Does this platformer Crash and burn?
Join Niko and Luna on their quest in Nikoderiko, a vibrant platform adventure! When the duo discovers an ancient relic on a magical island, the villainous Grimbald of the Cobring Gems Company snatches it away. To save the island and its tribes, they must navigate seven unique worlds with the help of their animal friends and defeat the Cobring army. With family-friendly design, couch co-op, and music by David Wise, Nikoderiko promises a magical, mysterious journey for all ages.
When you load up Nikoderiko’s first level, you’ll instantly think this is a Crash Bandicoot clone. You would be wrong there as it also borrows heavily from Donkey Kong Country and Rayman Origins/Legends, but it can it blend together all these different platformers into an experience worthy of the games that inspired it?
The answer is absolutely. I mean I did laugh out loud a few times on how they totally ripped off certain elements, but the truth is that it works and it works well. Levels can switch from 2D to 3D mid-way or for certain sections, while each has 4 letters to collect N-I-K-O, a diamond and two hidden areas that give you keys if you complete their challenges that consist of either defeating all enemies quickly, collecting all items without getting hit or trying to find the key against the clock.
You have almost every type of level you would expect from any of the franchises mentioned. You’ll be running towards the camera as you are being chased like in Crash, you’ll be in a minecart or flying a dragon that handles much like the rocket barrel in DKC Returns and there are plenty of yellow items to collect that look like the lums from the Rayman games. The familiarities don’t end there though as the soundtrack is done by none other than DKC royalty David Wise who also worked together with other Rare legends Grant Kirkhope and Steve Burke on Yooka-Laylee.
You can also play the game 2 player via couch co-op that works incredibly well. The camera doesn’t favour either player so you’ll need to stay together if you want to keep yourself both on screen.
In terms of controls, it handles extremely well. The levels are nicely varied and designed well, while I only came across one glitch in my playthrough and that was when I was exiting a swimming section for me to still be swimming on the surface, but it righted itself after a bit and never happened again. Other than that it was smooth sailing in terms of performance and it had a solid framerate throughout.
Like I said, the soundtrack is done by David Wise and he delivers an amazing selection of tunes here. I found myself humming along to the music in most levels, which shows just how catchy they are and that he’s still got it. Load times between levels are a few seconds and the framerate is solid throughout.
The Verdict
While it may borrow quite a few ideas from the likes of Crash and DKC, Nikoderiko: The Magical World is still a very fun and enjoyable platformer. Plus with music by DKC royalty David Wise, you know you’re in safe hands.