I was incredibly pumped when I saw the platforming resurgence with Sony. In my opinion, it’s about time. And although I’m not a huge fan of Sumo Digital, this looked worth giving them the benefit of the doubt, and my God, am I glad I did. I’ll keep this review focused but believe me, I could go on for page after page about this game as almost every single part of it is insanely well crafted.
Gameplay
So, Sackboy is simple. It’s your standard platforming affair and that’s why it’s so fun. Sure it could have been more complex but you need to walk before you can run and does Sackboy have such a walk! Every world has a wide variety of stages with a decent level of variety. Sometimes, it’s bog-standard, other times you are riding down rapids. Every world after World 1 tends to have its own “gimmick” in terms of a weapon or item you can equip that is required to get through the level.
Every world has a superbly well-crafted music level, where the entire theme and props in the level are related to the music and everything moves with a rhythm. Maybe I’m a sucker for these things, but they are, in my opinion, some of the best-designed levels in the game. All the levels also have tons of collectibles that are very well hidden, giving even more reason to revisit these amazing levels.
There are also co-op-only levels, which can be played with people online. The levels are genuinely some of the best levels I’ve ever experienced in a long time in a platformer. They are so well crafted that it can not be overstated.
Boss Encounters
Where things fall flat are the boss encounters. Especially Vex’s, which are generally quite uninspired and, at least in Vex’s case, rather repetitive. Given they are no more uninspired than your modern Mario boss, but seeing as how this game exceeds modern Mario games in every other regard, this was a big let-down.
Graphics
Now, this is where the game shines on PS5. It looks good on all platforms, but on the PS5 there are extra little details, like flakes of snow and so many other granular details such as SSR, plus the visual boost to near-native 4k resolution, that really makes the game pop. The game doesn’t have Ray Tracing, but due to the nature of the game and the camera, SSR gives off nearly the same effect.
The art is amazing and Sackboy looks fantastic with a great use of alpha effects to really make him look like, well, a sack boy. It is, in my opinion, the most beautiful game on the PS5. The game looks amazing, the art style is solid, and the worlds are brimming with life. It is truly a visual spectacle, the strongest showing on the system, and a truly memorable visual experience.
Sound
The game shines here again. Almost all the tracks are memorable, the enemy sounds, Sackboy’s sounds, everything is superbly done. Every stage, every world, everything audibly and visually unique, refined, and memorable. Nothing feels poorly done in this regard. In addition, the voice cast’s performance is brilliant. Everyone’s amazing but Dawn French and Richard E. Grant naturally stick out. It is rare for me to say this, but the whole audio package comes together almost flawlessly.
Summary
To conclude, Sackboy: A Big Adventure is the best platformer I have played in years, far surpassing modern Mario games. It is overflowing with love and is a clear passion project. Almost every inch is sublimely crafted, and even when it falters, you can feel the genuine attempt to make something great. It is for me the best launch game for the PS5. A visual spectacle that is unforgettable, with levels that enthrall you and an audio experience that really caresses the senses.
It’s been such a long time since I felt so much passion and joy playing a game that it genuinely took me by surprise. it’s an old-school nostalgia package with excellent modern paint. If you own a PS4 or a PS5 and enjoy platformers, you absolutely must play this. And even if you don’t like platformers, I implore you to give it a try. It’s definitely worth your time.