New Super Lucky’s Tale | Switch Review

December 6, 2019December 6, 2019 Nate Lucas

What Does the Fox Say?

When I think of 3D platforming, I am instantly taken back to the age of the N64. Titles like Super Mario 64, Banjo Kazooie, and Conker’s Bad Fur Day have a special place in my heart. It was a simpler time, and I’m fortunate to have played these great games in their heyday. And while most gamers my age have moved on from simple cartoonish platformers, I still get a nostalgic kick from playing them. When I saw this foxy new platformer coming to the Switch, I had to play it.

This Fox Totally Rocks

New Super Lucky’s Tale is developed by Playful Studios. Microsoft Studios originally published the game for the PC and Xbox One back in November 2017, and it has finally made its way to the Nintendo Switch early last month. You play from the perspective of Lucky, a spunky young fox who must stop at nothing to recover the pages of the Book of Ages. Lucky must stop the evil Jinx and his wicked offspring: The Kitty Litter. Peace will surely be restored with the help of friends he makes along the way.

You Spin Me Right Round

New Super Lucky’s Tale feels very familiar, yet offers a few new tricks to make this platforming experience unique. Spin-moves are often implemented in 3D platformers, and NSLT has also adopted this time-tested mechanic. But don’t be fooled, this funky little fox also has the ability to burrow under and around objects. This new ability opens up a fresh new way to engage enemies, and didn’t detract from the playability. It was nice to see a new mechanic that didn’t make it feel clunky.

Movement is responsive, and the platforming seamlessly transitions from 3D to 2D side-scrolling in some sections. You navigate through multiple worlds, which contain multiple levels. Bosses are unlocked by collecting pages throughout the levels in these worlds. The levels are well thought out, and offer a nice bit of narrative.

Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed

The various worlds found in New Super Lucky’s Tale are absolutely bubbly and vibrant. The characters seem alive, and the worlds are fun to explore. While I encountered a few framerate drops in areas, it didn’t detract from the overall function of the game. On the other hand, loading times seem to be quite long. The soundtrack is catchy, and is easy to tap along to. Because of that, I found the soundtrack a bit repetitive. It fits the game, but somehow I think it missed the mark.

And Thereby Hangs a Tail

It was refreshing to play another 3D platformer that isn’t a Mario title. Not to say I don’t love Mario, but there are far too few modern 3D platformers on the same level as the mustachioed menace. This is a great title for kids. And somehow, it still offers enough for fans of the old N64 classics. New Super Lucky’s Tale has plenty of flair, and I loved every minute of it.

This review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy of New Super Lucky’s Tale provided by Playful Studios for coverage purposes. The original game, Super Lucky’s Tale, is also available on Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, and Oculus Rift.