Save Me Mr. Tako Definitive Edition Review
Release date: May 5th, 2021
Developer: Limited Run Games
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Price: $14.99
Save me Mr Tako Definitive Edition is a throwback game, a retro inspired classic of the Gameboy days. There is plenty of homage to the Gameboy and this cutesy platformer will have gamers coming back for more. The Switch is the perfect place for games like this
The game was delisted at one time from the eshop due to the publisher issue is now back on the eshop thanks to Limited Run Games. This title definitely pulls at those GB heartstrings and reminds so much of classic platformers. The game is presented in 4 colors, and players can change the palette at will, much like with the Gameboy Color. Players can add borders too if they like and imitate playing on a Super Gameboy.
Mr. Tako borrows heavily from the GB heavy hitters, players see some Mario, Zelda and Kirby influences in the game. Players play as Tako who is an octopus and they are at war vs the humans. His abilities include his ink and 50 hats he can find. Each of these granting a different ability. Some of these are very fun and some of these hats are mostly cosmetic.
There is plenty to explore and find and the game will set you back 20 hrs. The music is very GB-like and the controls are okay, Tako is very floaty and can jump decently high. But the hit boxes and some of the traps I fell into felt cheap, part of this might have been to the floaty feeling or maybe I wanted to see more of the area before I jumped.
The checkpoints can be spread out, dying is going to force some players to backtrack a bit. Boss fights were challenging probably more than they should have been for a title like this. Players will die a lot and get frustrated mostly due to a few of the game’s mechanics.
But the level design and depth of the game are the big selling points. There is a lot packed in this small title. I found myself mostly amused by its charm. The game plays well docked or undocked with a pro controller or the standard joycons. At $15 its about the perfect price for those who might be interested in this genre to take this game for a spin.
Final Score
Pros:
Great Gameboy like game
Lots of neat features and a fun story
Cons:
Controls need work
Need to be able to zoom in or free look in some levels