Promenade, Worth to Buy?

While this indie gem has already made its mark in the digital realm, we're setting our sights on the physical release, courtesy of Red Art Games. If you're considering supporting my endeavors, you'll find purchase links below. But fear not; we'll delve into those physical details in due course. First, let's unravel the layers of Promenade and ascertain whether it's a journey worth undertaking.

The Allure of Promenade:
Navigating the landscape of premium-priced indie platformers often leaves me cautiously intrigued. While they are typically well-crafted, they don't always strike a chord with my gaming preferences. However, Promenade managed to sway my reservations, and the experience was nothing short of charming. From its captivating art style to the melodic presentation and endearing gameplay, Promenade captured my attention with its 2D charm and nostalgic echoes of classic 3D collectathons.

Exploring Worlds and Chasing Cogs:
Each world in Promenade unfolds with a set number of cogs, enticing players with a delightful checklist of tasks. This game ingeniously marries the simplicity of 2D platforming with the depth of a Banjo-Kazooie-style collectathon. The challenge lies in uncovering cogs—some concealed in plain sight, requiring adept platforming or enemy evasion, while others demand a race against time or clever interaction with the game's whimsical inhabitants. It's a journey marked by childlike wonder and imaginative gameplay, yet it doesn't shy away from presenting substantial challenges.

Gameplay Dynamics:
Promenade introduces a captivating octopus companion that adds an extra layer to the gameplay. This little fellow serves as a versatile tool, facilitating a double jump and enabling creative swings through levels. The controls, while demanding, are remarkably tight, making even the most challenging platforming sequences a joy to navigate. The game strikes a perfect balance between its charming aesthetic and the technical precision required to conquer its diverse challenges.

Physical Edition Details:
Now, let's shift our focus to the physical edition. In Europe, standard editions are readily available across major retail stores for Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PS5. However, the Xbox version comes with a limited print run of just 1,000 copies. Red Art Games has gone the extra mile by offering Deluxe editions for all platforms except Xbox, each featuring exclusive bonus items. These Deluxe editions, available only on Red Art Games' website, include an adorable cover sheet and a soundtrack CD.

The Verdict:
Now, the burning question: would I recommend buying Promenade? Without a doubt. While 2D platformers might not be my immediate genre of choice, Promenade managed to surpass my expectations. Its delightful presentation, coupled with top-notch gameplay, seamlessly blends the best elements of classic collectathons. Don't let its seemingly cutesy appearance fool you; Promenade presents a satisfyingly challenging platforming experience. In conclusion, well done, Promenade—it's a game that deserves a place in your collection.