TL;DR
The Nintendo Switch's budget-friendly "Nindies" are usually a hit, but *Vroom in the Night Sky* might be a disappointing exception. This title features outdated graphics, clunky controls with confusing menus, a non-functional tutorial, and poor English translation. The gameplay itself is uninspired, with sluggish performance and subpar audio. While it's cheap, even at this price, it's hard to recommend for anyone seeking a quality gaming experience. Curious about whether this is an anomaly or a sign of things to come for Nindies? Read the full review to find out!
Note: This is a shorter product review that is part of a longer article.
The Nintendo Switch features a selection of independent games (“Nindies”) at budget prices (in this instance, SEK 79). These titles are typically smaller creations developed by individuals or small teams. We sincerely hope that the Japanese title, Vroom in the Night Sky, does not represent the general quality of future Nindies.
The graphical fidelity is questionable for a modern console in 2017.
The core gameplay involves piloting a magical vehicle (such as a bicycle or broom) to collect stars while avoiding obstacles. Beyond the lackluster experience and lack of engaging speed, resulting in a rather uninspiring playthrough, the visuals are reminiscent of games developed in basic editors for the Playstation 2. Furthermore, the game suffers from a poorly designed menu and settings interface. The button mapping is inverted compared to standard Western configurations (thankfully reconfigurable, albeit after some initial confusion), the tutorial option is present but non-functional, and the English translation contains errors (with purchased units labeled as “buyed!”).
While such quirks might be endearing if the gameplay were compelling, this is unfortunately not the case. The game exhibits underwhelming graphics, subpar audio, sluggish performance, and an overall primitive feel. An incomprehensible in-game dialogue further detracts from the experience. One questions whether Nintendo’s quality standards extend to titles such as this. Mere functionality and the absence of bugs should not automatically warrant inclusion on the eShop.
In addition to being nonsensical, the dialogue exhibits poor proofreading.
Regrettably, Poisoft, even at a price of SEK 80, this title is unlikely to appeal to discerning gamers. It might serve as a simplistic introductory game for young children, provided they are seeking a child-friendly experience. Otherwise, it presents itself as a misguided endeavor.
