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 'Forza Horizon 5 Takes a Pit Stop on PS5'
Tanya Krane - 31 Jan 2025
In a move that's left gamers doing double-takes and Xbox loyalists clutching their controllers a little tighter, <strong>Forza Hor...
image for news article 'Astro Bot's Galactic Sweep at The Game Awards 2024'
Max Rathon - 13 Dec 2024
In a twist that left even the most cynical gamers doing a double-take, <em>Astro Bot</em> rocketed past the competition to snag th...
image for news article 'PlayStation's 30th Anniversary Events'
Hemal Harris - 06 Dec 2024
Greetings, fellow gamers and button-mashers! As we commemorate three decades of PlayStation, it's time to dust off those memory ca...
image for news article 'Xbox Year in Review 2024: A Hilarious Recap'
Tanya Krane - 06 Dec 2024
Greetings, esteemed gamers and joystick jesters! As 2024 takes its final bow, it's time to don our virtual party hats and revel in...
image for news article 'PS5 Pro: The Mega-Souped-Up Console That’ll Melt Your Brain (And Wallet)'
Hemal Harris - 10 Oct 2024
Alright, gamers. Ready for your wallet to cry? Say hello to the PS5 Pro, the next-gen beast that’s about to rock your gaming life ...
image for news article 'The Wacky History of Platform Games'
Chucky - 04 Oct 2024
Platform games - the genre that made us believe we could jump higher, run faster, and collect floating coins while avoiding spike ...
image for news article 'Xbox is turning 25!'
Gemma Looksby - 23 Sep 2024
So, Xbox and Halo are turning 25 soon, and Microsoft’s like, “Dude, we HAVE to party!”...
image for news article 'PS5 Disc Console vs. PS5 Digital Edition: Which One Should You Get?'
Jay Aborro - 20 Sep 2024
Compare the PS5 Disc Edition and PS5 Digital Edition, highlighting key differences such as price, physical media capability, and c...