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."
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- Promenade features a charming art style and engaging sound design, creating a delightful atmosphere that enhances the gameplay experience.
- The game excels in creativity, offering a variety of puzzles and platforming challenges that keep players engaged and encourage exploration.
- Fluid movement mechanics and well-structured levels provide a satisfying platforming experience, reminiscent of classic 3D collectathon games.
- The tutorial lacks clarity, particularly regarding the double jump mechanic, which can lead to confusion for new players.
- Some players find the game can be unclear on where to go next, making navigation challenging without a map or indicators.
- The default walking speed is considered too slow by some, which can detract from the overall pacing of the game.
- gameplay30 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 10 % 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, engaging platforming, and the introduction of new mechanics that keep the experience fresh and challenging. The level design is intuitive, gradually increasing in complexity while providing a whimsical and visually appealing environment, making it enjoyable for both casual and hardcore gamers.
“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.”
“Featuring extremely variable, challenging gameplay and smart puzzles with new mechanics introduced constantly, it always managed to keep me on the edge of my seat.”
“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.”
“Throughout the entire experience, the game constantly gives the player new environments, mechanics, and activities to accomplish.”
- graphics20 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The graphics of Promenade are widely praised for their charming, pastel aesthetic and fluid animations, creating a visually appealing experience that enhances the gameplay. While the cute art style may suggest a casual experience, it belies the game's challenging platforming and puzzle elements. Overall, the combination of beautiful visuals, well-designed environments, and engaging sound design contributes to its status as a memorable entry in the 2D platformer genre.
“It has a nice aesthetic, movement feels fluid, and the environments are varied enough to keep you interested all throughout your playthrough.”
“The graphics are very nice, cartoony but beautiful, the different worlds are well designed, the controls and mechanics are well done, beautiful sounds and music, plus a lot of extra features that make it a good modern game.”
“Led by beautiful graphics, the environment varies greatly from one level to another while offering many hidden secrets to find.”
“Don't let the cute aesthetic fool you!”
“Its looks can be deceiving, and it is definitely more challenging than its cute graphics let on.”
“Promenade is a hidden gem amongst its platformer genre and its cute graphics should not be confused with it being a kids-only game.”
- music15 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its upbeat and nostalgic quality, reminiscent of classic platformers like those by David Wise and Kirby. Reviewers highlight how the soundtrack enhances the overall experience, complementing the game's art and level design, although some express disappointment with specific tracks, such as the pirate level. Overall, the music is described as a significant and enjoyable aspect of the game, contributing to its charm and appeal.
“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.”
“The music is great, perfectly complementing each environment and significantly enhancing the overall experience.”
“The main character moved too slowly for my liking, the music of the pirate level was underwhelming, and I disliked how throwing enemies at enemies wasn’t as fun as in any of the Klonoa games.”
“This soundtrack, sound design, level design, and rhythm are so well thought out.”
“There is no voice acting, but the cheery upbeat soundtrack reminded me of older style platformers like Kirby.”
- story9 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's story is minimal and often considered unimportant by some players, with a simple premise involving a child falling into a cavern and teaming up with a creature to repair an elevator. However, the lack of extensive dialogue or backstory is appreciated by others, as it allows for a more streamlined experience that complements the game's art style. Overall, the narrative is described as charming yet understated.
“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 details which doesn't bog down the experience. Bravo, devs.”
“Story: lovely”
“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.”
“There is not much of a story in the game.”
“The story starts when a kid falls into a cavern filled with water.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its charming and wholesome emotional tone, characterized by a light, pastel aesthetic and endearing creatures. Reviewers highlight its creativity and passion, making it an exceptionally feel-good experience in the puzzle platformer genre.
“It is incredibly charming and wholesome, oozing creativity and passion at every turn, controls well and feels amazing to play.”
“The world of Promenade is undeniably wholesome, boasting its light, pastel aesthetic and cute creatures.”
“The most wholesome puzzle platformer I've ever played.”
- 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.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game offers high replayability, featuring a wealth of activities and challenges that cater particularly well to completionists. Players can expect plenty of content to explore, ensuring a fresh experience with each playthrough.
“Replayability value: Yes, the game is brimming with things to do, especially for completionists.”
“Every playthrough feels fresh due to the diverse choices and outcomes available.”
“The game offers multiple endings and paths, encouraging players to explore different strategies.”
“The game lacks meaningful choices, making replayability feel pointless.”
“Once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to play again.”
“The game offers minimal variation in gameplay, leading to a repetitive experience.”
- 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%
