Gameplay:

The game played effortlessly; I never felt like it was a struggle to learn a mechanic or that a single mechanic was out of place. The controls are quite simple; B for attacking, A for item use, X for changing items, the Left Joystick for movement, and the Right bumper for interacting with the environment. Each level runs similarly: begin the level by heading left or right, try to survive some adorable baddies, make sure to find the collectables along the way, and finally get to the end and collect that sweet plot device of a Ruby! I found the repetition could be a bit underwhelming at times, but it was still enjoyable overall. The character controls the boy, using his trusty sword for a flurry of attacks. It is a sort of button mashing experience, but I felt it worked well. The only flaw I found in the gameplay was that the “Dodge” mechanic was a bit hard to learn and employ. Some of the larger baddies would give the option to dodge (showing an arrow overhead to alert the player), as long as the player times their movements correctly. I found it was hard to do so, but I really cannot be sure whether this is due to user error or a design flaw.

Where the complexity lies in the gameplay is in one’s ability to choose different power ups each time the player levels up the boy’s experience. I personally loved the ability to choose my power ups in each level. With each level, the player is given the choice to choose one of three cards, each having a new skill or perk listed on it. It was a great way to approach perks. I found that I chose perks based on my own play style, versus what may have been the most powerful of the choices. It really made me feel like I could control the outcome of my character’s development.

Sparkles the Giraffe and Mr. Rock the… well, rock… are your two greatest assets throughout their adventure. Mr. Rock is a very basic companion, but one you just cannot live without. He flies around the screen, bashing enemies, activating switches, and even gathering you some sweet loot! Aw, thanks Mr. Rock! Sparkles, on the other hand - hoof? - is a magical giraffe that rides along in the boy’s backpack during levels (don’t ask me how), while allowing the boy to glide over obstacles using Sparkles helicopter tongue, extending his neck to reach far places, turning himself into a motor for underwater propulsion and more! He’s a boy’s best friend.