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78

MONSTER

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Nikoderiko: The Magical World

2024
GenresAdventure, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer
AvailableOct 15, 2024
PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PC
DeveloperVEA GAMES
Overview

Join Niko and Luna on their quest in Nikoderiko, a vibrant platform adventure. When the duo discovers an ancient relic on a magical island, the villainous Grimbald of the Cobring Gems Company snatches it away. To save the island and its tribes, they must navigate seven unique worlds with the help of their animal friends and defeat the Cobring army. With family-friendly design, couch co-op, and music by David Wise, Nikoderiko promises a magical, mysterious journey for all ages.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

73

TL;DR

Nikoderiko is a nostalgic, charm-filled romp with retro-inspired levels, stellar voice acting, and playful humor—perfect for 2D platformer fans. But its cheesy, formulaic plot and shallow storytelling feel like a generic backdrop for gameplay, prioritizing style over substance. A safe, familiar ride, but forgettable for those craving depth.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

73

Positive Reviews (80-100)

42%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The reviews for Story of Nikoderiko: The Magical World highlight several positive aspects of its narrative, particularly its charm, nostalgic appeal, and engaging presentation. Generación Xbox emphasizes the cooperative gameplay and the classic quest structure, while ZTGD and Nintendo Life praise the "interesting characters" and "charming dialogue sequences" with "solid voice acting." Impulsegamer and Softpedia commend the game’s storytelling through "amazing animation," "impressive cutscenes," and a "backdrop for the gameplay," suggesting that the narrative, though simple, is effectively delivered. Critics like GameSpew and GAMINGbible note the "standard mascot platformer plot" and "multiple levels and themes reminiscent of classic games like Donkey Kong," which resonates with fans of retro-style adventures. The story’s light worldbuilding and focus on exploration are seen as strengths, with TheSixthAxis appreciating its "self-aware humor" and references to other platformers, adding a layer of familiarity and fun. However, several reviewers critique the story for being formulaic, shallow, or overly simplistic. TheXboxHub describes the narrative as "somewhat cheesy and unnecessary," while GAMINGbible calls it a "predictable tale" that relies on well-worn tropes. TheSixthAxis and GamesHub both mention the "simple and childlike" nature of the plot, with the latter noting it "lacks depth" and serves merely as a "backdrop for exploration." Critics like Softpedia and SpazioGames acknowledge the story’s straightforwardness but imply it may not satisfy those seeking complexity or originality. While the voice acting and character design are praised, the overarching plot is seen as derivative, with some reviewers suggesting it prioritizes gameplay mechanics over narrative innovation. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Story of Nikoderiko: The Magical World delivers a nostalgic, accessible experience with a story that, while unoriginal, is effective in supporting its platforming focus. The positives—such as charming dialogue, engaging characters, and retro-inspired levels—dominate the feedback, with many reviewers recognizing the game’s appeal to fans of classic 2D platformers. However, the negatives consistently point to a lack of depth and creativity in the narrative, which some find underwhelming. Despite these critiques, the game’s story is generally viewed as a functional, if unremarkable, foundation for its gameplay, with TheXboxHub and TheSixthAxis noting that its simplicity allows it to shine in other areas. The mixed reception suggests it’s a title that prioritizes style and familiarity over substance, appealing to those who value playful, light-hearted adventures over groundbreaking storytelling.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Nikoderiko is a nostalgic, charm-filled romp with retro-inspired levels, stellar voice acting, and playful humor—perfect for 2D platformer fans. But its cheesy, formulaic plot and shallow storytelling feel like a generic backdrop for gameplay, prioritizing style over substance. A safe, familiar ride, but forgettable for those craving depth.

83

TL;DR

Nikoderiko: The Magical World is a nostalgic, accessible platformer that nails 2.5D/3D gameplay, secret-laden levels, and a unique mounts system—though its classic tropes and occasional difficulty spikes are minor hiccups in a fun, cohesive adventure.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

83

Positive Reviews (80-100)

86%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Nikoderiko: The Magical World is widely praised for its engaging platforming mechanics and nostalgic appeal, with critics highlighting its accessibility and variety. Generación Xbox and TheXboxHub both emphasize the game’s simple controls and integration of classic platformer elements, such as jumping, sliding, and dashing, while also noting the inclusion of secret areas, collectibles, and boss battles that add depth and replayability. Nintendo Life and GameSpew draw comparisons to iconic titles like Donkey Kong Country and Crash Bandicoot, praising the mix of 2.5D and 3D gameplay styles, dynamic level design, and fresh hazards that keep the pace lively. The game’s mounts system, mentioned by ZTGD and GAMINGbible, is lauded as a unique feature that encourages exploration, while Hobby Consolas and Impulsegamer commend the cooperative play options and streamlined failure mechanics. Critics like God is a Geek and TheSixthAxis also appreciate the blend of traditional 2D platforming with 3D segments and diverse environments, such as swimming levels and themed mini-games, which contribute to a balanced and satisfying experience. While the majority of reviews celebrate the gameplay, some critics point to minor drawbacks. Hobby Consolas notes that the difficulty level is generally easy to normal but occasionally spikes, which could test players’ patience. SpazioGames and TheSixthAxis mention that the game leans heavily on familiar mechanics from classics like Crash Bandicoot and Donkey Kong Country, suggesting it may lack originality for those seeking entirely new ideas. Additionally, the reliance on revisiting levels for collectibles, as highlighted by Hobby Consolas and Impulsegamer, might feel repetitive to some, though it’s framed as a design choice that enhances exploration. These critiques, however, are relatively minor and often presented as trade-offs rather than major flaws, underscoring that the game’s strengths outweigh its occasional shortcomings. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with Nikoderiko: The Magical World being celebrated as a well-crafted homage to classic platformers. The game’s ability to blend 2D and 3D elements, coupled with its emphasis on collectibles, mounts, and cooperative play, creates a fun and accessible experience that appeals to a broad audience. Reviews from Nintendo Life, GameSpew, and Softpedia stress its nostalgic charm and fresh twists, while GamesHub and TheSixthAxis commend its precise controls and varied challenges. Though some critics acknowledge its derivative nature or occasional difficulty spikes, these points are rarely detractors from the overall enjoyment. The majority of reviewers, including Generación Xbox and ZTGD, agree that the gameplay is a standout feature, offering a rewarding mix of exploration, challenge, and creativity that honors its inspirations while delivering a cohesive and enjoyable adventure.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Nikoderiko: The Magical World is a nostalgic, accessible platformer that nails 2.5D/3D gameplay, secret-laden levels, and a unique mounts system—though its classic tropes and occasional difficulty spikes are minor hiccups in a fun, cohesive adventure.

86

TL;DR

Nikoderiko: The Magical World dazzles with vibrant, nostalgic graphics and a charming art style, earning praise from most critics, though it stumbles slightly on Switch performance and character clarity in co-op. Overall, it's a visual standout with a unique, family-friendly flair.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

86

Positive Reviews (80-100)

86%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Nikoderiko: The Magical World, highlighting its vibrant, colorful, and eye-catching presentation. Generación Xbox noted that the game's visuals are "colorful, rich, and eye-catching," with "charismatic characters and varied enemies," drawing comparisons to classic titles like Crash Bandicoot, Rayman, and Donkey Kong while emphasizing its unique essence. Similarly, GameSpew described it as having a "gorgeous art style" with "detailed environments" and "seamless transitions between 2.5D and 3D visuals," calling it "visually stunning." God is a Geek praised the "bold, bright world" with "dynamic lighting and saturated colors," evoking a "family-friendly, Saturday morning cartoon vibe." Softpedia also commended the "polished visuals" and "expressive animations," while SpazioGames appreciated the "mix of 3D and 2D sections" and "pleasing aesthetic." These reviews collectively underscore a strong, positive reception of the game's art direction and visual appeal. However, some critics pointed out minor negatives, particularly regarding performance on certain platforms. Nintendo Life noted that while the game has "fantastic presentation," it "suffers on the Switch with occasional substandard experience," suggesting that hardware limitations may affect the visual fidelity. TheSixthAxis mentioned that the "character designs are well done," but that it can be "easy to mix up the two main characters in coop mode," which might be a design oversight. While these critiques are relatively minor, they indicate that the game's visual design, while strong, may not be flawless in every aspect or on every platform. Despite these small criticisms, the overall consensus among the majority of reviewers is that Nikoderiko: The Magical World delivers a visually impressive experience. With praise for its "bright, colorful palettes," "well-designed characters," and "varied biomes," the game is seen as a standout in terms of art direction, especially when compared to AAA titles. Impulsegamer and Player 2 both highlighted its "phenomenal graphics" and "stunning visuals reminiscent of the 16-bit era," reinforcing the idea that the game successfully blends nostalgic charm with modern polish. While there are some platform-specific concerns, the visual design is widely regarded as a major strength, contributing to the game's appeal and charm.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Nikoderiko: The Magical World dazzles with vibrant, nostalgic graphics and a charming art style, earning praise from most critics, though it stumbles slightly on Switch performance and character clarity in co-op. Overall, it's a visual standout with a unique, family-friendly flair.

86

TL;DR

Nikoderiko: The Magical World shines with David Wise’s nostalgic, dynamic soundtrack and immersive sound design, hailed as a masterpiece for its seamless DualSense integration and atmospheric charm. Minor gripes about voice acting and effects fade against universal praise for audio that elevates gameplay and evokes timeless charm.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

86

Positive Reviews (80-100)

82%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

18%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praised the sound design and music of Nikoderiko: The Magical World, highlighting the contributions of David Wise, a composer renowned for his work on Donkey Kong Country. Generación Xbox and TheXboxHub both emphasized that Wise’s soundtrack enhances the audiovisual experience, with the latter calling it “exceptional” and the former noting its seamless integration with gameplay. ZTGD and Nintendo Life echoed this sentiment, describing the music as “outstanding” and “amazing,” respectively, while also appreciating its ability to blend playful, nostalgic elements with atmospheric tones. GameSpew and God is a Geek specifically pointed to the “nostalgic feel” and “catchy melodies” that align with the game’s biomes, reinforcing the idea that the soundtrack is a standout feature. Hobby Consolas and Impulsegamer praised the cheerful, percussion-driven compositions and the use of PS5’s DualSense controller to elevate immersion, with the latter commending the sound design for “expressing the environment you occupy.” Softpedia further reinforced this by calling the music “fantastic,” “dynamic,” and “seamlessly” tied to each level’s theme, underscoring its cohesive and engaging nature. While the music received near-universal acclaim, some critics noted minor shortcomings. Player 2 criticized the voice acting as “a little one-dimensional,” suggesting it lacked depth despite the game’s charm. Hobby Consolas also mentioned that the sound effects “are not remarkable,” though they acknowledged that the DualSense implementation mitigated this to some extent. These critiques were relatively isolated, with most reviewers focusing on the soundtrack’s strengths rather than its flaws. The voice acting, while praised by GAMINGbible for its “charming” and “warm” qualities, faced some skepticism in terms of nuance, but this did not overshadow the general enthusiasm for the audio elements. The negatives, though present, were framed as minor considerations in an otherwise laudable audio design. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Nikoderiko: The Magical World excels in its sound design and music, with David Wise’s work serving as a cornerstone of its appeal. The positive feedback from outlets like TheXboxHub, ZTGD, and Softpedia emphasizes the soundtrack’s ability to elevate gameplay and evoke nostalgia, while the DualSense integration and thematic richness were frequently highlighted as standout features. Though a few reviewers, such as Player 2 and Hobby Consolas, pointed to limitations in voice acting or sound effects, these critiques were overshadowed by the broader praise. The game’s audio elements are widely seen as a significant strength, contributing to its immersive and enjoyable experience across platforms.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Nikoderiko: The Magical World shines with David Wise’s nostalgic, dynamic soundtrack and immersive sound design, hailed as a masterpiece for its seamless DualSense integration and atmospheric charm. Minor gripes about voice acting and effects fade against universal praise for audio that elevates gameplay and evokes timeless charm.

71

TL;DR

Nikoderiko’s voice acting is a highlight, brimming with charm, humor, and character depth, but technical hiccups and one-dimensionality are minor hiccups. Still, it’s a vital asset that elevates the game’s whimsical, adventurous spirit.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

71

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Nikoderiko: The Magical World is generally praised for its charm, character depth, and contribution to the game’s overall quality. Critics like Generación Xbox highlight the English voice acting and Spanish text as "correct, eloquent, and feature pleasant humor," enhancing the audiovisual experience. ZTGD notes that the voice acting is "better than expected," while Nintendo Life and GAMINGbible both commend the "charming dialogue sequences" and "warmth" injected into the story, respectively. God is a Geek specifically appreciates how the voice acting captures the protagonists’ "cheek and sass," adding layers to their personalities. These reviews collectively emphasize that the voice work is a standout element, effectively supporting the game’s narrative and emotional tone, and making the characters more relatable and engaging. However, some critics point to technical and stylistic shortcomings. Impulsegamer criticizes the "inadequate sound quality" and "awkward dialogue peaks," suggesting that audio inconsistencies could detract from immersion. Player 2 describes the voice acting as "a little one-dimensional," implying that the performances lack nuance or variety. While these critiques are specific, they are framed as minor issues rather than deal-breakers, with Player 2 acknowledging that the overall game quality mitigates this flaw. The negative feedback primarily focuses on production polish and delivery, rather than the voice actors’ skill or the script’s content, indicating that the core performances are strong but require refinement in technical execution. Despite the mixed feedback, the overall consensus among critics leans positive, with the voice acting being a significant asset to the game. While Impulsegamer and Player 2 raise valid concerns about sound quality and depth, the majority of reviews—such as those from ZTGD, Nintendo Life, and GAMINGbible—highlight its ability to enrich the storytelling and character dynamics. The praise for humor, warmth, and personality in the dialogue suggests that the voice acting successfully complements the game’s whimsical tone. Though the criticisms are noted, they are overshadowed by the general appreciation for the performances, which seem to align with the game’s lighthearted and adventurous spirit. The voice acting, while not perfect, is widely regarded as a key factor in making Nikoderiko a memorable and enjoyable experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Nikoderiko’s voice acting is a highlight, brimming with charm, humor, and character depth, but technical hiccups and one-dimensionality are minor hiccups. Still, it’s a vital asset that elevates the game’s whimsical, adventurous spirit.

67

TL;DR

Nikoderiko: The Magical World delivers polished, stable performance on Xbox Series X and PS5, with 4K visuals and few glitches, but the Nintendo Switch version struggles with frame-rate inconsistencies, bugs, and long load times—despite patches. While PS5 critics noted minor co-op and control issues, the core tech remains solid across platforms, with results heavily dependent on hardware and updates.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

67

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Nikoderiko: The Magical World varies across platforms, with some notable positives. On the Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox and ZTGD praised the game’s stability, 4K visuals, and lack of frame drops, though loading times were a minor drawback. The Nintendo Switch version, while initially plagued by inconsistent 30fps and bugs, saw some mitigation via a post-launch patch, as noted by Nintendo Life. For the PS5, Player 2 and SpazioGames highlighted flawless performance and stability, with no framerate issues or graphical glitches, while others like GameSpew and Impulsegamer pointed to occasional co-op glitches and floaty controls. Overall, the Xbox and PS5 versions received more consistent praise for their technical execution, though the Switch’s performance lagged behind. Negatives were more pronounced on the Nintendo Switch, where Nintendo Life criticized long loading times, inconsistent frame rates, and lingering bugs despite patches. On the PS5, multiple critics raised concerns: GameSpew noted co-op glitches and characters getting stuck off-screen, while Impulsegamer highlighted floaty controls and phasing issues. Softpedia also pointed to checkpoint system flaws, imprecise controls, and texture pop-ins during cutscenes. The Xbox Series X faced criticism for long loading times, as mentioned by Generación Xbox, though this was the only major issue reported. These platform-specific challenges suggest that while the game’s core mechanics are solid, technical execution varied, particularly on the Switch and PS5. The overall consensus among critics reflects a mixed but generally favorable view of the game’s technical performance. The Xbox Series X and PS5 versions were praised for stability and visual quality, with some critics like Player 2 and SpazioGames calling them flawless. However, the Switch version faced the most significant hurdles, with Nintendo Life’s critique of its inconsistent performance and lingering bugs standing out. While PS5 reviewers like GameSpew and Impulsegamer raised specific issues, others like SpazioGames and Player 2 offered more positive assessments, indicating that the game’s technical quality may depend on the platform and patch updates. Despite these disparities, the game’s core technical foundation appears solid, with most platforms delivering a playable experience, albeit with varying degrees of polish.

TL;DR

technical performance

Nikoderiko: The Magical World delivers polished, stable performance on Xbox Series X and PS5, with 4K visuals and few glitches, but the Nintendo Switch version struggles with frame-rate inconsistencies, bugs, and long load times—despite patches. While PS5 critics noted minor co-op and control issues, the core tech remains solid across platforms, with results heavily dependent on hardware and updates.

76

TL;DR

Nikoderiko: The Magical World earns praise for its addictive collectibles, secret-filled exploration, and co-op charm, but its reliance on tired platformer tropes and linear design risks boring veterans. While replayability shines for completionists and fans of shared challenges, its lack of innovation and repetitive structure may leave discerning players wanting more. A fun, accessible experience—but not a revolution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

76

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

54%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment among critics regarding the replay value of Nikoderiko: The Magical World is largely positive, with several reviewers highlighting its engaging mechanics and content-driven design. Generación Xbox, TheXboxHub, and ZTGD emphasize the game’s collectibles, secret areas, and mini-games as key factors that encourage players to revisit levels and explore thoroughly. TheXboxHub notes that the variety of collectibles and secrets “significantly” enhances replayability, while ZTGD points to the “interesting mounts system” and multiple collectibles as contributors to a high replay value. GameSpew and GAMINGbible also praise the game’s challenging difficulty, memorable bosses, and unique gameplay elements, which create a sense of progression and discovery. Additionally, TheSixthAxis and SpazioGames commend the focus on 100% completion and hidden item collection, with the latter describing the game as a “concentration of fun and exploration.” The inclusion of cooperative play, as mentioned by Generación Xbox and TheSixthAxis, further extends its appeal, allowing players to experience the game with friends and revisit content for shared challenges. However, some critics express concerns about the game’s limitations in sustaining long-term engagement. Hobby Consolas and Player 2 both critique the lack of originality, noting that Nikoderiko heavily resembles other platformers, which could diminish its replay value for players seeking fresh experiences. Impulsegamer points to the absence of branching paths in gameplay and map design, creating a linear structure that might feel restrictive. Softpedia adds that the game’s design flaws could make it “repetitive for completionists,” despite its action-packed nature. GameSpew’s mention of “less generous checkpoints” also highlights a potential frustration point, though this is framed as a minor critique. These negative aspects suggest that while the game’s core mechanics and collectible systems are strong, its reliance on familiar tropes and lack of structural innovation may not fully satisfy players looking for deeper or more varied experiences. Despite these reservations, the majority of critics agree that Nikoderiko: The Magical World offers a solid foundation for replayability, particularly for fans of platformers and co-op play. The game’s focus on exploration, hidden content, and multiple modes (such as Easy and Normal difficulty) provides a clear incentive to revisit levels, as noted by TheXboxHub, ZTGD, and SpazioGames. While some reviewers, like Hobby Consolas, acknowledge that the 65% completion rate and price point (29.99 euros) offer good value, the lack of originality and design repetition remain points of contention. The overall consensus leans toward a balanced view: the game is praised for its accessible, fun loop and collectible-driven challenges, but its reliance on established formulas and structural constraints may limit its appeal to more discerning players. Still, the combination of co-op, achievements, and hidden content seems to create a compelling case for multiple playthroughs, even if the experience isn’t entirely groundbreaking.

TL;DR

replay value

Nikoderiko: The Magical World earns praise for its addictive collectibles, secret-filled exploration, and co-op charm, but its reliance on tired platformer tropes and linear design risks boring veterans. While replayability shines for completionists and fans of shared challenges, its lack of innovation and repetitive structure may leave discerning players wanting more. A fun, accessible experience—but not a revolution.

Overall verdict

Overall Verdict

78

MONSTER

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OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

78

Positive Reviews (80-100)

62%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

36%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

2%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics praised Nikoderiko: The Magical World for its nostalgic charm, polished gameplay, and faithful homage to classic platformers. Generación Xbox highlighted its "solid gameplay, charming visuals, and enjoyable audio," calling it a "delightful platformer" that appeals to fans of titles like Rayman, Donkey Kong, and Crash Bandicoot. Similarly, GameSpew described it as a "rock-solid entry into the platforming genre" with "visually stunning and fun gameplay reminiscent of classic titles," while GAMINGbible celebrated it as a "love letter to platforming greats" with "fantastic visuals, brilliant gameplay, and a wonderful soundtrack." TheXboxHub and ZTGD emphasized its "fun and colorful experience" and "unique twist" on retro mechanics, respectively, with Player 2 noting its "nostalgic, challenging, and engaging" design. Many reviewers also appreciated its family-friendly tone and local co-op features, as highlighted by TheSixthAxis, which framed it as a "welcome addition to the genre" that balances familiarity with fresh elements. While the game’s positives were widely acknowledged, some critics pointed to its limitations. Nintendo Life noted performance issues on the Nintendo Switch, which could detract from the experience, while Hobby Consolas and Impulsegamer criticized its lack of originality, with the former stating it "resembles other platformer games too closely" and the latter suggesting it "needs improvements in technical performance and replay value." Softpedia acknowledged "rough edges" but argued the game’s charm and creativity could offset these flaws with future updates. Additionally, SpazioGames and TheSixthAxis observed that while the game successfully channels classic influences, it doesn’t break new ground. These critiques, though present, were often framed as minor drawbacks rather than deal-breakers, with many reviewers emphasizing that the game’s strengths outweigh its shortcomings. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the game being hailed as a standout title for platformer enthusiasts. Despite acknowledging its reliance on familiar mechanics and occasional technical issues, most reviewers agreed it delivers a "wonderfully satisfying" and "pure joy to play" experience, particularly for fans of retro-style games. GAMINGbible and Player 2 emphasized its accessibility and nostalgic appeal, while TheSixthAxis and GamesHub praised its "well-made" design and "charming" presentation. Though some critics like Hobby Consolas and Impulsegamer called for more innovation or refinement, the general sentiment was that Nikoderiko is a worthy addition to the genre, blending comfort with classic elements and offering a "surprise standout of 2024" as GAMINGbible put it. The majority view it as a recommended, enjoyable title that successfully captures the spirit of older platformers while standing on its own as a competent, if not revolutionary, experience.

TL;DR

Nikoderiko: The Magical World earns rave reviews for its nostalgic charm, polished gameplay, and loving homage to classic platformers, hailed as a "love letter to the genre" and "surprise standout of 2024." While critics note performance hiccups, lack of originality, and technical flaws, these are overshadowed by its "wonderfully satisfying" experience, "fantastic visuals," and "pure joy to play"—a well-crafted, family-friendly title that captures retro magic with just the right balance of comfort and charm.

78

MONSTER

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Reviews

56 reviews found

90

God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Oct 14, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Nikoderiko: The Magical World is praised as a love letter to platforming greats, with fantastic visuals, brilliant gameplay, and a wonderful soundtrack. It is recommended for players of all ages and described as a surprise standout of 2024.

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Full review

90

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Nov 19, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Nikoderiko: The Magical World is described as an accomplished platformer that appeals to fans of classic games, providing a fun and colorful experience.


88

Impulsegamer

PlayStation 5

Oct 15, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Nikoderiko: The Magical World is a good introduction to the platforming genre, with gorgeous graphics, addicting gameplay, and a well-polished design, but needs improvements in technical performance and replay value to stand among the best.

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Full review

85

Softpedia

PlayStation 5

Nov 22, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite some rough edges, Nikoderiko is brimming with charm, creativity, and nostalgia, making it hard to put down. With refinements in future updates, it has the potential to become a beloved indie franchise.

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Full review

85

ZTGD

Xbox Series X

Oct 15, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Nikoderiko: The Magical World is a standout platformer that borrows from classics but adds its own unique twist, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.


83

Player 2

PlayStation 5

Oct 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Nikoderiko: The Magical World is a nostalgic, challenging, and engaging platformer that excels in classic gameplay mechanics, despite lacking originality. It is a pure joy to play and captures the essence of classic platformers.


82

Generación Xbox

Xbox Series X

Oct 18, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Nikoderiko: The Magical World is a delightful platformer that pays homage to iconic games in the genre like Rayman, Donkey Kong, and Crash Bandicoot. While it doesn't introduce groundbreaking innovations, its solid gameplay, charming visuals, and enjoyable audio make it a recommended experience for platformer fans.

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Full review

81

Hobby Consolas

PlayStation 5

Oct 14, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Nikoderiko: The Magical World is praised for its family-friendly and visually appealing gameplay, accompanied by a great soundtrack. However, it is criticized for lacking originality and resembling other platformer games too closely. Despite this, the game is considered solid and enjoyable.

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Full review

80

GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Oct 14, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Nikoderiko: The Magical World is a rock-solid entry into the platforming genre, offering a visually stunning and fun gameplay experience reminiscent of classic titles, recommended for fans of old-school platformers.

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80

GAMINGbible

PlayStation 5

Oct 14, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A solid platforming adventure with unique gimmicks, challenging boss fights, and light-hearted fun.

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