Promenade draws clear inspiration from Banjo Kazooie, presenting charming 2D platforming with exploration and puzzle-solving akin to its 3D predecessor. You play as Nemo, accompanied by a small octopus, navigating various worlds via the Great Elevator, which must be repaired with golden cogs.
The game impresses by eschewing excessive tutorials, allowing players to discover controls and solve puzzles intuitively. Each world—from beaches to gardens to outer space—offers diverse challenges that maintain engagement despite the 2D format.
While Promenade’s puzzles can occasionally be confounding, especially those requiring travel between different worlds, a helpful logbook provides vague hints about cog locations. However, younger players may find these challenges frustrating.
Overall, Promenade isn’t an easy game, featuring tough platforming segments that demand precision. Yet, its colorful aesthetics and relaxed vibe contrast with its demanding gameplay, making it a uniquely enjoyable experience for those seeking a platforming challenge.
For players intrigued by indie platformers with depth and inventive gameplay, Promenade stands out as a worthwhile adventure, offering charm, solid design, and novel mechanics that set it apart from the norm.