Finding Frankie blends parkour with a terrifying game show premise, drawing players into a twisted competition of agility and survival. Published by Perp Games and developed by SUPERLOU, the game challenges players to compete in a series of intricate obstacle courses while avoiding deadly enemies. What begins as a seemingly lighthearted parkour contest takes a sinister turn as contestants, including the game’s mascot Frankie, reveal their darker sides. The combination of challenging gameplay and unsettling narrative elements creates a unique atmosphere that keeps players on edge throughout.
The game’s mechanics focus heavily on fluid parkour movement, requiring players to swing, jump, wall run, and slide across various environments. The parkour system is relatively solid, offering a satisfying sense of momentum and control as you navigate the levels. Players will find themselves swinging across bars, bouncing on trampolines, and even grinding rails – all of which contribute to a dynamic gameplay experience. The difficulty ramps up with each level, making the mechanics feel rewarding as you progress, but at times, the challenge can feel a bit punishing. While the core mechanics are fun, certain sections of the game seem to demand near-perfect precision, which may turn off those looking for a more casual or horror-centric experience.
In terms of visuals, Finding Frankie strikes a balance between vibrant and eerie, with environments that are at once colorful and unsettling. The game’s bright and cartoonish aesthetic contrasts sharply with the darker themes that unfold as the story progresses. The parkour areas are well-designed, with tight spaces like ventilation shafts and dark labyrinths that provide both a visual and gameplay challenge. While the visuals themselves are effective in conveying the game’s tone, there are moments where the art style feels somewhat repetitive, and the environments can blend together a little too easily, leading to occasional disorientation when moving around quickly.
Audio also plays a key role in establishing the atmosphere of Finding Frankie. The music helps to create a sense of urgency as you race through levels, but it is the sound effects – such as the creaking of metal and the ominous sounds of unseen threats – that really amplify the tension. The voice acting, including Deputy Duck’s quirky dialogue, adds some levity to the otherwise grim setting, offering a brief respite from the otherwise nerve-wracking experience. That said, while the audio design is effective, the soundtrack doesn’t always stand out, and there are times when the game could benefit from more varied soundscapes.
Control-wise, Finding Frankie does a good job of making parkour feel intuitive, though there are occasional moments where the controls can feel a bit unresponsive, particularly in high-pressure situations. While the game excels at creating fast-paced sequences of movement, the precision required for some of the more difficult sections can sometimes cause frustration. The reliance on quick reflexes, coupled with the occasional lack of fluidity in character control, might leave some players feeling more agitated than thrilled during some parts of the campaign.
Overall, Finding Frankie offers an enjoyable but tense parkour experience with a compelling blend of action and suspense. The game’s premise is unique, and the mechanics, while not without flaws, provide a solid foundation for navigating its increasingly complex obstacle courses. The creepy twist on a game show format injects a sense of unpredictability that keeps players engaged, although its difficulty spikes and somewhat repetitive environments can detract from the overall experience.
In conclusion, Finding Frankie is a thrilling but challenging ride that will appeal to parkour enthusiasts and those seeking a more unsettling twist on the genre. Its tense atmosphere, unique concept, and satisfying gameplay mechanics create a memorable, if at times frustrating, experience. Whether you’re leaping between platforms or narrowly avoiding enemies, the game promises a rollercoaster of a ride, but it might not be for everyone.
Score: 7.0/10
Press Play Media 