Working in a creative field in 2024 can be challenging, especially with the rise of AI and a constantly shifting media landscape. This sentiment resonates deeply within the video game industry, where passionate individuals strive to leave their mark, often facing the unpredictable nature of large corporations. The Plucky Squire captures this tension between creation and control, pitting its hero against a villain who seeks to homogenize the very storybook world they inhabit. Developed by All Possible Futures, this charming adventure game embraces optimism and creativity through its unique presentation, perspective-shifting gameplay, and heartfelt tributes to iconic games. While not overly challenging, The Plucky Squire is a delightful postmodern exploration of artistry and one of the most refreshing games of the year.
A Meta Adventure Unfolds
The Plucky Squire tells the tale of Jot and his artistic companions, who must confront the villainous Humgrump. Initially, the story unfolds like a typical fairy tale, but a pivotal moment grants Jot the ability to interact with the physical storybook itself. Forced out of the book by Humgrump, Jot gains the power to traverse between the storybook world, the real world of a child’s desk, and other illustrations within the book.
Jot walks on a book in The Plucky Squire.
Jot embarks on a quest both within and beyond the book’s pages to defeat Humgrump and preserve the integrity of the story. While the game starts slowly, it eventually tackles the complex relationship between artistic inspiration, the jealousy it can provoke, and the efforts some will undertake to replicate it without genuine creativity. The game’s meta narrative, far from being a detriment, becomes its core strength. In a creative landscape increasingly impacted by AI, the game’s exploration of artistic struggles and the importance of inspiration resonates deeply. It underscores the value of art, regardless of one’s profession, emphasizing the challenges artists face and the connection between creativity, legacy, and inspiration. While these themes could be weighty, The Plucky Squire presents them in an accessible and less intense manner than games like Immortality, ensuring it remains an enjoyable hero’s journey even for younger players.
Visual Charm and Artistic Exploration
The Plucky Squire not only champions creativity but embodies it through its own artistic presentation. The distinct style of James Turner, co-founder of All Possible Futures and known for his work on the Pokémon series, permeates every aspect of the game. The art is charming and full of personality, making the most of every visual element, even down to the in-game narration text.
A character slashes a snake with a sword in The Plucky Squire.
The game’s visual appeal extends beyond the storybook pages. All Possible Futures utilizes the premise to experiment with diverse art styles, reminiscent of Magic: The Gathering cards and colored pencil sketches. The inclusion of collectible art scrolls further immerses players in the creative process, showcasing concept art and offering insights into the game’s development. Unlike the more rigid style of a franchise like Pokémon, The Plucky Squire allows for unrestrained visual exploration, reflecting the very creativity it celebrates.
Gameplay Variety and Homages
Within the storybook, The Plucky Squire evokes classic 2D The Legend of Zelda titles. Jot wields a sword, utilizes a roll maneuver for evasion, and enhances his combat skills with collected light bulbs. Outside the book, combat retains a similar feel but incorporates 3D platforming elements. While polished, the combat lacks depth, prioritizing experimentation over mastery of a single system. The game’s puzzles often involve manipulating the storybook itself, from altering text to reshape the world to physically interacting with the book’s pages. Some of the most engaging puzzles require Jot to exit the book, flip pages, or tilt the book entirely.
A character in Plucky Squire punching an enemy on what looks like a picture book.
Further diversifying the gameplay are minigames inspired by classics like Punch-Out, Super Mario Bros., and Rhythm Heaven. While some, like the 2D platforming segments and the Fantasy Zone tribute, are well-executed, others feel less refined than their inspirations. This homage to influential games reinforces the theme of artistic inspiration and its impact on future creations. Fortunately, players can opt to skip minigames they find less enjoyable. This varied approach, while leading to some uneven moments, ultimately contributes to the game’s unique charm.
A Must-Play for Creative Souls
As the narrative gains momentum and Jot unlocks his full range of abilities, The Plucky Squire truly shines. It exemplifies a postmodern trend in gaming, where games reflect on their own history, creators, and motivations. The Plucky Squire stands out in this movement, offering a compelling exploration of the creative process and the challenges faced by artists and developers. It’s a must-play for anyone seeking to understand the driving force behind creation in the face of adversity.
The Plucky Squire was tested on PC.
