Raccoo Venture, which was inspired by the early 3D platformers from the late 1990s, was developed by Diego Ras and is being published by QUByte Interactive. It’s available for most current systems including the PlayStation 5, and takes players on a quest with Raccoo the raccoon to recover stolen chess pieces and restore harmony to the land of Verta.
Verta is a world once plagued by chaos, then tamed by the “Guardians” through a powerful relic that maintained balance. However, the Tattooed Tatus, a mischievous group of creatures, have now seized the relic, which is threatening to undo all of that again. As the sole heir of the Guardians’ power, Raccoo must embark on an adventure to prevent chaos from engulfing Verta once again. The narrative, while fairly generic, serves as a suitable backdrop for the platforming escapades of Raccoo.
Diverging from the expansive sandbox levels you might associate with similar platformers, Raccoo Venture opts for more linear stages instead. This results in a more focused and streamlined experience, though there’s still room for a diverse range of collectibles, hidden costumes, and special outfits to find, adding a layer of customization and replay value. The platforming mechanics are generally solid, with responsive controls that make Raccoo’s movements enjoyable, despite some stiffness in jumping – but mostly compared to present-day platformers.
As you navigate through the vibrant landscapes in Raccoo Venture, you can make use of things like butt slamming and items you can throw around – all very familiar stuff that ties into the nostalgia factor. There are times where Raccoo can too easily fall off a ledge though, prompting you to be overly careful in these areas – which affects the flow of these areas.
Audiovisually, Raccoo Venture uses a playful and vibrant visual style that draws players into its world. The polygonal architecture looks relatively basic, but the bright and colorful environments still have a sense of charm to them. The soundtrack, although generally pleasant and thematic, could benefit from a bit more variation in certain tracks – sometimes feeling a tad repetitive. However, the audio does complement the game’s overall atmosphere, with some charming melodies in there.
In conclusion, Raccoo Venture is a solid entry in the retro-inspired 3D platforming genre, offering a nostalgic trip back in time. While it may not reach the heights of genre-defining classics, the game successfully captures the essence of the titles that inspired it. With its charming protagonist, varied collectibles, and well-designed levels, Raccoo Venture is a fun indie adventure for fans of 3D action platformers, providing an enjoyable journey through Verta with Raccoo.
Score: 7.1/10
Press Play Media 