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    Gimmick! 2 Review – A Retro-Rooted & Bubbly Rebirth

    A fresh platformer filled with nostalgia, challenge, and fun.

    Gimmick! 2 is a new platformer game released on September 5, 2024, for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, developed by Bitwave Games. It is a sequel to the 1992 NES classic called Gimmick! The game is a homage to retro platformers, capturing the nostalgia of the original while introducing fine and modern refinements with popping and colorful visuals alongside an incredible soundtrack by one of the genre’s veterans, David Wise, famous for his legendary work on Donkey Kong Country.

    Reviewing History!

    The original game was developed by Sunsoft and released for the NES/Famicom in 1992. It was a 2D platformer that stood out for its innovative physics-based gameplay, challenging difficulty, and great soundtrack. The main mechanic involved the protagonist, Yumetaro, in creating and throwing a star, which could be used both as a weapon and as a platform to reach higher areas, requiring precision and skill. Still, the game was known for its difficulty, with hard enemies, tricky level designs, and the precision needed to proceed.

    Mr. Gimmick (NES)
    Mr. Gimmick (NES)
    The soundtrack, composed by Masashi Kageyama, was considered one of the best in its generation – it used the Sunsoft 5B sound chip, which allowed for enhanced audio capabilities. This chip was used in some late-era Famicom games. It was an adaptation of the Yamaha YM2149, which itself was a variant of the AY-3-8910, a popular sound chip used in many arcades and home computer systems in the 1980s. The chip added three extra sound channels to the console’s existing five, allowing for richer and more complex music compositions than what was typically possible on the NES. This gave Gimmick a distinctive audio advantage, with a fuller, more layered sound to its music.
     

     

    Over the years, the title gained a reputation as one of the best hidden gems of the NES library, considering its release context and mechanics. Despite its quality, at the time, it was only released in Japan and Scandinavia, leading it to become a cult classic for some.
     
    Gimmick! 2
    Gimmick! 2
    The story presents a straightforward narrative that continues from where the original left off. The protagonist, Yumetaro, is a green yokai doll that has been passed down from its original owner to her daughter as she grows up. The tranquil setting quickly shifts into an adventurous quest when the new owner is kidnapped by a mysterious figure, prompting our green hero to embark on a daring rescue mission.

    What Makes Gimmick Special

    Gimmick! 2 is a return to the core concepts of its predecessor. Yumetaro can create a star to defeat enemies and solve more complex, brain-teasing puzzles. The star itself is central to the game, requiring precise timing, strategy, and even planning in some of the more challenging puzzles. Despite its cute and casual nature, some of these puzzles took me quite a bit of time to figure out, but they kept me engaged and intrigued.
     
    The star has impressive physics. When you throw it, the star may slide or bounce depending on your position, speed, and whether you jump. All of this adds depth to Yumetaro’s movement, and it becomes even more challenging when there are persistent enemies on the field—enemies that will do everything in their power to attack you or push you into a pit. Mastering the star’s throwing mechanics, Yumetaro’s movements, and dodging enemies in tough situations are all crucial for progressing through the game.
     
    Puzzle scenario in Gimmick! 2
    Puzzle scenario in Gimmick! 2

    The game is divided into six worlds, each vibrant and unique, with around four large checkpoints per world. This structure creates distinct zones that players can freely explore, traveling back and forth as needed. Every world boasts its own environmental theme, ranging from lush forests to fiery volcanoes and icy mountains, each offering different challenges that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.

     
    These diverse settings are not just for aesthetic appeal; they directly impact gameplay. For instance, in the pirate-themed world, players must navigate boats overrun with water and avoid deadly urchins, with the flow of water presenting its own set of challenges. Similarly, icy areas might affect movement, while volcanic levels could introduce hazards like lava flows, requiring players to adapt their strategies accordingly.
     
    Exploration is encouraged, as players are motivated to uncover hidden paths and secret areas in each world, all within a 2D perspective. The game promotes backtracking and revisiting areas, enhancing the experience by allowing players to find collectibles and secrets they may have missed on their first pass. The ability to return to any point in the game makes the hunt for these hidden items all the more rewarding, adding depth and replayability to the adventure.

    The Beauty in Simplicity

    Checkpoint in Gimmick! 2

    The game shines with its bubbly and colorful visuals that capture the energy of classic 2D games. The game’s art style is vibrant and full of life, with each world bursting with bright colors and charming details that bring the environment to life. The parallax scrolling used in the backgrounds is particularly gorgeous, adding depth and a dynamic feel to each level as you move through the game. It feels truly modern. The combination of modern high-resolution graphics with the energetic spirit of retro games creates a nostalgic and fresh experience, appealing to fans of the original and the younger generation of new players.
     
    The character design brings a fresh yet familiar look to the beloved protagonist, Yumetaro. Rendered with more detail and expression than ever before, he remains with his charm that fans of the original title will recognize while benefiting from the enhanced visual fidelity of modern graphics. The enemies and other characters in the game have also been thoughtfully redesigned, staying true to their original forms but now presented with more vibrant colors, sharper lines, and modern aspects. This attention to detail helps to create a visually cohesive world where everything contributes to the game’s lively and engaging atmosphere.
     
    The soundtrack is composed by the legendary David Wise, a standout feature that perfectly complements the game’s visuals and gameplay. Known for his work in the Donkey Kong Country series, you can clearly see great hints at that. Wise brings his expertise with a mix of new compositions and remixes that blend with the game’s aesthetic. The music is both fresh and atmospheric, and it captures the energetic and adventurous spirit of the game while enhancing the atmosphere of each unique world. 
     
    Gimmick! 2 is indeed a triumph of blending nostalgic elements with modern design. It creates an experience that’s both familiar and fresh. The vibrant, bubbly visuals and detailed environments bring the world of Yumetaro to life, honoring its predecessor and preparing a bright future. At the same time it feels cozy and heartwarming, its ridiculous challenges make it an addictive and frenetic experience.
     
    Disclaimer: Clear River Games & Sunsoft provided Final Weapon with a Nintendo Switch copy of Gimmick! 2 for review purposes.

    SUMMARY

    Gimmick! 2 is a love letter to the original game, with all sorts of fun challenges and levels to complete across six worlds. The game does a wonderful job of juggling the appeal to both long-time fans and new players. Additionally, the soundtrack from David Wise is spectacular, capturing the adventurous spirit of the game. Overall, Gimmick! 2 is a great sequel that more than rises to the challenge.
    Matheus Nascimento
    Matheus Nascimentohttps://cybercafe.blog.br/
    Matheus Nascimento, also known as Tanjou or the Herald of Caffeine, is a Brazilian Games Industry Analyst and Engineer with years of international experience. Passionate about everything Japanese - Games, Anime, Music, Food and even Kendo. 日本語が話せます!

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    Gimmick! 2 is a love letter to the original game, with all sorts of fun challenges and levels to complete across six worlds. The game does a wonderful job of juggling the appeal to both long-time fans and new players. Additionally, the soundtrack from David Wise is spectacular, capturing the adventurous spirit of the game. Overall, Gimmick! 2 is a great sequel that more than rises to the challenge.Gimmick! 2 Review - A Retro-Rooted & Bubbly Rebirth