Back in my younger days, my most favourite genre of game was the 3D platformer – especially collectathons. Growing up mostly on the N64 generation and onward, I was treated to delights such as Banjo Kazooie, Gex, Crash Bandicoot, Mario 64, and the nostalgiarifficly-underrated Bugs Bunny & Taz: Time Busters.
Lunastice quickly joined the (fairly sizeable) lineup of 3D platformers I really enjoy. Inspired by PS1/Dreamcast offerings, you play as Hana the Tanuki and speed through a variety of levels to a great sounding OST. Along the way you collect gems, smack enemies and try to find hidden HANA letters that usually have you doing a degree of exploration. There’s also a rank system per level, with the aim of collecting all gems and hitting the goal without a single life lost.
Achievement wise, you’ll mostly be progressing through the game and aiming for S ranks per level. The speed at which you can do this will rely on your ability to…not die. I died a lot initially, but quickly got in to a platforming groove.
To me, a 3D platformer goes from good to great by allowing you to experiment with the level design, moveset and physics to speed through a level, cutting corners wherever you can. Lunastice was a great example of this and I often loaded up levels just to see how fast I could go.
The best part about this one was the steal of a price at £3something on sale. Combined with a 14 hour playtime to 100% completion, I call it a win.
