Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel for PS5 is a reboot of the beloved 1994 platformer that originally debuted on the Sega Genesis and SNES. The original Zero was a spinoff of the Aero the Acro-Bat series, known for its quirky characters, inventive levels, and fast-paced gameplay. The PS5 reboot breathes new life into the kamikaze squirrel’s adventures while maintaining the charm that made it a cult favorite. Here’s a breakdown of the game’s elements and overall experience.
Developer:Â Shinyuden
Publisher: Ratalaika Games
Release Date:Â 6 October 2024
Thanks to Ratalaika Games and PR Hound for the review code.
Story and Characters
In Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel, you play as Zero, a squirrel-turned-ninja with a distinctive kamikaze-style dive attack. The plot follows Zero on a mission to stop the villainous lumber baron Jacques Le Sheets, who is cutting down the forests of his homeland to make counterfeit money from trees. The story remains simple but engaging, with quirky humor and over-the-top dialogue, perfectly suited for its outlandish setting.
The reboot expands the narrative slightly, offering more backstory and fleshing out characters through well-animated cutscenes. There are some new additions to the cast, including rival ninja animals and helpful allies. While the narrative isn’t groundbreaking, it does offer enough depth to motivate you through the levels and feels faithful to the original while adding a modern flair.
Gameplay
Where Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel shines brightest is in its gameplay. It’s a classic platformer at heart, but the PS5 version introduces a mix of old-school mechanics with modern innovations. The fast-paced, high-flying platforming that made the original fun is intact, but it’s now complemented by fluid controls, enhanced combat mechanics, and beautifully designed levels.
Zero’s signature kamikaze dive is still central to the action, allowing for fast, precise takedowns of enemies. The controls are tight, making Zero feel agile and responsive, which is critical for the game’s many challenging platforming sections. Combat feels more dynamic, with additional attack moves and combinations that let you chain together aerial dives, kicks, and slashes.
One standout feature is the level design. The game features a variety of stages, from lush forests and mechanical factories to bizarre, surreal landscapes that fit the game’s tone. Each level is full of hidden areas and collectibles, offering replay value and rewarding exploration.
However, the difficulty might be a bit steep for newcomers. Some sections require pixel-perfect jumps and a lot of patience, harkening back to the 90s era of punishing platformers. For those who enjoy a challenge, it’s a welcome design choice, but it could frustrate more casual players.
Visuals and Sound
The PS5 upgrade gives Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel a visually stunning makeover. The environments are vibrant and detailed, with smooth animations that bring the cartoonish world to life. Character designs are sharp and full of personality, while the bosses are appropriately menacing and inventive.
The game runs at a crisp 60 frames per second, ensuring smooth performance throughout, even during the most hectic moments. The lighting and particle effects during attacks and explosions add a modern layer of polish that elevates the experience.
The sound design is equally impressive, featuring an energetic soundtrack that blends retro-inspired tunes with modern production. Each level has its own theme, adding to the atmosphere and keeping the auditory experience fresh. The voice acting, while intentionally exaggerated, fits the game’s quirky tone and helps bring the characters to life.
Final Verdict
Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel on PS5 is a fantastic homage to the classic 90s platformer while successfully modernizing it for today’s audience. The mix of tight platforming, dynamic combat, and stylish visuals creates a fun and satisfying experience, particularly for fans of the original or the platformer genre in general. While its difficulty spikes may deter casual players, the challenge adds depth for those looking for a throwback to more demanding games.
If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced, visually stunning platformer with a retro heart, Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel is well worth the dive.