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Review of Penny's Big Breakaway on Xbox Series X/S

by Jay Aborro Jay Aborro photo Feb 2024
Cover image of Penny's Big Breakaway on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 8
Released: 21 Feb 2024
Genre: 3D Platformer
Developer: Evening Star
Publisher: Private Division

Introduction

In the era where nostalgia often collides with innovation, Penny's Big Breakaway arrives like that one friend who shows up late to the party but somehow manages to steal the show. Brought to us by the developers of Sonic Mania, this spirited 3D platformer promises vibrant visuals, high-speed hijinks, and a cosmic yo-yo that could probably change the fate of the universe if only it could find its way out of the kitchen drawer. Let's dive into Penny's colorful world and explore whether this big breakaway will leave you shouting 'Yippee!' or 'What were they thinking?'

Gameplay

Picture it: you're Penny, a street performer with dreams as big as your yo-yo's cosmic potential. Your mission? To outmaneuver a relentless army of penguins led by none other than the dastardly Emperor Eddie-who, coincidentally, sounds like he would have a killer podcast on modern art theories. The game boasts a chain mechanic that allows players to combine speed, attacks, and aerial tricks using your vivacious yo-yo, which utterly defies the laws of physics. Forget the age-old rule of 'don't play with your food'-here, the yo-yo is as much a weapon as it is a nostalgia trigger. The 3D platforming segments are split across multiple levels adorned with bright colors reminiscent of a toddler's fever dream. You'd be navigating this whimsy while collecting giant coins, taking on NPC side-quests filled with 'dilemmas'-which is just a fancy way of saying, 'Hey, go do this for me because I'm too lazy to do it myself.' Gameplay elements like busking at the end of each level add a delightful combo of performance art and good old-fashioned coin collection, which makes you wonder: why isn't every day a yo-yo day? Each stage significantly leans on momentum and speed, so faster players can build higher scores that contribute towards unlocking sweet power-ups-we all love upgrades, don't we?

Graphics

The graphics are undoubtedly a feast for the eyes. Forget dark grungy environments where dampness is practically a character itself; Penny's Big Breakaway serves up eye-popping colors and delightful character designs that make you feel like you're wandering through a candy-coated carnival. Each world feels distinct and vibrant, encapsulating a blend of whimsical charm reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons and points for effort in avoiding realism-because who really wants to see the gritty side of a cosmic yo-yo adventure?

Conclusion

Penny's Big Breakaway successfully captures the essence of modern platforming while throwing in a vibrant color palette, engaging gameplay, and the unique charm of a cosmic yo-yo to nail home the experience. The game may have a few quirks in its camera mechanics and the stealth aspect of avoiding penguins (which is better than avoiding human neighbors, I suppose), but those are minor hiccups in an otherwise joyful romp. Whether you're a lifelong platforming aficionado or just in it for a good time, Penny's Big Breakaway is a fun ride worth taking. It may not redefine the platformer genre-but hey, it's got charm, humor, and crazy colorful levels to enjoy while dodging Emperor Eddie's poorly executed ambitions. Grab your controller and jump into a world where the only rule is: if you fall, just be sure when you get back up-you can 'yo-yo' all over again!

See Latest Prices for Penny's Big Breakaway on Xbox Series X/S on Amazon

See Prices for Penny's Big Breakaway on Xbox Series X/S on Ebay

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