Featured Image Credit: DIE SOFT
Topics: Super Mario, Mario, PC, Steam, Indie Games
A charming new platformer has made its way to PC storefront Steam, and it makes for a decent alternative to Mario.
It goes without saying that Mario is a titan of the platforming genre, but the famed plumber is a console exclusive.
That isn’t going to change anytime soon so if you’re looking for a platforming fix on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, you’ll need to consider other franchises.
Of course, there are plenty of brilliant platformers out there, but Little Nemo and the Guardians of Slumberland is one you might not have heard of.
Advert
Developed and published by DIE SOFT, this delightful little game is inspired by the NES era and sees you explore a dream world as small child Nemo.
It blends platforming with metroidvania style exploration as you traverse the world in a non-linear way, with hand-animated visuals making every single frame a true feast for the eyes.
“You’ll explore as you collect new ability-granting toys and PJs, discover enchanting lands inspired by Winsor McCay’s Little Nemo comics, and encounter a colourful cast of characters — all through the nostalgic lens of an ‘80s/’90s kid,” reads the synopsis.
“Whether you're looking for a hand-animated love letter to your NES platformer favourites, or have been considering trying your first metroidvania, this is for you!”
Throughout your playthrough, you’ll take on challenging bosses amidst the platforming in an experience that is said to last for 10 to 15 hours.
Within Nemo’s bedroom, you can switch up your PJs with each pair enabling new abilities.
The whole release of Little Nemo and the Guardians of Slumberland isn’t free, instead setting you back £16.75, so it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg either.
However, you can sample a respectable slice of the game via a free demo that’s available on Steam.
You can choose from a challenging or comfortable difficulty as you progress through several stages of the game.
It offers the chance to get to grips with the controls, explore, and encounter the Professor, an NPC who can offer handy tips.
At the time of writing, Little Nemo and the Guardians of Slumberland boasts an impressive score of 91% on Steam with players having a great time following the game’s launch just a couple of weeks ago.
READ MORE: Nintendo Drops Strangest Exclusive Freebie You'll Ever See On Switch
“Beautiful art, great music, and excellent metroidvania design. I was especially impressed with how interconnected the areas were, with lots of secrets to find,” wrote one happy player.
Download the demo and give it a whirl.