Platform games are abundant, but truly good ones are considerably rarer. Many platformers suffer from repetitive gameplay and a lack of compelling design. However, some titles, such as Ori and the Blind Forest, rise above the mediocrity – as does today’s subject, Super Meat Boy Forever.
Meat Boy and Bandage Girl are enjoying a peaceful picnic when a villain appears and kidnaps their child. Without hesitation, the parents embark on a perilous journey to rescue their offspring.
Super Meat Boy Forever, a direct sequel to the original Super Meat Boy released on Xbox 360 a decade prior, embraces an intense and demanding style. From its distinctive visuals to its inventive gameplay mechanics, the game compels constant forward momentum. Players cannot afford to pause and deliberate; they must immediately confront the challenges ahead. Expect frequent deaths, followed by rapid respawns for renewed attempts. Initially, the experience can feel overwhelming, a relentless cycle of trial and error. However, a shift occurs as players begin to understand the intricacies of level design.
…Once the underlying structure of the levels becomes clear, the game transforms into a genuinely enjoyable experience. Successfully completing a level provides a tangible sense of accomplishment. Super Meat Boy Forever presents a significant challenge, but it rewards players handsomely upon solving its puzzles. Furthermore, upon completing the main game, procedurally generated levels offer near-infinite replayability.
Super Meat Boy Forever performs admirably on the Nintendo Switch in both docked and handheld modes. A minor drawback is the inherent limitations of the Joy-Con controllers, which may lack the precision some players desire. Consequently, utilizing a dedicated controller is recommended for optimal performance. While the game remains playable with the built-in controllers, a more responsive peripheral enhances the overall experience significantly.
In conclusion, Super Meat Boy Forever stands out as a superb platformer and a must-have title for enthusiasts of the genre, as well as players who appreciate a demanding experience. However, be aware that the initial learning curve can be steep before the game provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment.
