Pipistrello and the Cursed Yo-Yo is a top-down 2D GBA-style metroidvania with a strong identity and distinctive pixel-art style. I play as Pippit, a young bat who returns to a corrupt city to find out why his aunt – the former ruler – is trapped in a cursed yo-yo. Although it all seems silly, the story quickly turns into political intrigue, with characters commenting on repression, loss of purpose, and failed community.
The main mechanic revolves around a yo-ya which is used to fight, move and solve puzzles. Everything is precise and fast, especially when advanced moves like ricochet are unlocked. Boss fights are creative: one uses musical waves to attack, another redirects my moves through magnetic walls. The game does not overcrowd the map, but clearly guides progress through new abilities.
The graphics are retro, yet modern: the colors are bold, the animations are smooth, and each area has its own aesthetic and musical identity. One part looks like a glitched market from Katamari Damacy, the other resembles an abandoned techno-park with the ghosts of workers. The dialogues are not only strange, but they can hit the core, especially when the characters comment on dehumanization, nostalgia and loss of control on the fly.
Pipistrello is not the deepest metroidvania, but it is surprisingly personal, witty and mechanically precise. If you like EarthBound, Metroid, and indie games with something real behind the colorful pixels, you'll find plenty here.
A review copy of the game was provided by publisher PM Studios, Inc.
