Review | Wunderling

LifeisXbox’s Wunderling review | Today we will take a dive into a very unique take on the platforming genre called Wunderling, where you will be the pea that has to save the planet from the evil carrot monster! But did the people over at Retroid make this an experience worth buying? And should you be hyped about it? So let’s go over all of that together, shall we?

ℹ️ | Xendacine played Wunderling for 4 hours on PC. This game is also available on Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation.

What we liked!

• Gameplay | What I usually look for when playing a platformer is something that sets it apart from other similar games in its genre. And Wunderling does just that! The biggest twist is that you can’t stop moving! So you must adapt on the fly. Something I tend to miss with other platformers. I like a good challenge! I must admit, for some players, this can be a big hurdle since a failure means you have to redo the entire part starting from your last checkpoint. But it adds a nice little bit of extra spice to the gameplay!
• Music | Also another significant point is when the music isn’t static. Every world seems to have different music that is attached to it! Some feel more serious, while others feel rather daunting! All these impressions are brought to you via just music! Isn’t that special? Well, it isn’t everything. All of the menu buttons have their own sounds, and they sound/feel amazing.
• Artstyle | Wunderling might be only a “retro arcade’ style game. But something about it made me feel like I really was playing a refreshing take on arcade stuff. The whole theme is linked to the game, with the music; it all ties together very complementary. Feel free to check out the demo and screenshots in this review to grasp the fun and entertaining visuals!
• Controls | When you start up Wunderling, you are clearly told that the best gaming experience can be achieved by turning on your gamepad. And so I did! I brought out my Xbox Elite controller, and it was truly astounding. The mouse and keyboard feeling is alright, but it’s just one of those games that play better when you just sit back and play with that controller. A bonus to this is that it’s a game that will work perfectly on the new Valve Steam Deck! And also on remote play on your tv!
• Coin system | Normally, when you die, you have to capture all coins again. But there is a refreshing take on this while you play Wunderling. First of all, you need coins (eggs) to survive! Since you will literally drop dead if you don’t consume them regularly. But if you just spent a lot of time trying to get that one little coin somewhere, and you die after. Then, the coins are replaced with flowers. So they count as captured for your ending score. But you can still pick them up again to survive and add time! A lovely and refreshing take!

Somewhere between

• Nothing made me feel too mixed on this game!

What we disliked

• Chests | Games require a challenge to get a perfect score. And I won’t be the person to deny this statement. But sometimes, I was playing levels, and I literally could not find out a way to get certain chests for the life of me. Since you can’t stand still and think, you almost have to screenshot to figure out a way to make certain jumps. And it’s a shame since most chests contain fantastic cosmetics. The good part is that they aren’t vital to your success in the game!too. In theory, you are basically doing the same thing over and over again, even if there is enemy variety. Your goal doesn’t really change, and even though there are bosses to switch it up, the overall gameplay felt rather repetitive.

How long to beat the story | 7+ hours
How long to achieve all achievements| I’d say 9+ hours
Similar with | Super Mario 64, Celeste, Hollow Knight, Rayman Legends, …

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