (but you only have a limited number so it is a risk reward feeling). As you go through the game you unlock different moves that bring changes to the stage design which is a fun idea, including going back to every stage to play a reworked form and find a different set of collectables. Other than times I felt the game was a little unresponsive the core platforming loop here is satisfying.

However they also added combat to this game, and boy does it suck. You are dropped into little arenas to fight enemies where you die in one hit and they can only be killed by being pushed into red spikes or pits just feels tedious and annoying. The boss fights aren't a whole lot better either sadly. The second half of the game starts adding these huge aimless type levels also, which I felt took away from the strength of the game when you are just wandering looking for where to go.

For completionists this is a game for you, i spent 10 hours in the game and easily could double that if I was going for the 100%. There is a full hub world with mini games like golfing and an arcade, and the characters/story are pretty charming. The art style is divisive but seeing it in action was a lot better than how it looks in photos in my opinion. All in all the positives definitely outweigh the negatives and I look forward to trying Color Splash because I hear that is even better.