The Plucky Squire is an enchanting story about Jot, a brave young squire, and his friends who live in a children’s storybook. One day, the main villain of the book, Humgrump (also known as Ragecuite in French), discovers that he is destined to repeatedly lose against our young hero. In a fit of rage, he decides to kick Jot out of the book in order to rewrite the story and ensure his victory.

Our hero finds himself in a strange 3D world, which is actually the bedroom of a young human named Sam. Jot is amazed by the new surroundings and meets Sam’s toys, who are alive and can talk just like the characters in his book. He learns that he needs to find his way back to the storybook and save his friends from the clutches of the evil Humgrump.

With the help of his new toy friends, Jot embarks on an exciting journey back into the book. He discovers that Humgrump has created a new world that is filled with danger and obstacles to prevent Jot from reaching his friends. But our hero is not one to back down from a challenge, and he faces each obstacle with courage and determination.

As he makes his way through the treacherous world, Jot learns important lessons about friendship, loyalty, and perseverance. He also gains new allies who join him in his quest to defeat Humgrump and save the storybook world. Ultimately, Jot’s bravery and wit lead him to a final showdown with Humgrump, where he must confront the villain and emerge victorious.

The Plucky Squire is a heartwarming tale that is sure to captivate readers of all ages. With its vivid descriptions and lovable characters, it takes us on a magical journey that reminds us of the power of imagination and the importance of never giving up on our dreams.

Graphics

What can we say other than WOW! The Plucky Squire may not be at the cutting edge of technology. The Plucky Squire may not be the technical masterpiece of 2024, but The Plucky Squire is beautifully captivating. The game’s artistic direction is one of its great successes, developed by All Possible Futures in 2D and 3D. This adventure game seamlessly and in real-time transitions between different art styles, creating a visually enchanting universe. Published by Devolver Digital, the game is visually stunning and continuously surprises players with each chapter. The journey of Jot is not only visually refreshing, but also technically solid, which enhances the joy of discovery.

Gameplay

The Plucky Squire is a video game that has managed to surprise everyone with its unique potpourri approach to gameplay, which is a blend of old and contemporary titles. The game draws its inspiration from various video games, with the most obvious influence being The Legend of Zelda, including both the older episodes like Link’s Awakening on Gameboy and the more recent ones like A Link Between Worlds on Nintendo 3DS. Throughout the adventure, the game references various genres of art, evoking a sense of nostalgia in players through clever additions that go beyond mere homage.

All Possible Futures, another game that incorporates many mini-games and playful sequences, inspired The Plucky Squire. The game has taken inspiration from titles like Punch Out!!, Baba is You, and formerly major genres like Shoot’em Up. The concept of The Plucky Squire revolves around the protagonist’s ability to switch between 2D and 3D using portals in the levels. The game is structured around puzzle-solving that intelligently exploits this gameplay mechanic without overusing it. The hero can also modify the text in the book’s pages in real-time to alter the world around him. The effects of these modifications are immediate and often fun, with Jot being rewarded with animations and reactions that put a sincere smile on the player’s face.

Although the gameplay session lasted only 30 minutes, it was enough to get a glimpse of the depth of The Plucky Squire. The game constantly seeks renewal even within a single level, with boss battles, jetpack sequences, archery encounters, combinations of Magic the Gathering and Pokémon, and much more being part of this magical epic. The game manages to forge its own identity amid the flood of references, intelligently alternating between the 2D and 3D worlds, sometimes blending them together, and mixing all these ideas that come and go in the levels to surprise players.

Despite the game’s cute appearance, it can be challenging. The Plucky Squire knows how to defend itself without turning the experience into a grueling ordeal. It simply requires analytical skills and reflexes to survive this magical journey, and the overall gameplay experience is both rewarding and satisfying.

Story

The Plucky Squire is a captivating tale that centers around the heroic quest to rescue Jot’s world from the clutches of the malevolent Humgrump. The narrative is expertly crafted by the writers, who have managed to strike a perfect balance between simplicity and intrigue. The story unfolds through minimalist yet compelling dialogue bubbles and charming 2D sequences that resemble interactive children’s books. The characters are well-developed and add depth and personality to the story, making it easy for the audience to connect with them on an emotional level. Overall, The Plucky Squire is a testament to the power of storytelling, and it is sure to captivate audiences of all ages.

Content

The Plucky Squire is a captivating game that has been exclusively designed for solo play. All Possible Futures, the game’s developer, has made a conscious decision not to include any multiplayer mode, even after launch, and this decision is understandable given the game’s design. The game’s mechanics and storyline are tailored to be experienced individually, making it best suited for enjoying on the couch. The game’s main adventure takes around 5 to 7 hours to complete, and it offers two difficulty modes: “Story” mode, which is perfect for beginners, and “Adventure” mode, which is more challenging and ideal for experienced players. It is worth noting that the game will have French subtitles, making it more accessible to a wider audience. So if you’re looking for a game that you can immerse yourself in for several hours while enjoying a captivating storyline, The Plucky Squire is the perfect choice for you.

Conclusion

I had the chance to experience The Plucky Squire and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The adventure game is set to release on both PC and consoles in 2024 and I can confidently say it will be a game-changer. The developers put a lot of effort into creating a visually stunning game with an impressive combination of 2D/3D art. But what stood out the most was the gameplay experience. The game mechanics were unparalleled, providing an immersive adventure like no other. From the start to the end, All Possible Futures delivered on its promise and I believe it will be one of the top games of the year.