The Plucky Squire – Game Review

Animated characters jump out of an open book with "The Plucky Squire" title in the center, surrounded by whimsical items.

The Plucky Squire is an action-adventure platformer developed by All Possible Futures and published by Devolver Digital. This charming game combines the magic of storybooks with exciting gameplay that keeps you on your toes. You play as Jot, a brave little character who can jump between the pages of a book and a lively 3D world.

In development for four years, its unique concept has caught the attention of many gamers. With its colourful art style and clever mechanics, you guide Jot through his adventures. You’ll discover a mix of platforming challenges and creative storytelling.

Grab your controller and join me as we jump into a world where books come to life and look at The Plucky Squire.

From Storybook to Reality

In The Plucky Squire, you play as Jot, a brave squire living in a magical storybook. Jot’s world is flat and colourful, confined to the pages of a book. Life seems routine until Jot discovers something amazing: he can move between his 2D world and a 3D world beyond the book. This discovery sets off an epic adventure.

As you step into the 3D world, you’ll find yourself in a new and unfamiliar place. Here, the environment changes drastically, offering new challenges and puzzles. You must make your way through these different settings, each with its own set of problems. Your mission is to restore peace to his storybook world, which has been thrown into chaos.

Your journey takes you through various landscapes, from charming storybook scenes to more complex 3D environments. Along the way, you’ll meet and talk with characters from both worlds, each adding depth to your adventure. The story balances action with exploration, making you feel like part of Jot’s quest.

Jot’s adventure highlights themes of bravery and discovery. You’ll experience the excitement of moving between different worlds and solving intricate puzzles. The game uses this unique setup to tell a fun and engaging story.

A colorful illustration of a brave squire named Jot holding a sword, with text reading "Once upon a time there was The Plucky Squire named Jot".

Jumping Between Worlds

The Plucky Squire offers a unique gaming experience by mixing 2D and 3D gameplay. You start in a colourful, flat 2D world where you can run, jump, and solve puzzles. The real twist comes when Jot discovers he can enter the 3D world.

You can jump from the pages of a storybook into a fully realized 3D world. This transition adds a unique twist to the gameplay. You’ll find yourself solving puzzles that require you to think creatively. For example, you can rearrange words on the pages to change the environment around you. This clever mechanic allows you to create bridges or alter obstacles, making each puzzle feel fresh.

Combat is straightforward and enjoyable. You can upgrade Jot’s abilities, including throwing your sword. This adds a fun boomerang effect, letting the weapon return to you. The game’s difficulty settings lean towards the easier side, which I am ok with. This makes it accessible for younger players, but not so much of a challenge for long-time gamers.

Overall, The Plucky Squire offers a fun mix of traditional platforming and modern 3D exploration. The combination keeps the gameplay interesting and full of surprises. I had so much fun switching between worlds and discovering what’s next in Jot’s adventure.

A colorful storybook illustration of a whimsical village with a castle, pathways, trees, and various buildings features The Plucky Squire embarking on adventures through the enchanting landscape.

Blending Storybook Charm with 3D Adventure

Without a doubt, The Plucky Squire stands out with its unique visual style and design. The game’s presentation combines a storybook look with modern 3D graphics. This combination creates a fresh and enjoyable visual experience. Cutscenes are presented like pages turning in a storybook.

In the 2D world, the art style resembles classic storybook illustrations. The colourful, hand-drawn characters and backgrounds make you feel like you are stepping into a fairy tale. The 2D graphics are bright and detailed, giving the game a nostalgic yet fresh look. When you switch to the 3D world, the graphics change dramatically. The 3D environments are more detailed and dynamic. The contrast between the flat 2D and immersive 3D worlds keeps things visually interesting.

The characters, including Jot, are designed with a lot of personality. Their animations are smooth, and they react to the environment in ways that bring them to life. The visual details help make the characters feel like they belong in their unique worlds.

I found The Plucky Squire charming and imaginative. The combination of 2D and 3D visuals not only looks great but also fits perfectly with the game’s story. I really appreciated how the art style and design elements all came together creating a unique visually appealing experience.

A plucky squire, from The Plucky Squire video game, in a vibrant costume explores a wooden shelf filled with ink bottles and boxes, accompanied by a "HEY!" speech bubble.

The Plucky Squire is a must-play for fans of action-adventure games and those who appreciate creativity in gaming

The Plucky Squire is a delightful adventure that brings a unique concept to life. The game’s storybook presentation is charming and visually appealing. Moving between 2D and 3D worlds adds a fresh twist to the gameplay that I really enjoyed.

The puzzles are clever and often require you to manipulate words in creative ways. This mechanic allows you to change the environment, making each challenge feel rewarding. While the game is designed for all ages, those looking for a tougher challenge may feel let down.

The art style is another highlight, with colourful visuals that create a warm atmosphere. The cutscenes resemble turning pages in a storybook, which adds to the overall charm. The Plucky Squire is a family-friendly game that successfully combines fun gameplay with a heartwarming story. The game is a joy to play from start to finish, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a lighthearted adventure.

The Plucky Squire

Review by @4ScarrsGaming

Animated characters jump out of an open book with
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Summary

The Plucky Squire is a charming action-adventure game that combines 2D and 3D gameplay in a unique way. You play as Jot, making your way through a storybook world, solving clever puzzles and battling enemies. The game features beautiful visuals and a lighthearted story that appeals to all ages. While it may be on the easier side, its creativity and fun mechanics make it a delightful and enjoyable experience that I highly recommend.

4.6

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4ScarrsGaming

Jon is a proud Canadian who has a lifelong passion for gaming. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry with more than 20 years experience. Jon is a strong believer and supporter in cloud gaming, he's that guy with the Stadia tattoo! He enjoys playing and talking about games on all platforms and mediums. Join the conversation with Jon on Threads @4ScarrsGaming and @4ScarrsGaming on Instagram.

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