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Review of Save Me Mr Tako on Nintendo Switch

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo May 2021
Cover image of Save Me Mr Tako on Switch
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 05 May 2021
Genre: Platform, Action role-playing
Developer: Deneos Games
Publisher: Nicalis, Deneos Games, Limited Run Games

Introduction

Grab your sunblock, folks, because we're diving into the ink-stained depths of 'Save Me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San.' In a world where octopuses not only exist but also engage in grand narratives of love, war, and redemption, players are treated to an experience that may well be the most bizarre yet endearingly charming platformer since Yoshi decided to eat everything suspiciously. But let's not get too ahead of ourselves; there's a deep sea of plot and character arcs waiting to be explored.

Gameplay

Gameplay in 'Save Me Mr Tako' embraces the side-scrolling action platformer style that's both pleasing and nostalgic, reminiscent of those pixelated gems of the Game Boy era. As players take control of Tako, our adorable octopus hero, they navigate through various levels aimed at saving the day, which inevitably involves plenty of jumping and shooting ink projectiles that, let's be honest, are less lethal and more like a playful squirt gun at a birthday party. The game shines with its penchant for exploration. Players can collect over fifty hats-yes, hats!-that grant special abilities. You know you've hit peak originality when a hat can save your life more than your mother ever could. Skimming through levels with a combination of jumps, grapples, and hat switching is where the thrill lies. Now, here's where it gets interesting: the overworld map serves as a portal to different levels. It's akin to a mini vacation planner where the only thing you'll be planning is how to avoid a Sudden Octopus Death Experience (SODE), which is a key theme as it can drastically change the tide of gameplay. Try not to scream when you accidentally trigger a restart-been there, done that, and it still haunts my aquatic dreams.

Graphics

Allow me to set the mood: pixel art that feels like a warm hug from your favorite childhood game. The visuals in 'Save Me Mr Tako' are delightful! It's like a splash of watercolor paint at an art class where everyone forgot to stay within the lines but ended up creating something beautiful anyway. The octopus characters are whimsically designed, and the backgrounds feature a colorful array of settings that make exploring somehow deeply rewarding while simultaneously staving off any existential dread about being a squid... or is it octopus? Let's not get into that. Even the simple animations embody a charm that can only be described as 'endearing chaos,' and it's an absolute joy to watch Tako drift and dash through each scene. I mean, who wouldn't want to see a stylish octopus sporting hats while fighting off enemies? It's not breakfast; it's an art form.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'Save Me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San' is a delightful journey through a quirky underwater world filled with odd characters, gripping narratives about love and conflict, and yes, an inordinate number of hats. It presents a platforming experience that balances nostalgia with original charm-a delightful fishy treat in a sea of intriguing possibilities. Though the gameplay mechanics might not break any new ground and could perhaps use a touch more diversity to keep every level feeling fresh, the heartfelt storytelling combined with stunning pixel art creates an experience worth diving into. Octopuses may not be everyone's cup of tea, but they sure are a lot of fun to play with when they're flinging ink and saving the day. So, if you ever find yourself wondering how far you can stretch your tentacles, or simply want to come face to face with a narrative that merges action with intricate emotional layers, then 'Save Me Mr Tako' is your ticket. Just beware of the ink stains on your summer frock.

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