Adventures of Chris - THEE Review
Adventures of Chris is a modern adventure platformer with a serious love for the past. It takes the kind of games that were ubiquitous in the Nintendo/Super Nintendo era and gives it a modern sheen. Most platformers you might be familiar with had little-to-no narrative structure, but that is one thing that sets Adventures of Chris apart. While still throwing you into the deep end of the world and forcing you to accept it, the game is filled with charming dialogue that is easy to skip for those just wanting to get straight to gameplay. The dialogue present in the game helps to build stakes of the world and exactly the kind of character Chris is, which I couldn’t help but become incredibly attached to because I am an egomaniac and saw myself in Chris on more than just appearances. Through the criticism he constantly receives, Chris remains hopeful and optimistic. Despite being surrounded by others who doubt him, balloon or otherwise, he still chooses to do everything he can to save some kids who he doesn’t know just because it’s the right thing to do. A self-proclaimed nobody, he still is willing to sacrifice everything in order to do what’s right.
The game plays like a Disney platformer mixed with a bit of Megaman. For anyone who grew up renting a wide variety of licensed platformers from the local video store, you will feel right at home with Adventures of Chris. The game features a surprising amount of classic mechanics including multiple power-ups, health and magic upgrades, and even a world map. You can choose to tackle any level in any order though some are slightly harder than others till certain abilities are unlocked. Each level is based on a real-world location taking you from the great barrier reef to frigid Siberia. The levels themselves feature platforming that is unique to Chris’s ability to inflate and deflate like a balloon. You will be faced off against a menagerie of baddies, spikes, and other level hazards for you to navigate through. At the end of each level lies a checkpoint that you can use to return to the hub world to upgrade before entering the level’s boss room. Each boss offers a good challenge and all are unique and creative. One boss encounter has you facing off against a giant scorpion who is outside the room smashing his claws and tail through the outside walls. By the end of the 5-6 hour campaign, you will have accumulated multiple attacks, armor, and upgraded spells, making you dramatically feel stronger and more mobile.
The artwork feels like a Saturday morning cartoon indicative of the time. A conscious choice by the developer does set this aesthetic apart from many modern-day platformers that rely heavily on the nostalgia of pixel art. It was accompanied by an endearing (yet short) cartoon intro that encapsulates that early 90’s vibe. Every sprite and animation is consistent throughout featuring a wide variety of cartoon animals and creatures. Each level is themed after a different location in the world and provides just enough context to make each locale feel different. The soundtrack features 20+ tracks that all feel right at home in a retro game soundtrack. You can hear the inspirations from games like Contra, Final Fantasy, and other classics throughout the course of the game. The title theme Fly High with its sweeping uplifting orchestral, Ice cave with its haunting echoing melody, and Bamavania a nod to Castlevania with pipe organs, choir bells, and bass guitar were a few that stood out to me.
Adventures of Chris as a whole is an inspiring game in every sense; from the incredibly small team that made this game, to the story behind its development and growth. If you’re looking for a love letter to the classics and a little bit of nostalgia dressed up in a great-looking game and fun mechanics, be sure to pick up Adventures of Chris!
Adventures of Chris is available NOW on Steam and Nintendo Switch.
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