Promenade
- February 23, 2024
- Holy Cap
- 15h median play time
Promenade is the 2d version of those classic 3d collectathon platformers we all love, and the sheer variety of the game is incredible.
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games Store"Promenade is a whimsical game where you collect golden cogs to fix the great elevator and unlock new worlds. Engage in diverse activities like puzzles, races, and NPC interactions using a dynamic moveset. With a variety of object-based abilities and open-ended progression, players can choose their own path, making it a great fit for completionists, casual gamers, and collectathon lovers alike."
Reviews
- Promenade features well-polished core mechanics that encourage exploration and experimentation, providing a sense of wonder and excitement throughout the gameplay.
- The game is praised for its charming art style, fluid movement, and engaging level design, reminiscent of classic 3D platformers while maintaining a unique 2D experience.
- Players appreciate the creativity in puzzle design and the variety of challenges, making it a delightful and enjoyable experience for both casual and hardcore gamers.
- Some players found the lack of fast travel options to previously explored areas to be a frustrating limitation.
- The default walking speed is considered too slow by some, making navigation feel cumbersome at times.
- A few collectibles can be annoying to obtain, and some players noted moments of cheap deaths that could disrupt the flow of gameplay.
- gameplay15 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by well-polished core mechanics that encourage exploration and experimentation, reminiscent of classic Nintendo titles. Players appreciate the innovative puzzles and platforming elements, with a variety of environments and mechanics introduced throughout the game, although some find the moment-to-moment gameplay lacking. Overall, the level design is intuitive and engaging, catering to both casual and hardcore gamers, while offering a mix of clever challenges and nostalgic charm.
“This game does what good games used to do: gives you a few well-polished core mechanics, then turns you loose in a world to explore and experiment.”
“Either games with repetitive mechanics or cheap deaths, or ones where the controls don't feel quite right or tight enough for the dexterity they demand.”
“The level design is very intuitive, as you go through they introduce new mechanics, gives you some practice and then puts them all together in the main boss battles and challenges.”
“Such an unexpected gem, has some definite Nintendo charm (maybe not Nintendo-level polish) but in terms of level design, platforming mechanics, clever gimmicks and thoughtful interactions, promenade is top-notch.”
- music11 mentions
- 73 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its quality and ability to enhance the overall experience, with comparisons to the work of David Wise. Reviewers appreciate the soundtrack's ability to complement various environments, contributing to the game's charm and atmosphere. While some levels received mixed feedback regarding their musical impact, the overall consensus highlights the music as a standout feature that adds to the enjoyment of the gameplay.
“The music is nice and breezy, in the style of David Wise, and I'll be adding the soundtrack to my personal collection if it's available.”
“The music, the art, the movement are all fantastic.”
“This soundtrack, sound design, level design, and rhythm are so well thought out.”
“The music of the pirate level was underwhelming.”
“The soundtrack and sound design are lacking, which detracts from the overall experience.”
“The music does not match the energy of the gameplay, making it feel flat.”
- graphics11 mentions
- 73 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming aesthetic, fluid movement, and varied environments that enhance the overall experience. Many reviewers highlight the art style as reminiscent of classic titles like Yoshi's Island, contributing to a cozy and engaging atmosphere. However, some players feel that while the visuals are appealing, they do not compensate for shortcomings in gameplay mechanics.
“It has a nice aesthetic, movement feels fluid, and the environments are varied enough to keep you interested all throughout your playthrough.”
“Led by beautiful graphics, the environment varies greatly from one level to another while offering many hidden secrets to find.”
“Don't let the promenade fool you; behind its cute and artsy graphics lies a challenging platforming and puzzle game.”
“The game's art style gives me Yoshi's Island / Yoshi's Story kind of vibes.”
“From the art style to the sound design to the physics/game feel to the creativity of the puzzles, it's a masterpiece in almost every conceivable way.”
- story4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game's story is considered minimal and largely unimportant by some players, with one reviewer noting that it could be entirely absent without affecting the experience. However, others appreciate the lack of lengthy exposition and dialogue, as the narrative is conveyed subtly through visuals, enhancing the overall gameplay without overwhelming it.
“I appreciate the fact that there are no words, no long drawn-out backstory, and no exposition through dialogue; it shows the story in small ways that don't bog down the experience. Bravo, developers!”
“As a minor complaint, I don't really care about the game's story; in fact, it's so unimportant that it might as well not even be in the game.”
“The game's art style gives me Yoshi's Island / Yoshi's Story kind of vibes.”
“Also, I appreciate the fact that there are no words, no long drawn-out backstory, no exposition through dialogue; it shows the story in small doses which doesn't bog down the experience. Bravo, devs.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is highly praised for its impressive art and sound design, creating an enjoyable ambiance. Each area is meticulously crafted with unique themes that blend seamlessly, contributing to an overall joyful experience.
“Really cool art, atmosphere, and sound design as well.”
“The overall ambiance is incredibly enjoyable, with each area meticulously designed and uniquely themed yet seamlessly blending into the overall joyful atmosphere.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its charming and wholesome qualities, showcasing creativity and passion, which contribute to an emotionally engaging experience. Players find the controls intuitive and enjoyable, enhancing the overall emotional impact of the gameplay.
“It is incredibly charming and wholesome, oozes creativity and passion at every turn, controls well and feels amazing to play.”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers appreciate the character design, noting that the characters are both cute and well-crafted, contributing positively to the overall character development experience.
Critic Reviews
Promenade (Nintendo Switch)
Overall, Promenade is a deceptively simple-looking title that’s full of things to do. There’s plenty of variety to keep you hooked, with challenging puzzles and platforming elements to conquer. It’s a sweet outing that’s super-satisfying to play.
80%Promenade Review
Like the Great Elevator which takes you from beach to garden to mountain, Promenade unites several game elements you know and love in a way that still feels fluid. All this opens up a world that we were itching to explore. The collectathon gameplay is addictive, and the routes and puzzles are rewarding to complete. It might not elevate the genre, and it's not without faults or difficulty spikes, but that’s okay with us because most of what it does stacks up.
70%Promenade (Nintendo Switch) Review
Promenade is a wholesome, well-crafted and consistently surprising platformer that puts fun and creativity front and center.
80%
