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Review of Hugo: The Quest for the Sunstones on PlayStation

by Max Rathon Max Rathon photo Mar 2000
Cover image of Hugo: The Quest for the Sunstones on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 6.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 11 Mar 2000
Genre: Platform Game
Developer: ITE Media
Publisher: ITE Media

Introduction

Welcome to the world of Hugo! Yes, that cheeky troll who made his debut in Danish children's television, and now gets to star in his very own 3D platform adventure. "Hugo: The Quest for the Sunstones" is a whimsical escapade filled with danger, treasure, and a fight to save the Kikurians from the clutches of an evil witch. Strap on your nostalgia goggles as we dive into this PlayStation classic—minus the mind-numbing graphics and gameplay glitches, of course!

Gameplay

"Hugo: The Quest for the Sunstones" takes players on a rollercoaster ride of vibrant levels, each requiring nimble fingers and quick thinking to collect enough sunstones while dodging the witch's insidious traps. The game is split into several unique environments—an Inca pyramid, a snow-capped mountain cave, and a pirate grotto—where you assume the role of Hugo, the heroic troll who is as fast as he is determined. The controls are fairly straightforward, but the game isn't afraid to throw some curveballs at you—like sliding sections in first-person view that had me feeling like a blindfolded toddler on a sugar rush. Overall, if you can get past some occasional clunkiness that comes with a 3D platformer of this era, you're in for a treat. The jumping mechanics will require your full attention lest you find yourself tumbling off ledges more often than you’d care to admit. Pro tip: keep an eye out for those diamonds that double as your collectible apples—they're crucial for powering up and progressing!

Graphics

Now, let's talk about the visuals. Released in 2000, the graphics are serviceable, but if you're expecting cut-scene quality akin to something you'd find in a modern title, brace yourself for a major downgrade. 3D graphics back then were a bit like a toddler’s finger painting; bursts of color that make you wonder whether it's art or an unintentional abstract mess. The colorful backdrops of Hugo's adventure are charming enough to evoke a smile, though navigating through them can feel like navigating through a three-dimensional maze built by a gifted five-year-old. Textures lack detail, often looking a bit pixelated, but let’s not forget that this was the dawn of 3D gaming—so it's got some nostalgia points stacked up. When it comes to character design, Hugo and his enemies possess a certain charm that brightens things up, somehow managing to pull off a combination of adorableness with a hint of mischief.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Hugo: The Quest for the Sunstones" is a delightful romp through a world filled with quirky characters and engaging (if occasionally frustrating) platforming challenges. It’s not perfect by any means—players will feel the rough edges, and the camera can be a bit uncooperative—but the game delivers enough joy and excitement to snag a decent score from me. So whether you’re a cynical gamer, a nostalgic 90s kid, or just someone who loves a good quest, you might want to consider giving this a go (and keep your expectations in check). Given its low barrier to entry, it can serve as a charming time capsule into yesteryears of gaming, and who knows, you might just find yourself sipping on that pixelated nostalgia like a cup of lukewarm cocoa on a rainy day.

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