In a kingdom made of pixels, a princess is born with the power to create objects from those blocks.  But the evil queen DeRezza wants that power, and kidnaps the princess and turns everyone into single squares.  Now it’s up to Pip to save the day!  Pip has always been a lowly red pixel, so he has nothing to lose.  But on this 2-D platforming adventure, Pip will gain the ability to change into 8- and 16-bit versions of himself, and use different skills to defeat enemies and overcome obstacles.  It’s made by ex-WayForward employees and has music by the same composer of Shovel Knight and Shantae, so you know it’s good.  Adventures of Pip is downloadable on PC and Wii U (Wii U version reviewed here).

While Adventures of Pip may look like your typical hop and bop platformer, it’s the unique gimmick that makes the game fun.  By defeating certain glowing enemies, Pip can change into 8- and 16-bit versions of himself, each with different skills and abilities.  Even as just a single red pixel, Pip can fit into small spaces, and he’s so light that he can glide down after a jump and ride on certain enemies.  8-bit Pip is more agile.  He can run fast, jump high, and even do wall jumps.  16-bit Pip is the heaviest and strongest.  Obstacles like wind and bouncy mushrooms won’t phase him, but he can push blocks, break rocks, and attack with a sword.  Each version of Pip is also affected differently by things such as water.  You can also de-evolve at any time by holding down the A button.  Doing so is the only way to break certain pink blocks, but luckily those glowing enemies that help you change back are found wherever you really need them.

Each level has plenty of hidden secrets and treasure.  In every stage are three pixel villagers for you to save, too.  You’ll want to rescue as many as you can, because some of them have shops back in town where you can purchase upgrades for Pip with the pixels you earn by defeating enemies and collecting treasures.  Some of these upgrades include more hearts for your health meter, or let you double the pixels you collect, among other things.

Easily the best part of this game is the play control.  It’s so solid and responsive, and I think it’s better than the controls in some Mario titles.  Although sometimes being knocked back so far after being hit in the air can be a pain.  Really the only other problems are very minor.  I would’ve liked to have seen more variety in the levels themselves, and the music doesn’t quite live up to the catchy tunes in Shovel Knight.  But this is still a very worthy download if you enjoy 2-D platformers, and it really reminds me of the 16-bit adventures I rented on the SNES back when I was a kid.

Kid Factor:

Adventures of Pip is rated E-10 with an ESRB descriptor of Fantasy Violence.  But all you do is stomp on enemies and swipe your sword at them, and they just explode into pixels when defeated.  And you do the same when you run out of energy.  So I’d be OK with any kid playing this.  Reading skill is helpful for the text, and younger players may need help with the tougher obstacles and levels.

Tags: Game Reviews