There’s always a gamble when picking up a game aimed at younger audiences—wondering if it will transcend the typical “kids’ game” boundaries to captivate players of all ages. Classics like Super Mario, Spyro, and Crash Bandicoot have found this balance, creating worlds that invite a younger and older crowd. However, new releases often raise the question: can they deliver that “Pixar” appeal?
Happily, The Plucky Squire from All Possible Futures, published by Devolver Digital, achieves this elusive balance beautifully. With polished visuals and a unique gameplay experience, it stands out as one of the year’s best surprises. Blending charm, vibrant design, clever puzzles, and a whimsical narrative, The Plucky Squire is as accessible as it is delightful.
Jot This One Down
In The Plucky Squire, players embody Jot, the brave protagonist of a beloved children’s book. When Jot’s arch-nemesis, the sorcerer Humgrump, casts him out of the 2D world and into the 3D real world, Jot embarks on a journey to save his story. To restore his place in the book, he must navigate both dimensions, using a bit of magic, a sword and puzzle-solving smarts to complete his adventure.
The Plucky Squire’s storybook pages and the real-world setting—a young superfan’s bedroom—become a playground for the game’s dynamic, dimension-hopping mechanic. Far from a mere novelty, this mechanic is central to both gameplay and storytelling. It’s playful, though it never feels overly challenging. The generous hints guide players along, making it a frustration-free experience that can feel a bit elementary. It’s certainly more Stardew Valley than Dark Souls.
The puzzle design is also simple yet inventive. Jot can physically manipulate words on the pages of his story world to reshape the environment, for instance, swapping “forest” for “ruins” to clear a path or replacing “closed” with “open” to unlock doors. This mechanic, though straightforward, invites experimentation and keeps your eyes peeled for word combinations that lead to some more amusing outcomes.
Combat is simple, focusing on swordplay with responsive attacks that work well within the story. Though you may find yourself hacking down more trees for coins than actual enemies. While it may not offer complex mechanics, the combat complements the relaxed gameplay and its lighthearted vibe.
Mini-games are sprinkled throughout, including boxing and rhythm-based challenges that playfully experiment with art styles and lend themselves to the game’s sense of humour. The variety and humour keep the experience fresh and ground it in a childlike daydream with a commitment to the zany imagination of a kid’s book.
Look the Part
Visually, The Plucky Squire excels, earning full marks for its art style. The transition between storybook and 3D worlds is seamless, each as vibrant as the other. The 2D segments feel like stepping into a real living storybook, and the art design is something unique. Meanwhile, the 3D world transforms Jot into a fully realised adventurer, exploring a vibrant bedroom landscape filled with blocks, playing cards, toys, paints, and even pesky bugs to battle—scratching that nostalgic itch for anyone who fondly remembers games like Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes on the Nintendo 64.
Sam’s bedroom is also richly detailed, with Easter eggs and objects that will force you to want to explore. The landscape littered with everyday objects sells the game world and makes it feel lived in and real. It’s cohesive and as charming to explore as it is to look at.
Final Thoughts
The Plucky Squire offers a joyful experience with clever puzzles and a story that draws players in. While the game isn’t particularly challenging, its accessible approach aligns with its target audience, making it an easy and lighthearted adventure. For those who appreciate more demanding gameplay, the simplicity of The Plucky Squire may feel like it holds back. A bit more variety in combat and an uptick in the challenge could have added depth, making it an even richer experience.
Still, transitioning seamlessly between storybook illustrations and a richly detailed 3D world feels like a visual love letter to anyone who’s ever turned a cardboard box into an adventure. The world design is excellent, with Sam’s bedroom acting as a creative playground brimming with Easter eggs that are worth the price of admission alone.
Ultimately, The Plucky Squire succeeds as a charming, inventive take on the action-adventure genre, with its clever puzzles, fun but simple combat, and heartwarming narrative. It’s a game that leaves a lasting impression, proving that simplicity paired with a creative vision can be as rewarding as any adult-focused title. For anyone drawn in by the art style or intrigued by its unique premise, The Plucky Squire is a delightful adventure worth embarking on.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Fun storybook visuals and seamless 2D-to-3D transitions; Clever dimension-hopping mechanics; Dynamic environments with charming details and easter eggs
Lowlights: Combat lacks depth and variety; Overall puzzle difficulty is light
Developer: All Possible Features
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC
Available: Now
Review conducted on PC with a pre-release code provided by the publisher.
