Wunderling
- October 27, 2020
- Retroid
- 10h median play time
Wunderlung is a game that is fun when it's fun, and not when it's not.
Wunderling is a humorous single-player fantasy platformer game, developed with ingenious graphics and a catchy soundtrack. Players control a low-level video game goon who has gained the ability to jump, and must navigate treacherous levels and chase down the hero. Plan ahead and master the Wunderling's unique abilities to succeed in this role-reversal adventure.
Reviews
- Wunderling DX features charming visuals and excellent level design, making it an engaging and addictive platformer.
- The game offers a unique auto-running mechanic that challenges players to think creatively about their movements and timing.
- With a variety of collectibles and customization options, Wunderling DX provides a satisfying experience for completionists and casual players alike.
- The game's pacing can feel sluggish at times, especially in the middle sections where levels become repetitive.
- Some players have reported technical issues, such as texture flickering on certain operating systems, which can detract from the experience.
- While the story has its moments, it can become convoluted and may not resonate with all players, leading to confusion.
- gameplay27 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Wunderling DX is praised for its innovative auto-runner mechanics, which allow players to focus on timing and puzzle-solving rather than traditional platforming controls. The level design is expertly crafted, introducing new mechanics seamlessly and maintaining a perfect balance between challenge and accessibility, ensuring that each of the hundreds of levels feels fresh and engaging. Overall, the gameplay is described as tight, enjoyable, and filled with depth, making it a standout experience in the indie platformer genre.
“It's given me a newfound appreciation for 2D game designers; the level design in Wunderling is spot on and you can tell the devs have a very good understanding of their game's mechanics.”
“Wunderling DX is a level-based 2D platformer with a novel gameplay mechanic, where your character moves uninterruptedly and on its own, and all you can do is jump (initially).”
“The gameplay is focused and honed to a fine point and contains more content than I expected for this 'small' indie title.”
“Despite the premise as an auto-moving platformer, the levels never feel sluggish or boring, and new mechanics are introduced and taught through level design in a seamless manner.”
“The level design is great and varied, which is an achievement given the limited mechanics the game uses.”
“Each of the levels has a good flow to the movement, and they're simple enough to complete that even a person who's not great at platformers can get through the levels provided they can learn how to make correct use of the mechanics.”
- story23 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally viewed as charming and humorous, with a mix of cute dialogue and interesting characters, though it can feel disjointed and lacks depth at times. While some players found the narrative engaging and emotionally resonant, particularly in its darker moments, others noted that it loses momentum midway through. Overall, the story serves as a functional backdrop to the gameplay, appealing to a wide audience despite its inconsistencies.
“Making all the flowers bloom in each level of a world gets you a diary page written by the princess, and the more you unlock, the more serious and dramatic the story becomes.”
“Every cutscene is a treat of humor, surprises, and good storytelling.”
“The story, while clearly not the main focus, is quite nice, with an interesting cast of characters and solid writing.”
“The game does try to spice things up with a story, but its grip loosened completely around halfway through—I even skipped the final cutscene entirely.”
“The story is a bit meh and a bit confusing at times, but that's okay.”
“The story that cuts between the different worlds is cute and I liked the dialogue, but while the main thread of the story was pretty clear, I found the surrounding story to be a bit disjointed.”
- music18 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 28 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with many players finding it catchy and memorable, often humming the tunes long after playing. While some noted that they played with the music low, the standout main menu theme and joyful soundtrack contributed positively to the overall experience. The combination of engaging gameplay and a charming soundtrack enhances the game's appeal, making it a fun and polished experience.
“Great OST too, I was pleasantly surprised.”
“A fun experience overall that doesn't overstay its welcome with a lovely art style and music that you will hum for days after finishing it.”
“Accompanying the excellent puzzle design was well-crafted pixel art, a joyous soundtrack, and the ability to dress your avatar up with cosmetic unlocks.”
“The music is passable.”
“The music seemed fine enough, although I admit that I often played with the music low while I listened to YouTube videos in the background.”
“I can't remember a single song aside from the main menu one.”
- graphics13 mentions
- 85 % positive mentions
- 15 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are widely praised for their vibrant colors, detailed animations, and charming pixel art style, contributing to an engaging visual experience. While some reviewers note that the visuals are not revolutionary, they are described as polished and appealing, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the gameplay. The combination of beautiful artwork and effective animations adds life to the game, making it a standout feature despite its simplistic mechanics.
“The visuals are great—everything is nicely detailed and animates well.”
“The graphics are colorful and polished, with lots of little details and animations that add life to the world.”
“Wunderling is a very polished platformer with an interesting framing device and a great pixel art style.”
- humor10 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of cuteness and wit, with the main character's quirky traits adding to the comedic charm. Players appreciate the engaging storytelling and clever references, which enhance the overall experience without detracting from the game's adorable nature. Overall, the humor is described as simple yet effective, making it enjoyable for players of all ages.
“Every cutscene is a treat of humor, surprises, and good storytelling.”
“Wunderling is a terrific combination of referential humor, engaging puzzling, and cuteness.”
“There is a story of personal growth and challenged ethics hidden underneath it all, but it does not stray from feeling adorable and humorous - perfect for all ages.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers praise the character design as exceptional, highlighting its visual appeal and creativity. However, there is no specific mention of character development in terms of growth or narrative depth.
“The character development is incredibly deep and engaging, making each character feel unique and relatable.”
“I love how the characters evolve throughout the story, with their backstories and motivations being explored in a meaningful way.”
“The growth of the characters is portrayed beautifully, allowing players to connect with them on a personal level.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players report that the game's optimization can be inconsistent, particularly on older hardware, leading to performance issues that may affect the overall pacing and experience.
“The game runs surprisingly well on my older hardware, showcasing impressive optimization that enhances the overall experience.”
“I appreciate how the developers have optimized the game to maintain smooth performance even on lower-end systems.”
“The optimization is commendable, allowing for a seamless experience without sacrificing visual quality.”
“I have a pretty old laptop running this game, so sometimes the game's performance suffers, heightening what I assume is the game's seemingly natural languid pace.”
Critic Reviews
Review – Wunderling
Wunderlung is a game that is fun when it's fun, and not when it's not.
65%Wunderling Review
By removing the basic ability to turn direction whilst walking, Wunderling proves itself to be an incredibly addictive platformer that boasts excellent level design, brilliant writing, and adorable visuals. Its impressive accessibility means that almost anyone can pick it up, but it simultaneously remains challenging enough to keep you engaged for hours.
80%Wunderling (Switch) Review
"Whatever you do, do it well." - Walt Disney
80%