Juiced!
- April 23, 2020
- Timothy van der Hoeven
"Juiced!" is a 2D platformer where players control treasure hunter Tiko in a quest to find Eternal Crystals before an evil wizard does, in a single-player or local co-op multiplayer mode with adjustable difficulty. The game features over 15 unique worlds, 80 enemies, 30 weapons, and powerups, with a promise of over 10 hours of gameplay, including bonus stages, unlockable challenges and outfits, and a catchy synthesizer soundtrack.
Reviews
- Juiced! is a charming and nostalgic platformer that successfully captures the essence of classic 90s games, offering smooth controls and engaging level design.
- The game provides a wealth of content for its low price, featuring a variety of environments, creative enemy designs, and enjoyable power-ups that enhance gameplay.
- Players appreciate the well-written story and cutscenes, which add depth to the game and provide entertaining breaks between levels.
- The game's presentation suffers from inconsistent pixel art and rough graphics, which may detract from the overall experience for some players.
- There are issues with the item system and level replayability, as players are limited in how they can save and replay levels, which can be frustrating.
- Some players noted sharp difficulty spikes and unclear level design in certain areas, leading to occasional frustration during gameplay.
- story6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story is centered around three powerful magic crystals and is praised for its engaging and humorous writing, making cutscenes enjoyable to watch. Reviewers highlight the interesting characters and overall narrative as key strengths, contributing to an immersive and entertaining adventure experience.
“The story basically revolves around three magic crystals that bestow great power on whoever possesses them.”
“I won't cover the details of the story in this review, but I'll say that each time a cutscene came on, I'd refill my coffee and just sit back and enjoy the show because I found them to be well written and funny.”
“The movement is super good, the story is interesting, the characters too, the music is good, but most of all, it's an amazing adventure.”
“The story basically revolves around three magic crystals that bestow great power on whoever possesses them.”
“I won't cover the details of the story in this review, but I'll say that each time a cutscene came on, I'd refill my coffee and just sit back and enjoy the show because I found them to be well written and funny.”
- music6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with tracks that evoke a nostalgic Sega Genesis vibe, enhancing the overall experience. However, some players opted to mute the music during complex puzzle sections to focus better on gameplay. Overall, while the music is enjoyable, it may not be the primary focus for all players.
“All bits of the game pay service to these classic titles, and each individual component works towards this goal: controls are tight, level design is above-average (and full of secrets and small puzzles), enemy designs are numerous and creative, and even the music smacks of that old Sega Genesis timbre and vibe.”
“The movement is super good, the story is interesting, the characters too, the music is good, but most of all, it's an amazing adventure.”
“Awesome story, music, platforming design.”
“However, I played much of the game with the music muted because I wanted to concentrate on the game, especially the more complex puzzle sections.”
“All bits of the game pay service to these classic titles, and each individual component works towards this goal: controls are tight, level design is above-average (and full of secrets and small puzzles), enemy designs are numerous and creative, and even the music smacks of that old Sega Genesis timbre and vibe.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its stability and quality, especially for a budget title, offering a well-rounded experience with engaging controls, diverse enemy and character designs, and clever puzzles. Special levels introduce unique gameplay formats, such as chase sequences and vehicle controls, adding variety and enhancing the overall fun and challenge. Players can expect hours of enjoyable, lighthearted gameplay.
“It absolutely shines in nearly every department: gameplay, controls, enemy and character design, puzzles, level design, storytelling, writing, etc.”
“In addition to all this, there are special levels where the gameplay format is changed a bit: 'chase' levels in which you need to outrun a giant boss and vehicle levels in which you control a hovercraft, a glider, a submarine, and a surfboard!”
“It provides hours of fun, lighthearted gameplay that is pleasantly challenging.”
“Cheap game for a cheap price, and it's actually good unlike some other cheap games that either break or are impossible to beat because the gameplay is unstable.”
“In addition to all this, there are special levels where the gameplay format is changed a bit: 'chase' levels in which you need to outrun a giant boss and vehicle levels in which you control a hovercraft, a glider, a submarine, and a surfboard!”
“It absolutely shines in nearly every department: gameplay, controls, enemy and character design, puzzles, level design, storytelling, writing, etc.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's pixel graphics feature a charming hand-drawn aesthetic reminiscent of 90s platformers, though some players note that the visuals and UI can appear rough and jagged. While this style may initially seem unpolished, many reviewers appreciate it as a nostalgic nod to classic gaming, despite concerns that some sprites may border on tracing old artwork. Overall, the graphics contribute to the game's unique presentation, which is considered fitting for its budget-friendly price.
“While the game utilizes pixel graphics, the visuals have a nice hand-drawn feel to them.”
“I'll admit that I initially felt that the graphics and UI were a little rough around the edges, but once I got into the game, I just accepted it as part of the game's presentation style (and I mean it in a good way). After all, it does seem to be inspired by 90s era platformers.”
“It's not a bad game, and costs as much as a bag of chips, but the rough edges are jagged - and some of the sprites cross the line between nostalgia and tracing over old artwork.”
“I'll admit that I initially felt that the graphics and UI were a little rough around the edges, but once I got into the game, I just accepted it as part of the game's presentation style (and I mean it in a good way). After all, it does seem to be inspired by 90s era platformers.”
“It's not a bad game, and costs as much as a bag of chips, but the rough edges are jagged - and some of the sprites cross the line between nostalgia and tracing over old artwork.”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development is highlighted as a standout feature, excelling alongside gameplay, storytelling, and design elements, contributing to a rich and engaging experience.
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is well-crafted and engaging, with players enjoying the witty writing during cutscenes that enhance the overall experience. Many find themselves looking forward to these moments, often taking a break to fully appreciate the comedic elements.
“I won't cover the details of the story in this review, but I'll say that each time a cutscene came on, I'd refill my coffee and just sit back and enjoy the show because I found them to be well-written and funny.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its wholesome nature, appealing to players of all ages and evoking a sense of warmth and positivity throughout the experience.
“This game is a very wholesome platformer that people of all ages can enjoy.”
“The emotional depth of the story left me in tears; it truly resonated with my own experiences.”
“I felt a profound connection to the characters, their struggles and triumphs mirrored my own journey.”