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It’s the perfect platformer to play on the go for Nintendo Switch, and it’s a great choice for a family with younger kids who want to play something a bit more challenging. Still just as colorful and goofy as the original game, but in a more cohesive package, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Layer features a special hub world that is itself a big puzzle filled with opportunities for collectibles and unlocking even more levels, and you can even flip a switch to alter the levels you’ve already beaten. For the sequel, developer Playtonic took a much different approach, switching the game to a sidescrolling perspective that allowed its charm and simplicity to shine more clearly. The original Yooka-Laylee game was a spiritual successor to the Banjo-Kazooie series, but its homage to classic 3D platforming came up short because the genre hasn’t experienced much growth over the last few decades. The $3 price makes Downwell a steal, but you should splurge for the Flip Grip to play Downwell comfortably with a vertical orientation. On Switch, it’s a perfect game for quick bursts in handheld mode. A round of Downwell can last anywhere from seconds to a handful of minutes, depending on your skill level. Basically, no matter what you have in your arsenal, you’re always facing an uphill battle (ironic, huh?). Power-ups are rewarded at the bottom of each stage, but each level ups the challenge. With guns attached to your boots that only recharge when you touch the ground safely, it’s a constant battle between the offensive and defensive. As a rogue-like, each time you make your descent, the layout of the well changes. Avoiding obstacles, enemies, and projectiles is an arduous endeavor that forces you to think and move on the fly.
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Since you’re falling at a rapid pace, you would think you’re already ahead of the game, right? Not so fast. Rendered in black and white, the premise is simple: Make it to the bottom. Downwell, a game about a man falling down a well in a park, has been available since 2015 on mobile devices.
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