TY the Tasmanian Tiger 4: Bush Rescue Returns for the Nintendo Switch marks a return of the beloved Aussie hero/mascot in a remastered side-scrolling escapade. It had been a while since playing a TY game, but delving into the colorful world of Coolarangah was an engaging experience. The shift from 3D to 2D gameplay is noteworthy here, and an interesting switch in this day and age.
In Bush Rescue Returns, TY takes on a slew of heroic tasks as part of the Bush Rescue team, from dousing fires to saving stranded tourists in the rugged Australian outback. The narrative, centered around thwarting the nefarious Boss Cass, plays out in a series of Acts, each comprising three stages. These levels are expansive and open-ended, encouraging exploration because there are hidden collectibles to be found as well. This makes most of the stages in the game rather lengthy, which is a good thing as they’re generally well designed.
A standout feature is TY’s arsenal of boomerangs, which add an enjoyable mechanic to the gameplay. Whether freezing foes or triggering switches, the variety of boomerangs keeps the action dynamic. Each boomerang has distinct properties, and gradually acquiring new ones ensures the gameplay remains engaging. The combat mechanics, though, can feel slightly repetitive, particularly when dealing with standard enemies that don’t give you too much of a challenge. Still, there’s an element of challenge with some of the tougher foes, especially the remarkably accurate projectile-hurling adversaries.
Platforming is TY’s strongest suit. His agility, allowing him to climb ledges, bounce on trampolines, and even hover momentarily, provides a satisfying flow to the gameplay. The controls coud have been tighter though, as controlling TY can be a bit floaty. Some finicky hit detection and occasional slide-offs on platforms can add short moments of frustration, but despite this the platforming segments are diverse and enjoyable.
Boss battles, often a highlight in platformers, offer mixed results here. While each one brings a unique challenge, none of them stand out as particularly memorable or innovative. The final showdown against Boss Cass, set in a rotating chamber, even feels more frustrating than fun. Additionally, flying enemies and unexpected underwater threats contribute to the game’s difficulty, providing a mix of engaging and occasionally vexing moments.
Visually, TY the Tasmanian Tiger 4’s comic-book art style is a feast for the eyes, offering a vibrant and charming portrayal of the Australian outback. The enhanced graphics in this remaster, alongside extended cutscenes and new voiceovers, breathe new life into the game’s characters. But while the music complements the outback setting, it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
In conclusion, TY the Tasmanian Tiger 4: Bush Rescue Returns is a fun adventure, albeit one with some rough edges. Despite the shift from 3D to 2D, the game offers an engaging platforming experience, where the game’s strengths lie in its expansive levels, boomerang mechanics, and polished visuals. However, occasional frustrations with combat and platforming hold it back from ranking among the best in the genre. For fans of the series and platformer enthusiasts, TY’s return Down Under is still worth the adventure.
Score: 6.7/10
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