Review

Developed by:Cobra Mobile Published by:Rising Star Games Genre(s):
  • Adventure
  • Puzzle
  • Platform:
  • Handhelds
  • Nintendo
  • PC
  • Cost:$9.99 ESRB Rating:EARLY CHILDHOOD Players:1 Release date:August 16, 2018 Reviewed on:Switch
    7.5

    Red’s Kingdom

    I know what you’re thinking. “Another mobile game has been ported to the Nintendo Switch? There’s no point in checking it out because…reasons”.  That kneejerk assessment isn’t entirely right this time. I mean, yes, Red’s Kingdom is a port of a mobile game. That said, this endearingly cute puzzler is actually pretty good!

    I didn’t get a chance to play Red’s Kingdom on iOS (or PC); normally I reserve gaming to my consoles with exception to Mario Run. I’ve missed a few gems here and there, but for the most part I’ve been okay with this decision. That is, until Red’s Kingdom (yes, I know I’m reviewing the Switch version, just go with me). Colorful and well thought out characters, a surprisingly fleshed out story, and interesting gameplay mechanics elevates this game above some of the best puzzlers out right now. You begin as Red, a squirrel who gets his prized golden nut taken by the evil Mad King Mac. And just to stick it to you even more, he kidnaps your father as well. As you solve puzzles and conquer levels and bosses, you’ll rescue random characters and collect tons of items, giving a bit of insight to how Red thinks (this critter is just gaga over nuts).

    Each level is played from an isometric view, with the player maneuvering Red around different maps. The goal is to get from point A to B, collecting nuts and whatever items are available along the way. This is easier said than done of course. For one, Red doesn’t move one square at a time. He rolls the entire length of the screen, only stopping when encountering an obstacle or enemy. Getting to the end of a level requires a bit of foresight. Players will need to send Red towards buttons, levers, and into some enemies (to remove them from the field) all while avoiding hazards; it’s possible to roll into a pit of spikes or some other trap if one isn’t careful.

    The first few levels act as a tutorial. From there, the difficulty slowly ramps up with maps that are harder to navigate. Hard to reach buttons that open doors, rising titles that react to switches on the floor, more enemies – the going appropriately gets tough in time. As players progress further, they’ll unlock items that grant new abilities or unlock new paths. Some of them will change how certain puzzles are approached. Basically, the gameplay evolves as the game becomes more challenging. It isn’t exactly a Metroidvania in design and scope, but you get the idea.

    Seeing as how Red’s Kingdom originated as a mobile game, it’s nice to see that Cobra kept the touch controls. Being able to place my Switch on a stand and just utilize the screen to control Red was a refreshingly different way to play a game on this console. That’s not to say that playing using the standard controls wasn’t feasible or entertaining; the game controls well regardless. It’s just nice to have multiple options. If I had to complain about anything though, it would be that the game is too similar to the mobile version content wise. On iOS, Red’s Kingdom is $2.99. Is it worth an extra $7 to just be able to play it on the TV on an actual controller? New levels, puzzles, enemies, better visuals – anything extra would have been appreciated. As far as I could tell though, nothing new has been added.

    I have to be honest. I wasn’t expecting much from Red’s Kingdom. I’ve seen a lot of games blatantly copy mechanics and not innovate, just rehash. This is not one of those games. Bravo to everyone involved in creating this addictive puzzler. It’s not perfect, but it is definitely one of the better mobile ports to the Switch that I’ve come across in a long time.

    Gameplay:

    8

    Red’s Kingdom is as entertaining at it is addictive. Also, Red controls exactly as intended; bonus points for keeping the touch controls!

    Graphics:

    8

    Colorful and animated throughout. No complaints at all.

    Sound:

    7

    Music is forgettable but matches the mood of the game. The sound are snappy, giving the appropriate feedback when knocking against obstacles and enemies.

    Replay Value:

    7

    There are secrets hidden throughout the world for the completionists out there. That said, most will find Red’s Kingdom to be worth replaying regardless.

    Final Score:

    7.5

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