Gamefings logoimg
Retro Game Review banner

Review of Kirikou on PlayStation

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Nov 2001
Cover image of Kirikou on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 7
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 09 Nov 2001
Genre: Platformer
Developer: Etranges Libellules
Publisher: Wanadoo Edition

Introduction

In the land of miniaturized heroes and larger-than-life villains, we meet Kirikou, a pint-sized protagonist whose heart is as big as his ambition. Based on the charming film 'Kirikou and the Sorceress', this PlayStation platformer packs adventure into a tiny frame. If you've ever wished that your game character could scale the heights of bravery despite looking like he could be easily squished by a pair of sandals, then buckle up, because Kirikou's journey is about to unfold.

Gameplay

Kirikou involves navigating through seven vibrantly designed levels filled with challenges, bad guys, and, you guessed it, lots and lots of water drops! Who knew collecting drops of water could be so exhilarating? Just when you think you've soaked too much, you've got to sidestep devastating fetishes (and no, this isn't the kind your uncle talks about at Thanksgiving!). Kirikou is tasked with confronting the ultimate villain: Karaba, the evil sorceress who has turned the men of his village into these peculiar fetishes. Dare we say, talk about gender roles in a video game! As the gameplay progresses, players will be rewarded for their efforts with clever power-ups and the chance to explore vibrant worlds that are as colorful as a piñata explosion in a candy factory. The levels are designed to be accessible yet challenging enough to keep you hooked, even if sometimes you might feel like you're on an endless treadmill of collecting those sweet, sweet drops. With a simplistic control scheme that youngsters (and slightly less nimble adults) can easily grasp, Kirikou invites players of all ages to hop, skip, and jump their way through enchanting landscapes filled with quirky characters.

Graphics

Visually, Kirikou is a delightful children's book brought to life. With a vibrant color palette straight out of a box of crayons, the graphics help capture the whimsical essence of the original film. Each level feels like a new page in a story filled with rich African culture, with art and character designs that evoke joyous nostalgia. Your character may be tiny, but the environments are grand, dynamic, and artistically enriching. Don't go expecting 4K realism, but there's a certain charm in the cartoonish visuals that remind you we're playing a game, not staring at a multi-million dollar movie set. Let's be honest, who wouldn't want to adventure through a world where everything looks like it was handcrafted by an artsy grandma?

Conclusion

Kirikou might not have the blockbuster appeal of some larger titles, but what it lacks in size and flash, it makes up for with heart, charm, and a cheeky soundtrack that gives you an 'I can save the world' vibe. It's a spirited journey that beautifully encapsulates themes of bravery, defiance against evil, and the sweetness of community. Whether you're a nostalgic gamer seeking a pretty trip down memory lane or a newcomer looking for a family-friendly romp, Kirikou's small stature and larger-than-life adventures are enough to warm the cockles of your heart. So pinpoint your quest against Karaba and grab your virtual cape (or towel, you know, whatever floats your boat) - it's time to be heroic, one drop at a time! 7 out of 10, because why should only big heroes get all the fun?

See Prices for Kirikou on PlayStation on Ebay

See Latest Prices for Kirikou on PlayStation on Amazon

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Sophie Turner Is Lara Croft — How Tomb Raider's Brutal Skill Ceiling Will Shape Amazon's TV Take'
Hemal Harris - 04 Sep 2025
Sophie Turner will play Lara Croft in Amazon's Tomb Raider series. Here's how the show can capture the games' brutal challenge loo...
image for news article 'Gamescom 2025: From Hornet's Revenge to Gunfights in the Future — The Biggest Reveals, Ranked by Hype (and Probability of Screaming)'
Gemma Looksby - 27 Aug 2025
Gamescom 2025 unleashed release dates, surprises, and enough nostalgia to power a retro arcade. Hollow Knight: Silksong finally la...
image for news article 'From Sidekick to Symptom: An In-Depth Look at How Game Characters Grow (and Break) Over Time'
Tanya Krane - 22 Aug 2025
A witty, in-depth analysis of how video game characters evolve - from antiheroes and companions to tragic villains - and how gamep...
image for news article 'Helldivers 2: The Ultimate Skill Test — How to Survive When Friendly Fire Is A Feature'
Hemal Harris - 22 Aug 2025
Helldivers 2 turns cooperative shooters into a terrifying teamwork exam. From friendly-fire fiascos to stratagem juggling and glob...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus August Drop: Mortal Kombat 1, Spider-Man, Sword of the Sea and Two Resident Evils — Sony’s Buffet of Beatdowns and Beachside Introspection'
Chucky - 22 Aug 2025
Sony's August PlayStation Plus drop mixes Mortal Kombat 1 and Marvel's Spider-Man with day-one indie Sword of the Sea, EDF6 co-op ...
image for news article 'Tariff Drama and Console Character Arcs: How the PS5 Price Hike Recasts PlayStation's Story'
Tanya Krane - 21 Aug 2025
Sony just raised PS5 prices in the US - but this is more than a number. We break down the cast, the catalyst (hello, tariffs), and...
image for news article 'The Nintendo Switch 2: An Overhyped Second Date That Actually Went Well'
Chucky - 14 Jun 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and it's selling like hotcakes! Here's what you need to know about this slightly improved se...