Ufouria: The Saga 2 Review (PS5)

There’s something special to a retro gamer about the resurrection of a cult classic, as it either gives a hidden gem a new lease of life, or it introduces gamers to a series they’ve never heard of before. Sunsoft has capitalised on this idea, as Tasto Alpha has developed the single player platform game, Ufouria: The Saga 2, which manages to combine being part-remake and part-sequel of an underappreciated NES game called Ufouria: The Saga — released as Hebereke on the Famicom in 1991.

As a quadruple U-four-ia team, you throw Popoons to environmentally clean dirty Bumyons, which evil spaceman Utsujin has littered across the planet. The key action-adventure gameplay mechanic is to swap between four companions: main character Mr. Hebe alternates skills between O-Chan, who can swim on the surface of water, Sukezaemon, who floats across longer jumps, and Jennifer, who sinks into deeper pools to find underwater caves.

In a similar approach to Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap — as a light introduction to Metroidvania tropes — you explore a map to find traditionally arranged stages, which randomly alter as you backtrack, and levels branch out from an interconnecting World Atlas. For example, early on you observe unreachable platforms, which Hebe can return to later with a Suction Cup ability to climb adjacent walls.

The illustrated picturebook graphics are adorable, even if the fabrics and feltwork aren’t as intricate as Yoshi’s Woolly World. The iron bead effects are a creative way of displaying dialogue, and areas like Shady Forest’s burnt umber autumnal colours are striking. Naoki Kodaka’s remade NES music includes standouts like Horizon Tree’s carousel tune and Inky Caves’ Egyptian sounds, but Hebe’s House’s main theme becomes repetitive and could grate on the ears.

Younger gamers might forgive an under four-hour main game and a non-existent difficulty curve, but unfortunately, the tasks necessary for a Platinum only shallowly extend the game’s length. Even a Vending Machine purchase of a CRT television to make enemies more powerful didn’t noticeably increase the gentle difficulty. Timing each Butt Bounce is fun, but boss encounters are overly simple, plus collecting Utsu-cans and four rocket ship parts feels like busy work.

Other additions only superficially extend longevity, including a bookcase collection of your progress, and aesthetically upgrading Hebe’s House, although Hidden Art scrolls give each of the four characters individualised special moves. Ultimately, Ufouria: The Saga 2 provides no reason to return as compelling as searching for hidden background bubbles to free residents in Klonoa: Door to Phantomile.