We’re wrapping up 2024 with a look at three indie games that were recently released – here are Leif’s Adventure: Netherworld Hero, Jetpack Kiwi and Smoots Summer Games II.
Leif’s Adventure: Netherworld Hero review (PS5)
Leif’s Adventure: Netherworld Hero is a 2D action-adventure that combines platforming, exploration, and combat with a unique two-character dynamic. It’s a title that we’ve been following ever since our interview with the developer way back in 2020, and it’s finally out for all major platforms. At its heart, the game emphasizes teamwork, as players alternate between Leif, a young and determined fighter, and Ghost, a spectral companion with supernatural abilities. This dynamic adds depth to the gameplay, whether playing solo or with a friend in local co-op. The synergy between Leif’s physical combat prowess and Ghost’s abilities in exploration and puzzles creates a compelling framework.
The game’s hand-drawn art style, inspired by Nordic folklore, is a standout, lending a unique charm to the six diverse realms players will explore during the campaign. Hidden treasures, side quests, and secret bosses reward exploration, though the abundance of these distractions can occasionally pull focus from the main storyline. While exploration is a high point, combat is less refined, with somewhat clunky mechanics and a lack of impact that sometimes undermines the otherwise engaging experience. Weapon variety, including elemental enhancements you can apply, offers some compensation, though the durability system can feel limiting.
Unfortunately, technical flaws, such as a jittery camera during platforming sequences, can detract from the experience. These issues, while not game-breaking, highlight a small degree of missing polish compared to similar titles in the genre, and we’re hoping this gets fixed post-launch. On the audio front, the soundtrack and sound effects enhance the Nordic-inspired atmosphere, though they rarely stand out as particularly memorable.
Leif’s Adventure: Netherworld Hero is an ambitious indie effort with plenty of charm, especially for those who value exploration and creative visuals. While areas like combat fluidity and technical polish need work, it still offers an enjoyable journey for fans of 2D action-adventures, particularly in its cooperative mode.
Jetpack Kiwi review (PS5)
Jetpack Kiwi offers a quirky premise by putting a jetpack-equipped kiwi bird at the forefront of humanity’s resistance against alien invaders. Spanning 20 levels across five distinct areas, the game’s setup promises a lighthearted and action-packed experience, but its execution falls short of delivering on this promise.
The gameplay revolves around classic side-scrolling shooting, with the ability to unlock special attacks and collect power-ups as you progress. One positive aspect is the inclusion of stackable power-ups, allowing players to combine weapons like lasers and missiles, which adds a bit of variety to the action. However, the core gameplay feels sluggish, with slow-paced combat and sparse enemy encounters that lack the intensity expected from an arcade-style shooter. Even boss battles, which should serve as climactic moments, feel underwhelming and fail to provide much excitement.
While the controls are responsive enough, the movement and shooting mechanics don’t bring any innovative twists to the genre. This simplicity might appeal to more casual players but leaves little to satisfy those seeking a challenge or engaging mechanics, while Jetpack Kiwi’s visuals employ a colorful, retro-inspired style that fits its arcade roots but don’t elevate the experience. The environments and character designs are charming in concept but repetitive in execution. The audio, similarly, delivers a serviceable soundtrack and sound effects but lacks the kind of energy that could enhance the action.
While Jetpack Kiwi offers co-op gameplay and a range of unlockable content, these features don’t compensate for the overall lack of excitement. The game struggles to stand out in a crowded genre filled with both classic and modern alternatives that outshine it in almost every aspect. For those seeking a light, budget-friendly diversion, it may hold some appeal, but its bland execution makes it hard to recommend more broadly.
Smoots Summer Games II review (PS5)
The somewhat oddly-timed Smoots Summer Games II continues the long-running legacy of multi-event sports games, combining a cartoonish aesthetic with a wide range of events that aim to deliver fun for all ages. Its premise is straightforward, allowing players to compete in familiar athletic disciplines like sprinting and javelin throwing, alongside newer additions such as cycling, canoeing, and equestrian jumping. With up to four-player local multiplayer and several modes, the game positions itself as a family-friendly party experience.
At first glance, the game impresses with its colorful graphics and accessible gameplay in classic events like the 100m dash. These moments can evoke nostalgia for fans of older Olympic-style games, offering simple controls and approachable mechanics. However, this initial charm quickly gives way to frustration, as some events suffer from unclear instructions or poorly implemented mechanics, making them unnecessarily difficult or inconsistent. This variability means that while certain events are enjoyable, others feel like you’d rather skip them.
Visually, Smoots Summer Games II leans into its (almost Nintendo-like) cartoon style, which gives the game a playful and inviting tone. However, the presentation alone isn’t enough to compensate for the uneven quality of its gameplay. The audio, consisting of upbeat but forgettable tracks, does little to enhance the experience, often fading into the background without adding much personality.
Ultimately, while Smoots Summer Games II has its moments and could serve as lighthearted entertainment for a casual multiplayer session, its inconsistent quality and frustrating mechanics make it hard to recommend as a whole. For fans of the genre, it may scratch a nostalgic itch, but for others, the experience is likely to fall flat when you consider there are games like Sega’s Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – The Official Video Game out there.
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