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78

MONSTER

Star Icon

The Plucky Squire

2024
GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Puzzle and Logic, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player
AvailableSep 17, 2024
PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PC
DeveloperAll Possible Futures
Overview

Storybook characters discover a three-dimensional world outside the pages of their book and must jump between 2D & 3D realms to save their friends in this charming action-adventure.

Score icon

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

84

TL;DR

The Plucky Squire dazzles with whimsical, metafictional storytelling and charming fourth-wall breaks, blending children’s book charm with postmodern twists—yet critics call it shallow, predictable, and formulaic, relying on tired fairy tales without depth. A divisive standout: praised for playful creativity and accessibility, but lacking complexity for those seeking maturity.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

84

Positive Reviews (80-100)

79%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

20%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

2%

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

The Plucky Squire receives praise for its creative and whimsical narrative, with many critics highlighting its unique metafictional elements and playful approach to storytelling. The Guardian and Slant Magazine commend the game’s exploration of themes like storytelling, narrative power, and creativity, noting that it blends a children’s picture book aesthetic with postmodern twists. The Indie Informer and GamesHub laud its innovative experimentation with form, such as the interplay between 2D and 3D worlds, while IGN Portugal and Nintendo Life appreciate its charm, humor, and fourth-wall-breaking moments. The game’s premise of a storybook character navigating between fictional and real-world dimensions is seen as refreshing, with GAMES.CH and Jeuxvideo.com emphasizing the clever manipulation of the story’s text and the "unique twist on traditional fairy tales." Critics like PC Gamer and TheSixthAxis also highlight the witty dialogue and heartfelt tone, suggesting the narrative is engaging and endearing, particularly for younger audiences or those seeking a lighthearted experience. However, several reviewers criticize the story for being shallow, predictable, and lacking depth. Metro GameCentral and New Game Network describe the plot as "shallow" and "predictable," with the narrative failing to deliver significant tonal shifts or meaningful character development. The Indie Informer and GameGrin note the story’s simplicity, while GameSkinny and GINX TV point to a lack of complexity and originality, despite its clever ideas. Some critics, like COGconnected, mention that excessive cutscenes occasionally hinder the experience, and IGN Italia and Games.cz acknowledge the narrative’s "somewhat simplistic" nature due to its target audience. The game’s reliance on classic fairy tale tropes, such as the hero-villain dynamic, is seen as underwhelming by reviewers like GAMES.CH and XboxEra, who suggest the premise, while inventive, doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with the game’s narrative being both celebrated for its creativity and criticized for its lack of depth. While many praise its charm, metafictional elements, and appeal to younger players, others feel it falls short in delivering a more mature or complex story. The Plucky Squire seems to split opinions between those who appreciate its playful, accessible design (e.g., GamesHub, Nintendo Life) and those who find it formulaic or unoriginal (e.g., Metro GameCentral, GameSkinny). Despite these differences, most agree that the game’s narrative is a key strength, even if it’s not without flaws, and that it successfully balances whimsy with clever storytelling, making it a standout title for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

story and narrative

The Plucky Squire dazzles with whimsical, metafictional storytelling and charming fourth-wall breaks, blending children’s book charm with postmodern twists—yet critics call it shallow, predictable, and formulaic, relying on tired fairy tales without depth. A divisive standout: praised for playful creativity and accessibility, but lacking complexity for those seeking maturity.

76

TL;DR

A clever, creative 2D/3D hybrid with inventive puzzles and genre-blending charm, The Plucky Squire dazzles with its imaginative storybook world and twists. But its simplistic, repetitive gameplay, technical glitches, and lack of depth—labeled "dull," "boring," and "game-breaking"—sink its potential, leaving it feeling shallow and aimed at younger players. Fresh start, but struggles to deliver lasting challenge.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

76

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

4%

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

The gameplay of The Plucky Squire receives praise for its creative mechanics and variety, with many critics highlighting its inventive use of 2D and 3D transitions, unique puzzles, and genre-blending elements. Player 2 and GamesRadar+ commend the game’s “clever puzzles,” “fresh gameplay elements,” and “clever mix of 2D and 3D levels,” noting that it keeps the experience “fresh and exciting.” Critics like Noisy Pixel and Digital Spy laud the imaginative transitions between realms and the “inventive ways” players manipulate the storybook environment, while IGN Portugal and Siliconera appreciate the “top-down views” and “mini-games that keep the experience fresh.” The game’s ability to blend platforming, combat, and word-based puzzles—such as swapping words in a book to alter the world—earns it praise for originality, with GamesRadar+ calling it a “clever mix” of mechanics that “provide fun and unexpected twists.” However, several critics criticize the gameplay for being simplistic, repetitive, and lacking depth. GGRecon and Metro GameCentral describe the puzzles and combat as “dull,” “boring,” and “too easy,” leading to a “monotonous experience.” The Indie Informer and XboxEra note technical issues and “game-breaking bugs” that hinder enjoyment, while TheXboxHub and NintendoWorldReport highlight pacing problems and a “lack of depth” that makes the game feel “more suitable for younger players.” Critics like Jeuxvideo.com (multiple entries) and CD-Action point out that the mechanics “lack innovation” and “miss co-op features,” with some sections—such as 2D platforming—being “slower” and “disruptive to flow,” as noted by Areajugones. Additionally, the game’s linear progression and over-explaining of mechanics, as mentioned by Gaming Age, contribute to a sense of predictability and reduced challenge. Despite mixed reactions, the overall consensus leans toward a balanced view: while The Plucky Squire is celebrated for its creativity and accessibility, its simplicity and repetition are recurring drawbacks. Positive aspects like the “unique mechanics” (Digital Spy) and “engaging puzzles” (Gamer Escape) are often offset by critiques of “shallow combat” (PC Invasion) and “lack of depth” (Jeuxvideo.com). Critics like GamesRadar+ and Noisy Pixel acknowledge the game’s imaginative design, but many agree it prioritizes charm over complexity, making it more appealing to casual or younger audiences. The game’s blend of 2D and 3D elements and genre crossovers earns it praise for innovation, yet its failure to sustain challenge or depth—highlighted by Metro GameCentral and The Indie Informer—leaves some feeling it underdelivers on its potential.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

A clever, creative 2D/3D hybrid with inventive puzzles and genre-blending charm, The Plucky Squire dazzles with its imaginative storybook world and twists. But its simplistic, repetitive gameplay, technical glitches, and lack of depth—labeled "dull," "boring," and "game-breaking"—sink its potential, leaving it feeling shallow and aimed at younger players. Fresh start, but struggles to deliver lasting challenge.

92

TL;DR

The Plucky Squire’s hand-drawn, storybook visuals are a triumph, blending whimsical 2D charm with seamless 3D transitions. While 3D sections face technical hiccups and lack polish, they’re minor blemishes in an otherwise stunning, immersive experience that captivates with its exquisite artistry and fairy-tale magic.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

92

Positive Reviews (80-100)

91%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

8%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

2%

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

The Plucky Squire’s graphics and visual design have been widely celebrated for their charm, creativity, and unique artistic direction. Critics consistently highlight its hand-drawn, storybook-inspired aesthetic, with many praising the way it evokes the essence of a children’s picture book. GAMINGbible and IGN Portugal lauded the game as one of the best-looking of the year, noting its "gorgeous storybook world" and "beautifully tactile" presentation. TheXboxHub and Digital Spy emphasized the immersive, whimsical quality of the 2D environments, describing them as "captivating" and "flawless," while the transitions between 2D and 3D worlds were called "seamless" and "visually delightful" by GamesRadar+ and Checkpoint Gaming. The game’s vibrant color palettes, detailed character designs, and imaginative set pieces—reminiscent of titles like LittleBigPlanet or Yoshi’s Crafted World (as noted by Siliconera)—were frequently cited as standout features. Even the 3D environments, while less detailed in some cases, were praised for their "whimsical elements" (Push Square) and "immersive real-world environments" (GGRecon), with many critics appreciating the contrast between the two styles as a key strength. However, some reviewers pointed out technical and stylistic limitations, particularly in the 3D sections. Spaziogames and New Game Network noted that the 3D aspects "can feel less impressive" and "are somewhat anonymous" or "basic but functional," respectively. MeuPlayStation and Vooks mentioned specific issues with the 3D visuals, such as "shadow processing" flaws and "low resolution" on the Nintendo Switch, which detracted from the experience. While these critiques were less common, they highlighted a divide between the 2D and 3D execution, with some feeling the 3D environments lacked the same level of polish or distinctiveness. Additionally, Nintendo Life and Vooks specifically critiqued the Switch version for "poor resolution" and "frame rate drops," suggesting that platform optimization was a concern. Despite these issues, most critics acknowledged that the 3D elements still contributed to the game’s overall appeal, even if they weren’t as visually striking as the 2D storybook sequences. The overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority praising The Plucky Squire’s graphics as a defining strength. While some technical and stylistic shortcomings in the 3D sections were noted, these were often framed as minor blemishes in an otherwise visually stunning experience. The game’s ability to blend 2D and 3D art styles, as highlighted by Games.cz and CGMagazine, was seen as a creative triumph, and its "distinctive artistic direction" (GamingBolt) and "exquisite visuals" (Pure Nintendo) resonated across platforms. Even the Switch’s graphical limitations didn’t overshadow the game’s charm, as Vooks and Nintendo Life acknowledged the 2D visuals’ high quality. With praise for its "delightful contrast" (Checkpoint Gaming) and "impressive attention to detail" (PC Invasion), the game’s visual design is widely regarded as a key factor in its success, making it a memorable and immersive experience that aligns with its fairy-tale theme. The negatives, while valid, were largely overshadowed by the universal acclaim for its artistry and innovation.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

The Plucky Squire’s hand-drawn, storybook visuals are a triumph, blending whimsical 2D charm with seamless 3D transitions. While 3D sections face technical hiccups and lack polish, they’re minor blemishes in an otherwise stunning, immersive experience that captivates with its exquisite artistry and fairy-tale magic.

81

TL;DR

Critics rave about The Plucky Squire's immersive, '80s-inspired soundtrack and sound design, calling it catchy, atmospheric, and integral to gameplay. A few note forgettable music, minimal narration, and lack of voice acting in some versions. Overall, audio remains a standout, charm-filled element despite minor critiques.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

81

Positive Reviews (80-100)

73%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

23%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

3%

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

The overall sentiment among critics regarding the sound design and music of The Plucky Squire is largely positive, with many praising the game's ability to create an immersive and engaging auditory experience. Multiple reviewers, including Jeuxvideo.com, MeuPlayStation, and Player 2, highlight the catchy and well-crafted soundtrack that complements the gameplay and enhances the overall atmosphere. Digital Spy notes the thoughtful integration of music into the rhythm-based combat system, while TheXboxHub and XboxAddict commend the narration for its quality and storytelling impact. Pure Nintendo and GamesRadar+ appreciate the varied and fitting tunes that match the game's different settings and nostalgic '80s-inspired references. Gamer Escape and Games.cz both acknowledge the music and sound design as strong contributors to the game's charm, with Spaziogames and PC Invasion emphasizing the lively and epic qualities of the soundtrack that align with the game's whimsical tone. However, some critics express more measured or mixed opinions. Games.cz points out that while the sound design is decent, the soundtrack is not particularly memorable compared to other games. New Game Network and Movies Games and Tech note the absence of voice acting in certain versions, which detracts from the experience, and New Game Network specifically criticizes the audio design as weak with forgettable background music and minimal narration. Vooks also mentions a desire for more variety in the music and less reliance on text, suggesting that while the audio elements are well-matched to the art style, they could be more dynamic or diverse. GamingBolt acknowledges that the soundtrack may not be the most memorable but still finds it to be catchy and fitting for the gameplay. Despite some criticisms, the overall consensus among the majority of reviewers is that the sound design and music of The Plucky Squire are a strong and integral part of the game's appeal. Jeuxvideo.com and Player 2 consistently praise the immersive and catchy elements, while XboxEra and PC Gamer highlight the variety and charm of the soundtrack. The positive feedback from multiple sources across different platforms—PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and PC—suggests that the audio elements are well-received and contribute significantly to the game's atmosphere and storytelling. While a few critics find the music less impactful, the general trend leans toward appreciation for the game's auditory presentation, reinforcing its role in enhancing the overall experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about The Plucky Squire's immersive, '80s-inspired soundtrack and sound design, calling it catchy, atmospheric, and integral to gameplay. A few note forgettable music, minimal narration, and lack of voice acting in some versions. Overall, audio remains a standout, charm-filled element despite minor critiques.

79

TL;DR

The Plucky Squire’s voice acting shines with Philip Bretherton’s masterful, nostalgic narration (comparable to Stephen Fry) and charming localized performances, elevating its storybook charm. However, critics warn the repetitive, unskippable dialogue may annoy some, while the lack of character voices and single-narrator reliance risks feeling restrictive. Overall, it’s a standout asset, but its impact hinges on player tolerance for its frequency and style.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

79

Positive Reviews (80-100)

64%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

32%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

5%

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

The Plucky Squire's voice acting has been widely praised for its quality and narrative impact, with multiple critics highlighting its strengths. Philip Bretherton’s performance as the narrator is a standout, described as "heart-warming and harrowing when required" by Player 2 and "lending an air of elegance" by GamingBolt. His work, along with the British narrator mentioned by Worth Playing, is noted for adding warmth and depth to the storytelling, creating a nostalgic and engaging atmosphere akin to Stephen Fry’s iconic role in Little Big Planet (GamesRadar+). Jeuxvideo.com across various platforms (PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and PC) consistently commended the French voice acting for its charm and contribution to the game’s storytelling. MeuPlayStation and Gamersky emphasized the localization’s humor and immersion, while PC Gamer and Spaziogames praised the narration’s execution and fit with the game’s children’s storybook theme. These reviews collectively underscore the voice acting as a key asset in enhancing the game’s atmosphere and emotional resonance. However, some critics raised concerns about the voice acting’s limitations and potential intrusiveness. Vooks noted that while the voice acting is humorous and fitting, the dialogue can feel excessive, disrupting gameplay flow. Gamer Escape criticized the narration for becoming "annoying upon repeated playthroughs" due to its inability to be skipped, suggesting it may wear thin over time. New Game Network pointed out the absence of character voice acting, relying instead on text boxes, which contrasts with other reviews that celebrated the narrator’s role. Additionally, Spaziogames mentioned that the voice acting is limited to a single narrator, which could feel restrictive for some players. These critiques highlight a tension between the narration’s charm and its repetitive or overwhelming nature, depending on the player’s tolerance for its frequency and style. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily positive, with the voice acting being a defining strength of the game. While there are minor criticisms about repetition, intrusiveness, or limited character dialogue, these are overshadowed by the普遍 appreciation for the narrator’s performance and the localized voice work. Jeuxvideo.com and GamingBolt emphasize the charm and storytelling enhancement, while PC Gamer and GamesRadar+ draw favorable comparisons to established voice acting standards. The mixed feedback from New Game Network and Vooks reflects a nuanced perspective, but the majority of reviews—across platforms and outlets—agree that the voice acting significantly contributes to the game’s immersive and engaging experience, even if its impact varies based on individual playstyle preferences.

TL;DR

voice acting

The Plucky Squire’s voice acting shines with Philip Bretherton’s masterful, nostalgic narration (comparable to Stephen Fry) and charming localized performances, elevating its storybook charm. However, critics warn the repetitive, unskippable dialogue may annoy some, while the lack of character voices and single-narrator reliance risks feeling restrictive. Overall, it’s a standout asset, but its impact hinges on player tolerance for its frequency and style.

68

TL;DR

The Plucky Squire delivers mixed tech performance: PC and PS5 shine with smooth, stable play (minor hiccups), Xbox Series X edges through minor glitches, but Nintendo Switch crashes, stutters, and lags like a broken clock. Bugs plague all platforms, but Switch’s frame drops, loading issues, and fuzzy 3D visuals make it the worst port. Core charm saves it, but technical flaws hit hardest where it matters most.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

68

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

16%

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

The technical performance of The Plucky Squire varies across platforms, with some standout positives. On the PS5, reviewers like Eurogamer Portugal praised its "smooth transitions between worlds" and overall stability, while MeuPlayStation noted it "runs smoothly" despite minor shadow processing issues. Gamer.nl and GGRecon acknowledged bugs and crashes, particularly in minigames and camera mechanics, but emphasized these did not overshadow the core experience. For PC, multiple critics, including Games.cz and GamesRadar+, highlighted "smooth performance" and "steady framerate," with GameGrin and Meristation noting no significant technical concerns. On Xbox Series X, MondoXbox and Pure Xbox praised the game’s "overall performance" with only minor bugs requiring save reloads, and TheXboxHub acknowledged "no major performance issues" despite stuttering and memory leaks. These platforms generally received favorable remarks for their reliability and polish, though some inconsistencies were noted. However, the negatives reveal more pronounced challenges. The PS5 faced criticism for "serious bugs," including hard crashes and "disappearing necessary objects" (Metro GameCentral), while ComicBook pointed to "clipping problems" in puzzles. On Xbox Series X, TheXboxHub highlighted "stuttering in 3D sections" and memory leaks, and Pure Xbox noted "stutters during gameplay" and "occasional bugs that froze the game." The Nintendo Switch version struggled significantly, with Nintendo Life criticizing "frame rate drops and loading issues," Pure Nintendo reporting "freezing during page loads," and Vooks noting "low resolution and fuzziness" in 3D sections. For PC, while most praised stability, critics like PC Invasion and Siliconera highlighted "severe bugs" and "serious glitches," including save file corruption, while Guardian pointed to "finicky controls." These issues, though often minor, underscore technical inconsistencies that impacted user experience on certain platforms. Overall, the consensus leans toward PC and PS5 being the more polished and stable options, with Xbox Series X offering a generally smooth experience despite some hiccups. The Nintendo Switch version, however, faced the most significant technical hurdles, with frame rate issues, resolution problems, and performance inconsistencies. While many critics acknowledged that bugs and glitches were present across all platforms, the severity and frequency varied, with PC and PS5 reviews often downplaying their impact. For instance, PC Gamer noted "minor hiccups" and "save file problems," but others like Games.cz and GameGrin emphasized a "seamless" and "stable" experience. The Switch’s struggles, however, were more consistently highlighted, with Nintendo Life and Vooks specifically calling out its limitations. Despite these differences, the game’s core mechanics and design were frequently praised, suggesting that technical flaws, while present, did not entirely detract from its appeal.

TL;DR

technical performance

The Plucky Squire delivers mixed tech performance: PC and PS5 shine with smooth, stable play (minor hiccups), Xbox Series X edges through minor glitches, but Nintendo Switch crashes, stutters, and lags like a broken clock. Bugs plague all platforms, but Switch’s frame drops, loading issues, and fuzzy 3D visuals make it the worst port. Core charm saves it, but technical flaws hit hardest where it matters most.

65

TL;DR

The Plucky Squire’s whimsical charm and collectibles lure casual players, but its linear, repetitive design and short 6-10 hour run sink replay value—calling it a fleeting, lighthearted adventure, not a deep or challenging experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

65

Positive Reviews (80-100)

6%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

87%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

6%

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

The Plucky Squire’s replay value is highlighted by several critics for its charm, collectibles, and varied gameplay elements. Reviewers like Gamer.nl and GamesHub note that the game’s 8-10 hour runtime, combined with diverse mechanics such as world-switching and mini-games, offers a whimsical experience that could entice players to revisit sections for hidden surprises or to explore different character abilities. Player 2 emphasizes the game’s "whimsical journey" and "meaningful gameplay inclusions," suggesting that its imaginative design and evolving mechanics might spark curiosity for a second playthrough. CGMagazine and Try Hard Guides also point to collectibles like Glitch Birds, concept art scrolls, and artbook pages as incentives for replaying, while GINX TV and GamesRadar+ praise its genre diversity and minigames as sources of engagement. These positives often align with the game’s appeal to younger audiences or those seeking a lighthearted, creative experience. However, the negatives surrounding replay value are more pronounced, with many critics citing its linear structure, repetitive gameplay, and lack of depth. Dexerto and Jeuxvideo.com (multiple mentions) describe the game as having "limited optional challenges" and "minimal variation in mechanics," which reduces the incentive to replay. GGRecon and Eurogamer Germany argue that the lack of challenging difficulty and the fixed nature of puzzles and combat make it less satisfying for mature or experienced players. Digitally Downloaded and PC Invasion specifically mention that the game’s short length (6-10 hours) and absence of features like a New Game Plus mode or persistent progression limit its longevity. XboxAddict and Meristation also note that while hidden items and family-friendly design might encourage multiple playthroughs, the game’s simplicity and lack of challenge could deter deeper engagement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Plucky Squire has moderate to limited replay value, largely dependent on the player’s age and expectations. While its charm, collectibles, and creative mechanics (as highlighted by GamesSpew and GamesHub) provide some incentive for revisiting, the majority of reviews—such as those from Jeuxvideo.com, GGRecon, and PC Gamer—agree that its linear narrative, repetitive gameplay, and short runtime make it more of a one-time experience. The game’s appeal to younger audiences or casual players is a recurring theme, with MeuPlayStation and Worth Playing suggesting it may not satisfy seasoned gamers. Despite this, some critics like Player 2 and Try Hard Guides acknowledge that its unique world-building and narrative surprises could justify a second playthrough for certain players, though the overall sentiment leans toward it being a brief, enjoyable adventure rather than a deeply re-playable one.

TL;DR

replay value

The Plucky Squire’s whimsical charm and collectibles lure casual players, but its linear, repetitive design and short 6-10 hour run sink replay value—calling it a fleeting, lighthearted adventure, not a deep or challenging experience.

Overall verdict

Overall Verdict

78

MONSTER

Star Icon

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

78

Positive Reviews (80-100)

80%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

20%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

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

The Plucky Squire receives widespread praise for its charm, visual design, and creative gameplay elements. Critics consistently highlight its "visually stunning" and "delightful" presentation, with GamesRadar+ noting its "meticulous design" and "whimsical atmosphere," while GLHF on Sports Illustrated calls it a "heartwarming experience" with a "good balance of gameplay elements." The game’s unique blend of 2D and 3D platforming, inventive puzzles, and nostalgic storytelling resonates strongly, as seen in the accolades from Eurogamer Germany, which praises its "essence of childhood and storytelling," and Gamesky, which describes it as a "hidden gem" in the action-adventure genre. Many reviewers, including GamingBolt and Noisy Pixel, commend its "compelling plot," "tight pacing," and "solid controls," emphasizing its appeal as a family-friendly title. The game’s accessibility and imaginative mechanics also earn it a place as a "must-play for kids" (Pure Xbox) and a "refreshing" experience for all ages (Pure Nintendo). However, several critics point to significant flaws that detract from the experience. Technical issues, such as performance problems on the Nintendo Switch (Nintendo Life, Vooks) and "bugs" (Metro GameCentral), are frequently mentioned, alongside criticisms of gameplay depth and polish. The Indie Informer and GGRecon argue that the game’s "ambitious ideas" fall short in execution, with "lackluster combat" and "generic gameplay aspects" (Hey Poor Player). Jeuxvideo.com and Nintendo WorldReport note its suitability for younger players, as it "lacks depth" and "variety" for seasoned gamers. Others, like Gaming Age and Checkpoint Gaming, acknowledge its "minor drawbacks" in character development, puzzle difficulty, and narrative pacing, while Eurogamer Portugal and Games.cz highlight its "linearity" and "predictability." These critiques suggest the game prioritizes charm over complexity, leaving some players unsatisfied. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus leans positive, with many reviewers recommending The Plucky Squire as a worthwhile experience. While it may not appeal to all audiences, its "delightful adventure" (Spaziogames) and "magical" atmosphere (Player 2) earn it praise as a standout indie title. Critics like IGN Portugal and Guardian describe it as a "treasure worth experiencing," and GamesRadar+ calls it a "standout in its genre." The game’s family-friendly appeal, creative mechanics, and emotional depth outweigh its flaws for many, as noted by MondoXbox and Digital Spy, who frame it as a "standout title Worth Playing." While technical and design shortcomings are acknowledged, the majority of reviewers agree that The Plucky Squire’s charm and innovation make it a memorable, if imperfect, journey.

TL;DR

The Plucky Squire dazzles with whimsical visuals, inventive 2D/3D platforming, and nostalgic storytelling, hailed as a "hidden gem" and "must-play for kids." But technical glitches, shallow combat, and predictable gameplay undermine its polish. Still, its charm and creativity make it a standout indie, worth playing despite imperfections.

78

MONSTER

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Reviews

193 reviews found

100

CGMagazine

Sep 17, 2024

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

The Plucky Squire is described as charming, offering a unique and enjoyable experience for fans of action-adventure games and Nintendo properties.

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Full review

100

Windows Central

Sep 17, 2024

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

The Plucky Squire is a charming and family-friendly game that is accessible and approachable for most ages, potentially being one of the best games for kids and adults in the future.

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100

Twinfinite

Sep 18, 2024

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

The Plucky Squire is praised for its excellent art direction, charming characters, inventive gameplay mechanics, and unique storytelling twist, but criticized for the short length of the adventure and the limited use of some gameplay elements.

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91

Player 2

PlayStation 5

Sep 17, 2024

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

The Plucky Squire is praised for its excellence in gameplay, storytelling, and production qualities. It successfully delivers on its ambitious blend of 2D and 3D platforming, multiple gameplay systems, and engaging narrative. While not perfect, it stands out as an instant classic that keeps players engaged and wanting more.


91

MeuPlayStation

PlayStation 5

Sep 18, 2024

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

The Plucky Squire is a charming and immersive adventure that combines a heartfelt story with creative gameplay mechanics, making it a worthy title for players of all ages.

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90

ComicBook

PlayStation 5

Sep 17, 2024

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

The Plucky Squire is a refreshing and inventive game that appeals to a wide audience, making it highly recommended for both adults and children.

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90

Try Hard Guides

Sep 17, 2024

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

The Plucky Squire is a brilliantly creative game with unique presentation, engaging storytelling, nostalgic gameplay, and great characters, making it enjoyable for all ages and definitely worth checking out.

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90

XboxAddict

Xbox Series X

Oct 18, 2024

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

The Plucky Squire is a delightful adventure that combines charming visuals, engaging gameplay, and a whimsical story, making it a joy for both children and adults, despite its simplicity.

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90

GamingBolt

Sep 17, 2024

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

The Plucky Squire is a magical experience that unfolds into a unique adventure with plenty of heart. Despite some minor drawbacks like characters feeling two-dimensional and the game being less challenging, its compelling plot, tight pacing, excellent variety of gameplay sequences, solid controls, and gorgeous aesthetic make it a standout title.

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90

GameSpew

Sep 17, 2024

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

The Plucky Squire is praised for its stunning visuals, clever puzzles, engaging gameplay, and the unique experience of moving between 2D and 3D worlds. Despite encountering some bugs, the game is described as excellent, funny, clever, impeccably designed, and a pleasure to play.

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Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris

2014
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80

Rare Replay

2015
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70

Oddworld: Soulstorm

2021
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83

Tearaway Unfolded

2015
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70

Human: Fall Flat

2016
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68

After Us

2023
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73

Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time

2020

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