E3 2019: ‘New Super Lucky’s Tale’ Brings Microsoft’s Nintendo Style Platforming To Switch

When one of the better collect-a-thon platformers akin to classics like Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie released a few years ago, it was peculiar when it was made an Xbox console exclusive. Games like this would feel right at home on the Switch, the platform made by the developers who put the genre on the map. With New Super Lucky’s Tale, the young fox is claiming his spot on Nintendo’s hybrid console. Based on the E3 demo, he doesn’t miss a beat in the transition.

Lucky takes his cues from many of the tropes we’d expect from the games its emulating. A group of evil ninja cats have stolen valuables, leaving it up to Lucky to defeat them and recover the goods. This means exploring large, obstacle filled stages loaded with things to collect. Throughout the demo, accomplishing certain objectives would lead to stage transitions where a straightforward exploration level would turn into running from a living statue that you just woke up, combining what would usually be a separate objective into one big stage. 

From initial impressions alone, New Super Lucky’s Tale feels like a classic Nintendo 64 game with the refinements we’d come to expect in 2019. What was most noticeable was that the camera, an issue that has plagued even the best games of this kind, never became problematic. Lucky was responsive and easy to control, while the game popped with vibrant colors that gave the world so much personality. Overall, it’s a strong representation of what these types of platformers can be with enough care.

Xbox One owners can play Super Lucky’s Tale now through Game Pass, but Switch owners won’t have to wait too much longer. With extra content in tow, nostalgic gamers can look forward to New Super Lucky’s Tale this fall.