Kotenok is a new 2D platformer from developer NipoBox and retro specialist publisher EastAsiaSoft. It’s out now on PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, priced at $4.99. We’ve played through the first couple of hours of the Switch port to bring you our impressions of this pixel art platformer. We’re big fans of EastAsiaSoft‘s releases and recently played the publisher’s latest shooter, Söldner-X: Himmelsstürmer, which retro fans may also be interested in checking out.
You take control of a lost cat, who we assume is the titular character. The little feline must get through 50 levels of platforming to find a way home. At its heart, Kotenok is a simple platforming title that utilizes all the regular tropes, including jumping across pits, avoiding traps, and overcoming obstacles. You will also jump on enemies to squash them, push boxes around to gain access to higher areas, and use springs to bounce to places your standard jump can’t reach. There is also a great double jump mechanic that can be delayed to allow a super jump.
Kotenok isn’t trying to do anything new, but it’s a great love letter to the classic era of platform titles, especially with its colorful pixel art and chirpy chiptune soundtrack. The controls are very tight, and as you start to get towards the later levels, all your platforming know-how is put to the test. This is one of those titles that will take many tries to beat, as soon as you touch a spike or enemy, you’re sent right back to the start of the current level. Thankfully, none of the levels are particularly long and require you to string a few precision jumps and actions together.
Overall, we really enjoyed playing Kotenok; the pace never lets up, and there is some extra longevity to be found by trying to find all the collectibles, which are spread throughout some of the levels. Players looking for a quick game to play through, who also enjoy simple but fun platformers, will get lots of joy from this. Anyone looking for a deeper experience or something that will last longer than a weekend may wish to look elsewhere. What is here is well-made, easy to pick up, and enjoyable.
2D platformer fans may also wish to check out our impressions of The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit title due for release this month.
