Ayo the Clown begins with the titular character’s canine companion disappearing, tasking the player with the mission of finding him. To aid in this quest, the game provides access to balloons, hammers, tanks, helicopters, and a variety of other tools. Navigate Ayo through a diverse and cleverly designed set of levels in pursuit of his missing dog.
Ayo the Clown initially presents itself as a charming and seemingly simplistic title. The soundtrack is light, the protagonist amiable, and the enemies often consist of harmless creatures like chickens or walking flour sacks. Each level exhibits careful craftsmanship with numerous delightful details, creating an initial impression of a game geared towards very young players.
However, gameplay reveals a different perspective. While Ayo is not an exceptionally challenging platformer (such as Super Meat Boy Forever), its difficulty curve might prove too steep for very young children. Several sections required multiple attempts to overcome. Emulating classic platforming conventions, the game provides a limited number of lives, requiring players to restart the level upon depletion. Coins and gems are plentiful, enabling the purchase of upgrades and advantages in designated town areas. Checkpoints are reasonably spaced, contributing to the game’s overall solid design.
Ayo is particularly well-suited for the Nintendo Switch, with clear visuals even on the smaller screen, making it an ideal choice for portable gaming during commutes or travel. The sound design is competent and enjoyable, though the musical score, despite its variety, can become repetitive over extended play sessions, which is somewhat disappointing.
After a sustained period of play, the game’s engaging nature becomes apparent, prompting a search for hidden collectibles within the levels. The controls are responsive and precise, and each level incorporates unique mechanics. For instance, the initial stages restrict jumping, requiring players to utilize the environment for vertical traversal. Later levels grant access to tanks and other novel tools. Ayo exhibits a compelling “one more try” quality, making it easy to pick up for short bursts but difficult to put down for long periods.
In conclusion, Ayo the Clown is an entertaining and engaging platformer that, despite minor shortcomings, warrants a strong recommendation.
