Corn Kidz 64 Review

3D platformers, those things which the gaming industry has forgotten, having grown adults coming for the next nostalgic fix. Not to mention that they’ve been facing for many year of dormancy. Unless your name is Mario and Sonic which only can go higher or even lower in the cultural respect. But this brings us to the indie 3D platformer renaissance; since the debut of Yooka-Laylee, A Hat in Time and many others, the floodgates have been completely broken wide open. Akin to how 2D pixel art games dominated the 2010’s, nostalgia for mascot platformers of the 3D era was a natural progression towards this change. Thus, we got something like Corn Kidz 64 judging by title, inspired by the N64 platformers of the era.

I have to admit, I actually wasn’t a fan of Nintendo 64, let alone its massive platformer catalogue. I was more of the PlayStation person growing up, but looking at the aesthetic of the game there was a thought of giving it a fair chance. So let’s really see how it holds up not only compared its contemporaries of yesteryear and on its own merits.

Background/Synopsis

The premise of the game is pretty simple as far as 3D platformer, you’re the goat protagonist who’s daydreaming about eating nachos, getting transporting to an dream world. Finding themselves trapped and finding their way through this hellscape. It's basically the games' excuse to justify its level design which I'm fine with. 3D Platformers aren't known for any groundbreaking stories, rather than it's gameplay anyway. If you don't mind the dialogue of course.

Gameplay

Corn Kidz 64 is pretty much full of platforming goodness which seems to somehow enhances what goes beyond the inspirations of era in a the way, while we do have the basics jumps, ground pounds and tightrope jumping/parkour. The meat and potatoes of the game which is essentially to collect items such as cogs and cubes which serves progression for the different eras that your access throughout the game.

The Cubes, which are your standard collectables will be used to level up a gauge that depending on the door according to your certain level. You can unlock and the corks which I’ve used to access special doors to obtain more of this obstacle course. Yes you read that correctly. This game is no slouch when it comes to testing your Platforming skills with the versatile moveset being easy to pick but difficult the master.

Yeah, Cornkidz 64 was really made with veterans of the genre platforming genre in mind and it’s very much welcomed since a lot of these games being made primarily for younger demographics would tend to be on the easier side of things.

Pure Platforming Bliss

The good side of the game while controls would seem heavy and very tough to get a grip with at first, it’s almost actually to its benefit as you can do so much with its mechanics which feels almost not one ability feels wasted or situational.

The obstacle courses which the game pulls at you through even to collect special bottle caps feels more rewarding than it should. Normally, collecting everything in the game can be a bit of a chore and sometimes feel like the developers are forcing padding but in this game it doesn’t really feel like that. Everything feels rewarding and most things are optional. Not to mention, it feels like puzzle in itself to how to get to certain area. A lot of attention to detail was put in and I can’t help to appreciate it.

An Retrospective Homage to the 5th Console Generation

The visuals were clearly inspiration by the Nintendo 64 games and the fifth generation of console mascot platformers. As mentioned before as someone who didn’t have really much fondness of those inspirations, I feel like it ultimately doesn’t matter as the game is really that good and has a good use of its colour palette. It helps the game stick out and when compared to other indie titles, it really gives a distinct visual identity. Do I recommend this game? Absolutely, if you’re looking for a good 3D platformer fix, I give it a try. It’s on the cheaper side so you won’t be breaking your bank or anything. Corn Kidz 64 is worth a shot if you want a witty throwback and challenging platformer experience.