Platformers are back!!!
Graphics
I heard it said in many reviews before I saw it for myself, that the scenery and artwork that has been created is amazing. And it is. There are many areas to explore here, some are lush grassy worlds, some are wintery, there are some sandy worlds and others reside at the bottom of the ocean. All are fantastically drawn and really suck you into the world with ease. There is nothing graphically not to like in this game and it is because of this that its so easy to play.
The detail in everything is really noticeable, like when you're passing over an enemy and their eyes follow you.
Sound
In terms of dialogue there isn't much to be said here. You'll hear mumbles of strange incoherent words but that's about it. What makes the sound in this game is the music, there's no other word to use other than enchanting. I really noticed the music in one of the under water level, the music just went so well with that level. The danger with some music in games is that it sticks in your head and after a while could drive you round the bend, but this doesn't. Even as I write this review I have the music from the water level in my head and it's not annoying in the slightest.
Gameplay
So you can have great graphics and great music, but if the gameplay is rubbish then you have nothing. Its this area that dwarfs the others believe it or not. Make no mistake about it, this is quite a big game, nothing that can be knocked off in a few hours *cough Limbo*. But with the level design and how each level is broken down, you can just move through it quickly.
Each level is split up into sections, so once you die (and you will die a lot in this game) you re-spawn at the beginning of that section. This takes out the frustration when you do die. I have died so many times but have yet to get frustrated or even curse, because there is nothing unfair about this game, there are no cheap deaths. Chances are, if you'died, its your own fault. I have never yelled "I pressed the button, why didn't I jump??!"
Things are always changing from one area to another and nothing gets stale. There's the usual platforming areas, underwater areas and even flying on the back of a mosquito (with an brilliant and amusing buzzing soundtrack). But there is enough of each section for you not to get bored or think that one is being exploited far too much.
As you progress and un-cage the fairies (the reason why you're playing), you get given added abilities. This means that, say in the first level you may have had an area that was out of reach, well now you can go back and find those extra areas. This in-turn means that the re-playability is very high. I have already completed the game twice and I'm still going back to areas to collect items and get bigger scores. This, along with the timed levels and the "Tricky Treasure" (level design that has to be seen to be believed), means that this game with keep you occupied for hours on end
Final Thoughts
I am so glad that platforming is back and I'm also glad that its come back in the form of this game. A game that has not been just made, but created with care. There is nothing about this game that has been done wrong, its an enchanting game for kids and has enough humour to keep the adults entertained. Its literally perfect!