Just because a game looks like it is for a younger audience doesn’t mean that it is, or that older players won’t enjoy it. Armor Games Studios has released a game that is a perfect example. The Adventure Pals is a cartoony adventure platformer that is great for all ages.
You play as Wilton, a young boy that is celebrating his birthday. Your birthday party doesn’t go as planned when your dads best friend shows up and kidnaps him. Mr B has decided to abduct people and turn them into hot dogs – “For Reasons”. It is up to you to save everyone and defeat the evil Mr B. Luckily you are not alone in your fight. Joining you are Sprinkles the giraffe and Mr Rock.
Sprinkles hangs out in your back pack and pops his head out when needed. He is an all purpose helper. His tongue can be used as a helicopter to help you glide over longer gaps or as a prop to propel you through the water like a submarine. He can also turn knobs, grapple points to fling you through the air, or grab enemies and pull them towards you for a quick beat down. Mr Rock will attack enemies, can be thrown at targets, and even bring you items if you upgrade him.
To rescue your father and the others you must work your way through multiple areas. You platform through several levels in each area in search of rubies to pay ransoms and more. Hidden in each level is also a cupcake for you to collect. If you turn in 5 cupcakes to the Cupcake King you are given a random hat for you or costume for Mr Rock. Each area – series of 5 levels – also contains a hidden sticker pack, that is used to fill your new sticker album. As you kill enemies you will gain experience. Each level you gain will allow you to pick one of up to three upgrades for yourself, Sprinkles or Mr Rock. Don’t worry if there are multiple ones you want, you will be able to grab them all before you complete the game.
The game looks like it jumped right out of a TV on a Saturday morning. The cartoon like graphics will appeal to kids and adults alike. Characters are cute, and even the enemies are a bit on the adorable side. The music will keep you bopping as you’re hopping your way to the finish line. I really with the dialogue was voice acted because it would have made it even funnier than just reading it off the screen. There are enough jokes to make sure that you are laughing from start to finish.
The Adventure Pals is out now on Xbox One, PS4, Switch, and Steam. Fun for all ages, this action platformer is accessible enough for younger players, yet has the depth of game play for seasoned players. Highly recommend for all gamers, no matter their age or system they play on.
