Launched as a surprise release earlier this month, Penny’s Big Breakaway is a vibrant 3D platformer developed by Evening Star and published by Private Division. In this retro-inspired adventure, players assume the role of Penny, a street performer with big dreams of becoming a star, accompanied by her lively yo-yo companion. As Penny navigates through a series of colorful worlds, she must outwit the villainous Emperor Eddie and his relentless penguin army while uncovering the mysteries of the Cosmic String. We played it on a PlayStation 5.
Penny’s Big Breakaway captures the essence of classic mascot platformers from the PS1-era while introducing fresh gameplay mechanics. The game’s premise sets the stage for a journey filled with fast-paced action and inventive and varied level design. Players will find themselves traversing through diverse environments, collecting items and completing tasks while evading the ever-lasting pursuit of Eddie’s penguin minions. The incorporation of a yo-yo as both a tool and a character adds depth to Penny’s movement, allowing for a wide range of acrobatic maneuvers and satisfying combos – adding to extra charm along the way.
However, mastering Penny’s skills comes with a learning curve, and some players may find themselves struggling with the controls for a bit. The game’s reliance on momentum-based mechanics requires precision and practice to master, leading to occasional frustration, especially in later stages when things become more challenging and/or frantic. Additionally, collision issues and sporadic bugs detract from the overall experience, disrupting the flow of gameplay and causing inconvenience for players.
Visually, Penny’s Big Breakaway clearly pays homage to the era of early 3D platformers with its colorful and stylized art direction. The aesthetic might look a bit dated as that early 3D look hasn’t aged well, but it will also evoke nostalgia for some players not looking for modern levels of polish. The game’s story, however, isn’t that memorable, despite the charm of the main characters, resulting in a somewhat forgettable narrative experience.
Despite its flaws, Penny’s Big Breakaway shines with its innovative yo-yo gameplay mechanics, cheerful presentation, and catchy soundtrack. The yo-yo mechanic provides a refreshing twist to traditional platforming, offering players a satisfying sense of mastery as they navigate through each level. And while the game’s journey may be hindered by occasional issues, its charm and inventive ideas make it a fun retro romp for fans of the genre.
Overall, Penny’s Big Breakaway is a flawed little gem that showcases the potential of its debut developer. With a tighter performance and some refinements, this imaginative platformer has the makings of a standout title in its genre and we’re looking forward to what’s next from this team.
Score: 7.4/10
Press Play Media 