After playing some really big games right in the beginning of 2024, I was ready to tackle something smaller, more easygoing, which would result in less emotional damage. Ufouria: The Saga 2 wasn’t exactly the kind of game I was expecting to like as much as I did, but after a packed January, this utterly adorable (and Japanese as hell) little game ended up being a perfect palate cleanser, all due to a simple premise and amazing presentation, all courtesy of the now-revived company Sunsoft.

Yep, Sunsoft is still on a revival roll. Last year, I tackled Ikki Unite, their own take on Vampire Survivors (as well as some possible kind of internal joke by reviving a kusoge, a term which literally means “crap game”). Ufouria: The Saga 2, in theory, is also a revival of a dormant franchise of theirs from back in the day, one which also had a cult following despite not exactly being the most revered series in the business. The difference is that, somehow, this sequel nobody was asking for nor anticipating ended up being a really fun time, despite being, at its core, quite dated in some aspects.

I guess I should clarify that it doesn’t feel “dated” in the sense of being clunky or slow. Instead, Ufouria: The Saga 2 is actually very simple to pick up and play, and also nearly completely devoid of challenge, but in a good way. A feel-good platformer of sorts, it is a 2D side-scroller with some very slight metroidvania elements, as well as some roguelike sensibilities. But all of it in a very laid-back and relaxing manner.

Abilities are acquired either by befriending a new character with a specific trait, or by literally purchasing an upgrade from a vending machine. It makes no sense whatsoever, but it works within the game’s context. The level design always changes with each new playthrough, despite following the same “structure” (you will always visit the same areas in the same order, same bosses, same plot relevance, etc.). Combat is usually limited to either jumping on top of an enemy, throwing a little blob onto them in order to break their defenses, or use a ground pound (dubbed a “butt stomp” in Ufouria: The Saga 2) against some beefier enemies and/or bosses.

This is all fine and dandy, but Ufouria: The Saga 2 being relaxing (and oddly replayable, that roguelike side of it does help a lot) isn’t the sole reason I liked it so much. This game has some of the most adorable presentations I have seen in a game in a long, long time. With everything being crafted out of felt and other handifcraft materials, everything looks colorful, beyond cute (I mean, it has a penguin chick as a protagonist, my one true weakness), and every single animation is done in stop motion, giving it that sensation you are playing a Japanese homage to an Aardman movie. It’s everything people say Yoshi games evoke, but even cuter. Even the localization ended up being better than expected. The game did make me laugh more than once.

It also helps that the soundtrack is downright fantastic. If you know anything about Sunsoft, you may know that they have basically never done a game with a bad soundtrack in their entire life. Batman, Blaster Master, all of their games feature iconic soundtracks with super catchy melodies. Even though I doubt the Sunsoft of today has anything to do with the same company at its heyday, Ufouria: The Saga 2‘s collection of tunes is incredibly catchy, with some of the stickiest tunes put in a video game in recent memory.

Ufouria: The Saga 2 retains the feel of a quirky Japanese hidden gem from a few decades ago. It feels like something that should have been released for the PS1 back in, say, 1997, exclusively in Japan, only for it to become a cult hit and a must-have import for retro fans. Its retro-esque simplicity doesn’t mean it is clunky or dated. Its controls are basic, but are responsive. It is replayable, all due to some slight roguelike elements. And it’s one hell of a treat for your eyes and ears, all thanks to an adorable presentation. In short, a perfect fit for the Nintendo Switch. A fantastic little game that works perfectly as a palate cleanser in between bigger titles being released left and right these days.

 

Graphics: 9.5 An art style comprised of felt, arts and crafts, and stop-motion animations. It is downright adorable to look at, it’s colorful, and it also runs quite well, considering the hardware we are talking about.	Gameplay: 8.5 The controls are simple and easy to learn. The combat is trivial, in a relaxing manner. With that said, there is more exploration than anticipated, and the metroidvania-like upgrade system allows for some extra replayability and easygoing backtracking.
Sound: 9.0 The game features a wildly catchy soundtrack which is as good as any previous Sunsoft game soundtrack. If you know your retro gaming history, you know this is insanely high praise.	Fun Factor: 8.5 Part roguelike, part metroidvania, Ufouria: The Saga 2 offers no challenges whatsoever, but its easygoing nature and adorable visuals make it an unexpectedly relaxing and approachable game that made me smile throughout most of my time with it.
Final Verdict: 9.0

Ufouria: The Saga 2 is available now on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Reviewed on Nintendo Switch.

A copy of Ufouria: The Saga 2 was provided by the publisher.