Marsupilami: Hoobadventure (REVIEW) - It's an adventure out there.

Well, it’s about time this hero returns, am I right?
No? OH THIS IS A HOOO-BOI DAY.

Title: Marsupilami: Hoobadventure!
Developer: Ocellus Studio
Publisher: Microids
Price: $29.99 USD (Physical and Digital)
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Review Copy Provided: Yes
Date Reviewed: November 15th, 2021

It seems that it took some time for Marsuplami to return after so long since, his Books starting it off and TV Shows then, now even hearing a new show and game coming along it was time to probably check out this game to review shall we?

Introduction (Mostly a Summary of it)

“Am I in a Donkey Kong game?”
The game sets off as a mysterious ghost becomes released from a tomb that places a terrible curse on all the living animals.
 Unfortunately for them, the three Marsupilamis are somehow immuned to it?
 The heroes will have to go on a quest, and chase the ghost in order to ward off the spell from their clutches.
First of all, this feels like getting a DK Country Returns reference in one sitting cause the game also begins where Animals become possessed in someway, yet in DK Country Returns the Enemies become under their control with a certain song, yet DK and his friends were immune to it, so causing them to go venture forth to stop them from being in their island.

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Gameplay, controls, Graphics, etc.

“What a Hoob-venture!”
While playing the game I do get high vibes of Donkey Kong Country, Rayman: Legends/Origins, New Super Lucky Tale, Crash 4 but in a 2D side scrolling platformer and it feels more of DK just if anyone is asking in most aspects.
There are three playable characters; known as Punch, Twister and Hope that are almost the same sort of.
CONTINUE IT HERE: While playing there is modes that bring a challenge these difficulties are in here is a nice touch so bringing it up a notch makes it more a better gaming experience (will explain more deeper in), this title also runs pretty well on the PC from my end here, so kudos to the developers on the PC port.
The soundtrack is a nice improvement from some games Microids published (IM LOOKIN AT YOU SMURFS: MISSION VILEAF AND THE XII REMAKE) plus giving a SpongeBob and New Super Lucky’s Tale vibes, and nice in each level giving me a Rayman Legends/Origins vibe in every way.
Although, Hoobadventure does have a life system which is only two hearts which is a lot like Donkey Kong Country for sure in all angles in this way which makes a more fun experience with it’s Harder difficulty..
Now to everyone in difficulty let’s talk about them, only go for the Hard for the true experience with 2 hearts, but if you want another heart then Normal it is to go, but if new or have a kid who wants to start playing games ever then easy mode it is, but the issue is that Hard mode feels like normal, and it’s just three hearts but one being robbed in your hands, yet it’s a better option if you liked DK Country: Tropical Freeze or DK Country Returns, Although will get a harder around at world 3 especially Hide and Spike which we will be getting back into it soon. The Graphics look really good and sometimes look beautiful in the backgrounds almost like it reminds of the comics or TV Show with that CG Cartoony style. And the redesigns are also fantastic as while they feel different still feel the same for that OG design of the characters (similar to Crash 4).
For controls as a starters it is quite simple and easy to go around, making go in full speed with your tail, or to use your tail like a whip, although the characters feel really slow in movement, but the roll feels better when needing to speed up the gameplay for sure and very ol’ reliable when coming toward the time trials, yet can be too fast to control if pressed too much (reminds me of Sonic, ok WHY DOES THIS REMIND OF MANY GAMES).
     The achievements in the game are quite easy to unlock though. 
What really disappoints me is the short amount of Worlds there are in the game, 3 worlds can be too fast in completing them each level but it’s reasonable though.
Now with all 3 Worlds brought up some collectibles, and extra levels.
With the levels being 28 (including the Boss levels and Bonus levels) The main collectibles are the feathers which are hidden in all levels with only 5 to collect (Sometime 3 in the boss levels) these are not only require for the 100% system but also the to unlock 3D arts in the Gallery.
In the Gallery, it can also unlock alternate levels which are basically normal level (just nothing really special).
You, also do collect ticket in every Zipline sections of the game which basically you have to go to magical doors that are hidden in the levels to do a Dojo type Rings challenge where you go through Rings and get a certain amount of them before the time runs out and not only you get token to unlock a bonus section but these rainbow-ish type portal things where you unlock new music from the game to sit down as well as 100% the game.
One last thing to 100% is you get Time Trials kind of like Crash Bandicoot where you complete a level by rolling with tapping the square or X or Y button before the time runs, there are 3 you’ll get (Brown, Silver, and Gold.). Also when you defeat a Boss you’ll get rewarded with Shards that do unlock the concepts arts for Hoobadventure, Speaking of the bosses let’s talk about them.
So the bosses aren’t typically your normal boss fights as you run into the level while reaching for the end, and once you do it then prepare for a disappointment as the Boss is really easy to beat with pressing a button 30 times and overall is just disappointing the most. Like I know DKC Returns started like that with the beginning but as a Boss fights? Yea this pretty bad and feel lazy all of the sudden. Also with the tickets you unlock bonus levels which is basically running through a side scrolling level and collecting 1,000 fruits as possible just to grind for lives, while this is a cool concept the game is pretty easy together and you can already grind easy lives in normal levels but still pretty cool. Plus some of the Zipline Rings challenges do become available as separate levels and while it’s cool.
I have noticed that  are recycled  levels or on their own with making them harder or easier. Speaking of the alternate levels it’s time for a little rant on one.
​Mostly the level "Hide and Spike" is the the last Alternate Level to unlock and it’s worst level the game with a lot of boulders coming into the way and the level design being lackluster to remember, dodging boulders, and hiding while avoiding being hit or dying from boulders just to do the Time Trials and I do keep losing lives in my normal playthrough, while I complain that the Hoobadventure is too simple they made a level that’s frustratingly hard that took me a bit of rage in order to finally beating the Time Trial and thankfully 100% the game which is disappointing and a missed opportunity which I wish they tone down the difficulty a bit. Plus they knew the game was easier as the level ended with a “Congrats'' sign at the end just to let you know that they made it frustrating on purpose.
I really do suggest skipping these levels if you want it, but it’s going to be a doozy of a challenge for a Completionist.

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VERDICT

In Overall:
Marsupilami: Hoobadventure is a Fantastic return to the Comic Hero we all needed and it became one of my favorite games of all time, and really digged it so much.
​I recommend picking up, at your own risk.
Knowing the game costing $30 which is a bit pricey on a very short game that doesn’t have many content besides the Gallery.
I'd suggest to pick it up on a sale or if your a Marsupilami fan (especially myself with the 2000s TV Show and not the Disney version) or for children's who wants a fun and chilling platformer to get and get into the series then it’s the game for you. I’m hoping the new TV Series in CG will use the design and art style from this game as it is using the same characters from the game and as well for more Marsupilami games.
I personally, think this is better than the Genesis/Mega Drive game and a great return to the franchise and characters but honestly, you can be the real judge in all in the end.

Quote: : "Marsupilami Hoobadventure brings a fun treat for all"

Rating:   8/10
Pros:
Good Soundtrack
Amazing Graphics and Designs
-Speed Running levels are fun
- Vast, lovely worlds and locations
- Great Combinations of other games in some ways.
- Reasonable amount of levels and worlds.

Cons:
-Control movement feels slow and a little heavy, making you want to speed up with the roll.
- Feels too Easy to 100%  Achievements, and to obtain everything.
- Bad Boss Fights 

As Tim mostly says…
Till then, GAME ON! :)
-Alexandre Elkhoury (SpongeHog/Alex/Alexandre)