- January 30, 2025
- Bitwave Games
Gimmick! 2
Gimmick 2 is a sequel that improves on its original and inspiration, put together by a studio that clearly have reverence for their source material.
Platforms
About
"Gimmick! 2" follows Yumetaro, a green yokai, on a new quest with improved physics for his powerful star tool. This tool allows for bouncing, defending, and even riding, while the game features a challenging mode and a legendary soundtrack by composer David Wise. Assistance options are available for a more accessible experience.











- The game features enjoyable gameplay with a well-executed star mechanic that encourages experimentation and creativity in solving puzzles.
- The level design is praised for its variety and challenge, with many secret areas that provide rewarding experiences for players who enjoy exploration.
- The graphics are colorful and charming, and the game maintains a fun, cute aesthetic that appeals to fans of platformers.
- Many players feel that the game lacks the unique charm and creativity of the original Gimmick!, with some levels feeling overly long and repetitive.
- The soundtrack is considered underwhelming and fails to capture the energetic spirit of the original, leading to a less engaging audio experience.
- Some mechanics, such as the star recall feature and level design choices, have been criticized for creating frustrating gameplay moments that detract from the overall experience.
gameplay
34 mentions Positive Neutral NegativeThe gameplay is centered around a unique star mechanic that serves both as an attack and a platform, offering versatile and satisfying mechanics that enhance puzzle-solving and level design. While the sequel builds on the original's foundation, it emphasizes the star's utility more effectively, though some players find the new star recall mechanic frustrating. Overall, the game is praised for its enjoyable physics, challenging platforming, and the depth of its mechanics, despite some criticisms regarding visual presentation and the balance of level design.
“The star mechanic is probably one of the most unique ideas I've ever seen in a platformer.”
“The star from the original gains a much greater focus by having it activate star switches you need to throw it into; the game does a really great job making the most out of this mechanic by having it interact with a bunch of the stage elements.”
“Solving these complex platforming puzzles and then executing on their mechanical challenge is deeply satisfying in a way that 2D platformers can rarely manage.”
“The star recall mechanic is absolutely miserable, often resulting in cancelling stars you needed to keep.”
“I don't really want to get into the rest of the gameplay and design issues because they're just a huge letdown (star cancelling???).”
“The game focuses on really wringing all the value out of its platforming mechanics over a long stretch, but this longer form level design can make the novelty and new ideas feel sparse.”