Ufouria: The Saga 2 Evaluation (PS5)

There’s one thing particular to a retro gamer in regards to the resurrection of a cult traditional, because it both provides a hidden gem a brand new lease of life, or it introduces players to a collection they’ve by no means heard of earlier than. Sunsoft has capitalised on this concept, as Tasto Alpha has developed the one participant platform sport, Ufouria: The Saga 2, which manages to mix being part-remake and part-sequel of an underappreciated NES sport referred to as Ufouria: The Saga — launched as Hebereke on the Famicom in 1991.

As a quadruple U-four-ia crew, you throw Popoons to environmentally clear soiled Bumyons, which evil spaceman Utsujin has littered throughout the planet. The important thing action-adventure gameplay mechanic is to swap between 4 companions: major character Mr. Hebe alternates abilities between O-Chan, who can swim on the floor of water, Sukezaemon, who floats throughout longer jumps, and Jennifer, who sinks into deeper swimming pools to search out underwater caves.

In an analogous method to Surprise Boy III: The Dragon’s Lure — as a light-weight introduction to Metroidvania tropes — you discover a map to search out historically organized levels, which randomly alter as you backtrack, and ranges department out from an interconnecting World Atlas. For instance, early on you observe unreachable platforms, which Hebe can return to later with a Suction Cup capability to climb adjoining partitions.

The illustrated picturebook graphics are lovely, even when the materials and feltwork aren’t as intricate as Yoshi’s Woolly World. The iron bead results are a artistic method of displaying dialogue, and areas like Shady Forest’s burnt umber autumnal colors are placing. Naoki Kodaka’s remade NES music consists of standouts like Horizon Tree’s carousel tune and Inky Caves’ Egyptian sounds, however Hebe’s Home’s major theme turns into repetitive and will grate on the ears.

Youthful players would possibly forgive an underneath four-hour major sport and a non-existent issue curve, however sadly, the duties needed for a Platinum solely shallowly prolong the sport’s size. Even a Merchandising Machine buy of a CRT tv to make enemies extra highly effective did not noticeably improve the mild issue. Timing every Butt Bounce is enjoyable, however boss encounters are overly easy, plus accumulating Utsu-cans and 4 rocket ship elements looks like busy work.

Different additions solely superficially prolong longevity, together with a bookcase assortment of your progress, and aesthetically upgrading Hebe’s Home, though Hidden Artwork scrolls give every of the 4 characters individualised particular strikes. Finally, Ufouria: The Saga 2 supplies no purpose to return as compelling as looking for hidden background bubbles to free residents in Klonoa: Door to Phantomile.