Bloody Hell, a Metroidvania Where You Can Hug a Dinosaur? Primal Planet Has My Attention!
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
Primal Planet is an upcoming Metroidvania that's got people excited because it lets you explore a lush prehistoric world, battle dinosaurs, and, most importantly, hug your dinosaur companion – sounds like a wonderfully charming and surprising adventure!
Right, so imagine a game where you're a caveman, you've got a family, and oh yeah, you can hug a dinosaur. Sounds a bit bonkers, doesn't it? Well, that's Primal Planet, and according to a recent preview, it's shaping up to be something rather special.
IGN South Africa reckons this Metroidvania title is one of the most charming they've encountered in ages. High praise, indeed! Apparently, it's not necessarily reinventing the wheel, but the components are so lovingly crafted that it's hard to put down. That's a good sign, eh? We're talking about a game with an "inexhaustible reservoir of creativity, color, motion, and wonder." I'm already intrigued.
One of the things that stands out is the emphasis on...hugs. Yes, you read that right. Hugs! You can hug your wife, your daughter, and, most importantly, Sino the Dino. I mean, who wouldn't want to hug a dinosaur? It's like they reached into my soul and pulled out my deepest desires.
But it's not all about the hugs, mate. Your family members are actually helpful companions. Your wife's handy with a bow and arrow, and your daughter… well, you can carry her, which is surprisingly endearing. And Sino? He's a friendly attack dog dino who can eat small enemies to restore health. Sounds like a right proper team to me.
The world itself seems to be a character in its own right. Day and night cycles dynamically change the environment, turning beautiful vistas into menacing hunting grounds. And the dinosaurs! Dinosaurs are just inherently awesome, aren't they? Primal Planet seems to understand this, presenting them with a Jurassic Park-level of enthusiasm. Expect diverse appearances, behaviors, and a healthy dose of terror.
Mechanically, it's a solid Metroidvania. We're talking platforming, combat, and exploration done right. Levels are cunningly designed to hide secrets and alternate paths. Curiosity is rewarded, and there are plenty of surprises to be found. It's a world of quick deaths and constant twists and turns, but not in a frustrating way. Sounds like just the right amount of challenge, doesn't it?
There's also a progression and crafting system. You earn XP and Skill Points, which you can use to unlock abilities like double jumps and weapon proficiencies. You can even upgrade Sino! Resources can be crafted into weapons, tools, and medicine. Resource gathering is a reward for exploring and finding hidden areas. Sounds like a decent loop, fair dinkum.
The attention to detail and environmental storytelling sounds spot-on too. UFOs beaming up dinosaurs in the background? Yes, please! Family creating cave paintings after a major story beat? Lovely stuff! It's all about showing, not telling, which is always a plus.
So, while Primal Planet might not be reinventing the wheel, it seems to be doing everything else exceptionally well. It combines prehistoric beasts, science fiction, excellent platforming, incredible art, and a dash of feels. What more could you want?
I'll be keeping a close eye on this one. A Metroidvania where you can hug a dinosaur? Sign me up!
Tags: Metroidvania, Indie Games, Dinosaurs, Platformer, Adventure
Original article: IGN South Africa