Nikoderiko: The Magical World is a tribute to 90s platformers, set to premiere in October

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Developer VEA Games and publisher Knights Peak have announced that Nikoderiko: The Magical World will be released for PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5 on October 15, 2024. The game draws inspiration from the best platformers of the 90s and promises to be full of nostalgic moments.

IN Nikoderiko: The Magical Worldyou’ll take on the roles of Niko and Luna, solo or cooperatively with a friend. You’ll conquer challenging levels and boss encounters, and battle your way through seven unforgettable worlds to defeat the greedy villain Grimbald of the Cobring Gems Company, who has forced the animals of the world to work mining for treasure. It’s a basic story, but one that sets the tone and provides a great excuse to play one more level before you stop.

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Experience classic platforming levels in a up-to-date delicate

I grew up playing platform games like Destroy Bandicoot, Donkey Kong Countryand my personal favorite, MediZłoI loved these titles because they had basic gameplay that grew more sophisticated over time, but were never burdened with too many systems that made the game feel inaccessible.

There were also many memorable moments in them, from boss stages to particularly challenging levels that drove me crazy, and even humorous moments when my friends and I laughed at the way Sir Daniel Fortesque walked.

Nikoderiko: The Magical World looks to have all that and more to offer with state-of-the-art visuals and quality of life improvements. Bosses can spawn in stages as you dash through them using a 2.5D camera. You’ll find yourself working through tight, linear levels, chasing a target or running away from something massive, trying to grab every collectible and complete each level, just to see what you’ll unlock next.

I don’t have all the details at the time of writing, but based on the trailer, I’d say this game will have just as many reasons to replay each level as titles like Destroy Bandicoot Collecting items and unlocking hidden paths to secret levels is part of the DNA of the genre, so I’d be very surprised if there wasn’t something similar in Nikoderiko: The Magical World.

Actually, Steam game page confirms that you’ll be collecting items to unlock mounts and magical friends. I just hope there’s a little more under the hood when we get our hands on the game.

We can’t wait for the world to play Niko’s adventure. It’s truly our (humble) love letter to the last thirty years of fantastic jump & run classics.

Dmitry Smirnov, Creative Director, Nikoderiko: The Magical World

Apart from the carts and, honestly, the great graphics, I think what sets it apart Nikoderiko: The Magical World apart from other state-of-the-art platformers is the inclusion of couch co-op. It’s always been vital, but so few state-of-the-art games have it as a feature. With less than a month until release, I’m excited to see how the platforming community receives it and whether the game lives up to the titles that inspired it.


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