HoPIKo is a very bizarre creation. It is an extremely fast paced platforming game, made for those obsessed with speedrunnning. It isn’t like any other game I’ve played before, so in terms of comparison with anything else it’s difficult to pinpoint. But I will try my best to describe exactly what this game is and how it plays without it turning into too much of a convoluted mess.
In HoPIKo a nanobyte virus has been released, and gaming as we know it is over. It’s up to you to save the day and defeat the virus and save your HoPIKo brothers. What this means is you’re thrown into frantic quick and colourful levels and you use timing and tact to beat them as quick as you can. There is even a timer counting you down to push you to be even quicker.
The reality of the game, is that you are a small character being fired around each level trying to avoid obstacles to get to the end and seemingly destroy the virus on the level. Each section of the game consists of 5 levels. If you fail on any of the 5 you are required to start the set again. It’s a nice change to the norm of going level after level but is sure to get frustrating when you a replaying levels over and over if you’re failing on the 4th or 5th each time.
To accompany the slick, simplistic and colourful level design is a straightforward control scheme using all of two buttons. The right stick uses an aim and release mechanic to fire the character across the screen to different points of the level. While you are still aiming the stick you will stay where you are, with an arrow pointing which direction you are about to travel in, then as soon as you release the aim off you go. The quicker method of moving is to hit the RB button, this is a quick shot but you will only travel in a straight direction, so can only be utilised at opportune moments.
The music in the game is quite fun. What makes it more impressive thought, is that the 15 tracks that are included were composed and produced on an original Gameboy. I don’t know how that is possible, but it impressed me. Maybe I’m just easily pleased?
HoPIKo is not a game for me. I’ve never been drawn to the speedrun culture, and being forced to play in that manner puts me off playing the game. It is fine for what it is, and there are plenty of levels in terms of amount to do, however it is rather samey. That being said, there is a trial available to give it a go first, so that’s a bonus at least.
**Thank you to XCN for providing a review copy of the game**