Platformer
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'I do think Blow misunderstood what the game is about': Derelict Star made Jonathan Blow rage quit, but it's the most fascinating indie platformer I've played for years
This article discusses the indie platformer Derelict Star, which creator Jonathan Blow famously criticized for its controls and introductory level. The author argues that Blow misunderstood the game's focus on intricate movement mechanics, which, after an initial adjustment period, offer a deeply rewarding experience akin to N++ and Super Mario World. Derelict Star is praised for its fine-tuned physics and momentum-based gameplay, making it a standout title for movement platformer enthusiasts.
Soccer Kid Collection coming to Nintendo Switch
Soccer Kid Collection, featuring both SNES and MS-DOS versions of the classic platformer, is coming to Nintendo Switch on June 18, 2026, as part of the QUByte Classics line. The collection will include modern features like save states, CRT filters, and a gallery, all for $9.99.
90s platformer re-release Soccer Kid Collection launches in June
QuByte Interactive announced that Soccer Kid Collection, a definitive edition of the 1993 platformer, will launch on June 18th for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. The collection includes both the SNES and MS-DOS versions of the game, featuring unique soccer ball-based combat and modern preservation features.
The 90s Platformer Bobcat Is Back! Bubsy 4D Launches Across PC and Consoles
Atari and indie studio Fabraz have launched Bubsy 4D, the first fully 3D adventure for the 90s platformer character, on PC and consoles including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. The game features Super Mario Odyssey-like gameplay with new mechanics and an arts-and-crafts aesthetic, aiming to redeem the series after previous installments were criticized for frustrating design.
Opinion: Yoshi And The Mysterious Book Completely Wastes Its Best Mechanic
This opinion piece argues that Yoshi and the Mysterious Book squanders its most innovative mechanic, the Bewilder Bird, which allows instant transformation into any previously discovered creature. While this ability briefly elevates the gameplay in World 6, offering a glimpse of true creative freedom, the game quickly reverts to its repetitive structure, failing to capitalize on its potential for experimentation. The author suggests that a DLC expansion focusing on the Bewilder Bird could have made the game a standout title.
Review: Rugrats: Retro Rewind Collection (Switch) - A Janky Compilation Carried By Nostalgia
Rugrats: Retro Rewind Collection on Nintendo Switch compiles several older Rugrats titles, including platformers and mini-game collections, with modern emulation features like save states and rewind. While the 3D titles suffer from dated controls and camera issues, the 2D entries offer more competent gameplay. The collection is primarily carried by nostalgia, with its value diminishing for those without a prior connection to the games or the original show.
Yoshi’s back to delight us all! Pure Nintendo Podcast E163
The Pure Nintendo Podcast episode 163 covers Yoshi's New Island, Nintendo's surprise mobile game Pictonico, and the demo for RPG Adventures of Elliot. The hosts also discuss the addition of the A Link Between Worlds soundtrack to Nintendo Music, new Pac-Man and Broken Sword media, and various indie games.
IMPOSSIBLE MISSION 3 Released
Psytronik Software has released Impossible Mission 3, the latest installment in the platformer series. The game is available for the Commodore 64.
Poll: What Review Score Would You Give Yoshi And The Mysterious Book?
The latest Yoshi adventure, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, has received mixed reviews. While critics praise the discovery of hidden creatures, the game suffers from repetitive structure and a lack of meaningful challenge. Visually, it is noted to be disappointing, especially in handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch.
Something for the Bank Holiday Weekend – 23/05/26
This week's news includes the end of Destiny 2 development and major layoffs at Bungie, alongside the 10th Warhammer Skulls event. PlayStation State of Play will feature Wolverine, and new titles like Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV and F1 25 DLC were announced. Embracer is splitting, and Sony's single-player games will no longer release on PC.
Vault of Seraphim XL - A Spelunker inspiration released for the C64 by Natthrafn [UPDATE! now for MacOS, Windows & Linux]
Natthrafn has released 'Vault of Seraphim', a jump and run cave crawler platformer for the Commodore 64, inspired by 'Catacombs of Cherubim'. An updated version, 'Vault of Seraphim XL', is now available for MacOS, Windows, and Linux, featuring expanded content and features.
Bubsy 4D combines Super Mario Odyssey-style platforming with '90s flair for a rare, perfectly sized game
Bubsy 4D, developed by Fabraz, offers a focused and enjoyable platforming experience reminiscent of '90s mascots and Super Mario Odyssey. Despite its shorter length and budget price, the game's tight controls and creative move chaining make it a compelling adventure. It is available on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Bubsy 4D launch trailer – Bubsy’s first 3D adventure since 1996 on Nintendo Switch 2, Switch
Bubsy 4D has launched on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch, accompanied by its official launch trailer. This title marks Bubsy's first 3D adventure since 1996, developed by Fabraz and published by Atari. The game features intergalactic platforming challenges, new moves, and online leaderboards for time trials.
What Could Possibly Go Wrong? Atari and Fabraz's Cult Classic Mascot Returns in Bubsy 4D, Out Now
Atari and Fabraz have released Bubsy 4D, the latest installment in the Bubsy franchise, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. This 3D platformer features the return of the mascot in a new adventure to reclaim the Golden Fleece, incorporating modern movement mechanics, new outfits, and online time trials.
Chicken Climber – One Bad Jump Can Ruin Everything!
Chicken Climber, a new vertical platformer from developer Burst Games and publisher Ratalaika Games, is now available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch for £4.99. The game challenges players to carefully time jumps upwards through eight handcrafted levels, with mistakes leading to significant progress loss. It focuses on precise jumping mechanics without combat or complex abilities.
Roc'NRope - A 1983 platformer developed and published by Konami for arcades has arrived on the Amiga via JOTD
The classic 1983 Konami arcade platformer Roc'NRope has been released for the Amiga by developer JOTD. This conversion serves as a smaller project for JOTD after completing work on a Ghosts'N'Goblins AGA port. The Amiga version aims for visual and gameplay parity with the original arcade release.
Nintendo Download: 21st May (North America)
The latest Nintendo Download update for North America brings a variety of new games to the eShop, including "Yoshi and the Mysterious Book," "Tales of ARISE – Beyond the Dawn Edition," and "Coffee Talk Tokyo." Other notable releases include "Bubsy 4D," "FZ: Formation Z," and "R-Type Dimensions III," alongside numerous indie titles across various genres.
Bubsy 4D Review
Bubsy 4D marks a notable return for the video game mascot, presenting what is considered his best performance to date. Despite its brevity, the game offers a stylish experience.
Review: Bluey's Quest For The Gold Pen (Switch 2) - An Enjoyable Collectathon That Kids Will Love
Bluey's Quest for the Gold Pen is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a charming collectathon experience with engaging puzzles and a hand-drawn aesthetic. Developed by Halfbrick, the game features nine worlds to explore on the Nintendo Switch 2, though its repetitive nature and lack of co-op are notable drawbacks. Despite these issues, the game is a fun and accessible adventure that children will likely enjoy.
Parasol Superstars review – Cute Curated Collection
Parasol Superstars is a curated collection featuring the arcade titles Spica Adventure and Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III, offering a nostalgic look at classic platformers. Both games have been updated with modern features like save states and rewind, making them accessible for new players while retaining their original charm.
