Pikuniku Review

Pikuniku is a 2D puzzle platformer full of charming characters, and to tell you more would only spoil your enjoyment of this title. Go find the trailer and check that out, and you’ll have all of the information that you need. Which isn’t much - and that’s for the best.

You’re still here? Fine, I’ll tell you more about the game, then… But I’m warning you, it’s charming as all get out on its own merits.

Waking up in a cave, the ghost (yes “the” ghost, just roll with it) tells you to go out - so you do. You find a world of happiness, where people are given free money! It rains from the sky every so often - actually, that’s incorrect, it’s thrown from the sky by robots. Once they’ve taken simple rubbish (crops, trees, what have you) under the orders of Mr Sunshine, of course.

Spoilers: there's a difficult rhythm mini-game

Although it is styled like a crazy Japanese game (it does have a Locoroco-esque charm), Pikuniku was actually made by Europeans. So don’t give me any of that “I don’t like crazy Japanese games” rubbish.

Pikuniku’s controls are very simple, with a button to curl into a ball (to move faster or through tight spaces), one to jump and one to kick/use certain things. The shoulder buttons let you switch your mask and use certain items, if you have them. You can also swing on hooks placed around the world, and zoom along zip wires. If playing on the Switch, there is also one small section that allows you to use the touch screen.

Simple but effective graphics

As well as exploring the world (made up of a handful of levels which you can freely move between), and solving puzzles, there is a co-op mode. It’s 11 levels full of the same kinds of puzzles you get in the main game, and I had loads of fun playing them with my kids.

At just over a tenner, Pikuniku is a fantastic game. I’ve had a ton of fun with it, and only had a few minor issues. For instance, at one point the frame rate began to stutter for seemingly no reason. It’s not a super long game, but the co-op does help lengthen how long you’re going to keep coming back. The graphics are bright and fun, the script is hilarious, and for those who like them there’s a bunch of secrets and collectible masks.