In the world of 3D platformers, how a game feels to play is crucial. You should have fun just running and jumping around, even in a bland, empty space. Big Hops, available on PS5, PC, and Switch, nails this aspect. It’s an enjoyable indie platformer that encourages exploration and creativity.
You take on the role of Hop, a charming frog eager to leave his forest. While on an adventure with his younger sister, he’s pulled into a mysterious dimension. This sets the stage for an exciting journey across three worlds, fighting to find a way back home. In just under eight hours, I experienced some of the best moments in 3D platforming that I’ve had in years.
Tongue Tricks
Hop can do the usual platformer moves—jump, roll, climb—but he has an extra special move: a long tongue! This feature elevates Big Hops from good to extraordinary. With his tongue, Hop can swing to new places, open chests, and even unlock doors with creative mini-games.
The developers made Hop’s tongue feel natural to use. It’s a fun addition but doesn’t become overbearing or forced. Instead, the game seamlessly weaves this ability into puzzles and platforming, showing that it’s not just a gimmick but a well-crafted part of the gameplay.
Fruity Fun
As you explore, you’ll meet quirky characters like pirate otters and punk rock bats. You’ll also discover special fruits with unique effects. For example, one fruit can create a rope bridge, while another ignites fire. My favorite is a green apple that sticks to surfaces, turning into permanent grappling points.
What’s wild is that you can carry these fruits in your backpack, allowing for creative problem-solving well beyond what the developers intended. This freedom encourages experimentation, leading to thrilling moments where I found secret paths or collectibles by daring to try something different.
The combination of Hop’s tongue and these special fruits creates exciting gameplay. I often skipped sections or bypassed puzzles entirely, showcasing the game’s focus on encouraging exploration. There were numerous times I ended up in areas I thought were off-limits, only to find hidden treasures, a delightful reward for thinking outside the box.
Each world you navigate is beautifully crafted, with vibrant colors and impressive visuals. On the PS5, Big Hops runs smoothly at 60 FPS, making every jump and dodge feel quick and fluid. The game has its stand-out moments, especially in the eerie, purple-tinted Void sections, which twist reality in fascinating ways. The music is a nostalgic nod to classic platformers, reminiscent of those from the PS1 and N64 eras.
Jumping Over Combat
If you’re concerned about combat, there’s little of it in Big Hops. While there are a few chase scenes and easy boss encounters, the bulk of the gameplay revolves around platforming and puzzles. You won’t be distracted by countless enemies; it’s all about the joy of jumping and exploring.
Don’t expect a breezy experience, though. The game ramps up the challenge, especially in its second half. It’s fast-paced and requires quick thinking, without the need to defeat a horde of enemies.
Big Hops provides everything a modern 3D platformer should. It combines impressive graphics, large levels, and great voice acting with the core appeal of platforming fun. This game perfectly balances challenge and enjoyment. It’s a journey that rewards exploration, reminding players why they love jumping between platforms. Developers at Nintendo could learn a lot from this unique title.
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3D Platformer,Big Hops,Indie,PS5
