If you missed Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo, you’ve missed one of this week’s standout indie titles. Developed by Pocket Trap, creators of the sports RPG Dodgeball Academia, this self-proclaimed “yoyovania” offers a fresh take on the retro action-adventure genre. Set in a sprawling, underbelly city, Pipistrello is a top-down experience where your yoyo is the primary weapon, allowing for ranged attacks and long-range item acquisition. Critics have embraced the game, giving it a stellar 88/100 on both Metacritic and OpenCritic. Steam users, though limited to 11 reviews at the time of this writing, have praised it unanimously. This is a game worth exploring.

A creative and visually stunning take on a retro classic

Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo captivates with its vibrant pixel art. From the intricate urban landscapes to the colorful cast of characters—both allies and foes—the game is a visual feast. The protagonist, Pippit, a self-proclaimed yo-yo master, stands out with his flowing red jacket, easily mistaken for that of a masked vigilante rather than a brash youngster. The antagonists, representing various city industries upset by the Pipistrello family’s power monopoly, add depth to the narrative.

The story begins with Pippit returning home to find four rivals attempting to dismantle the family’s power. They capture Pippit’s aunt’s soul, storing it in four batteries to fuel their quest for unlimited energy. Pippit manages to retrieve a fragment of his aunt’s soul and escapes to a safe room, which serves as the game’s hub. To restore his aunt’s soul, he must confront each of the four rivals and reclaim their batteries.

Combat is unexpectedly engaging, showcasing the creative potential of a yo-yo as a weapon. Simple attacks are reliable, while more intricate maneuvers deliver significant satisfaction. For example, using angled surfaces to ricochet the yo-yo and strike multiple enemies simultaneously is both clever and rewarding. As the game progresses, Pippit unlocked new yo-yo tricks, but the core mechanics remain inventive and fun to master.

While the trailer may suggest complexity, the game’stutorial approach is thoughtful. Rather than overwhelming players with text, it introduces mechanics gradually through puzzles and increasingly challenging encounters. By the first level’s end, players have a solid grasp of the core systems.

Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is now available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam, the Xbox Store, and the Epic Games Store. For the best experience, a controller is recommended. The game offers a charming experience that would likely adapt well to portable platforms like the Switch or Steam Deck, though I haven’t yet had the chance to test this myself.