A Nintendo Switch code was provided to GamingPizza for this review. TY the Tasmanian Tiger 4: Bush Rescue Returns is now available on Nintendo Switch.
I was greeted by a familiar face when I fired up TY the Tasmanian Tiger 4: Bush Rescue Returns. Our beloved Aussie is back in action, bringing both a nostalgic whirlwind for longtime fans like me and a fresh, vibrant introduction for newcomers. While the side-scrolling venture into the great Down Under has its charms, it isn’t without a few thorns along the way.
Visual brilliance… and chaos
The first thing that struck me about this game was its undeniable visual allure. The colors are vibrant, bold, and audaciously bright; it’s evident that the developers gave their all when designing TY’s 2D world. That said, although I appreciate intricate designs, the levels occasionally feel overwhelming. The backgrounds, while bursting with details, sometimes make it difficult to focus amidst the chaos, akin to a painter getting carried away with every color on their palette.
Diving into the gameplay mechanics, they are an excellent fit for newcomers to the platforming genre. They’re simple and intuitive, ensuring even novices can enjoy TY’s adventure. But TY’s biting ability proves to be the most enjoyable. By using this ability, you can reach areas that would otherwise be unreachable — so long as there are enough enemies to string you along — giving an added strategic layer to the gameplay. That said, as someone who has dabbled in many platformers, I did find some parts a bit too easy, specifically speaking to the enemies that really don’t pose too much of a threat. Again, though, it feels as though that’s by design, making it more accessible to younger players or newcomers to the genre.
No need for a history lesson
I was pleasantly surprised by the story-driven approach in this installment. Instead of the routine level-based “get from point A to point B” type of progression, it’s easy to sit back and enjoy TY’s world with engaging, albeit cheesy, stories. The narrative, while catering perfectly to a younger audience, had me chuckling at its cartoonish charm.
The minigames serve as delightful diversions from the primary platforming experience. They’re more than just mere fillers; each minigame, be it the frenetic “Turkey Chase” or the nerve-wracking “Danger Arena”, offers a unique challenge, requiring a different set of skills and strategies to conquer. These segments add to the game’s depth and variety, allowing you brief respites from the main story while still immersing them in the vibrant Aussie world. Especially noteworthy is the “Time Attack” mode, which pushes you to hone your skills and better your best times, providing replayability that kept me coming back for “just one more try.”
PREVIOUSLY: PAYDAY 3 Review: Settle in for the Long Heist
A question I often ask when reviewing sequels: Do players need prior experience to enjoy this next iteration? To this, I can confidently answer: no. TY the Tasmanian Tiger 4: Bush Rescue Returns warmly welcomes newcomers. However, as an old fan, I can’t deny the joy of recognizing familiar faces and reminiscing about past adventures. This is, after all, a series that dates back to 2002, which may or may not give a bit of insight into my age (and how OLD I am!).
Going back Down Under
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TY the Tasmanian Tiger 4: Bush Rescue Returns is an earnest effort to rekindle the spark of the series. Its vivacious visuals and heartwarming narrative make it a pleasure to play. The game is a delightful journey, especially if you come in with past experiences with TY.
The visuals, although striking, sometimes distract more than they enhance the gameplay itself. The platforming mechanics, though enjoyable, left a seasoned gamer like me wanting a tad more challenge. However, this seems intentional for the far more casual audience that the game seems intended for.
Ultimately, at only $19.99, it’s worth taking TY up on his invitation to come back Down Under, even if you’ve never been before. The game is a delightful mix of nostalgia and cartoonish charm, which makes it an adventure worth taking.
