Every now and then, you come across that, at first glance, you can tell that you aren’t the target audience for it, but after playing, it shocks you with the amount of charm and heart that is presented to you. That’s what happened to me when I played Kitsune Tails, a retro-style platformer that I knew next to nothing about before clicking start on Steam, except the images that the store page provided gave me the impression that this is a game that takes inspiration from the NES era of Mario games. This was confirmed when I did some digging and found out that the developers made a Mario fan game that stars Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders; this has nothing to do with the review at hand. I just wanted to bring to your attention that this exists and that the Internet is not all bad. But is the game on its own, without the nostalgia attachment? Well, it was quite good.
Kitsune Tails takes place in a mythical version of Japan, where players assume the role of a young, apprentice fox spirit (kitsune) named Yuzu. She is tasked with navigating the human world while balancing her supernatural heritage. Guided by the goddess Inari, Yuzu embarks on a journey to fulfill her duty as a messenger between the gods and mortals. However, her journey isn’t just about divine responsibilities — it also explores her evolving relationships, particularly her romantic feelings for a human girl. The narrative is the standout element for me, tackling complex themes like identity, love, and self-acceptance. The game’s embrace of LGBTQ+ narratives is refreshing, with characters who defy conventional expectations and feel fully fleshed out. Yuzu’s emotional journey is as central to the game as her physical one, giving Kitsune Tails more depth than many of its platformer peers. This is also coming from someone who doesn’t have a personal tie to these issues of identity that are present in the game, and I was able to relate to the themes of self-acceptance, so I was able to connect with the game on that level. I was reminded a lot of Celeste on the narrative side; as for the gameplay, that’s when it differs in the opposite direction.
From the start, the game appears like a classic platformer from the NES era that will feel familiar to fans of Super Mario Bros. or Mega Man while at the same time offering a well-paced difficulty curve, ensuring players of varying skill levels can enjoy it. Yuzu’s ability to transform into different fox forms adds an interesting layer to the gameplay. Each form offers unique abilities such as double jumps, dashes, or the ability to pass through certain obstacles, reminiscent of the power-up system in the Kirby games. Similar to Mario, the world itself is divided into several themed areas, each with its own distinct aesthetic and enemies. From serene forest landscapes to foreboding caves, each level feels vibrant and lived in. While speaking of style, the game has a gorgeous pixel art style on top of the tight gameplay. The game is presented with beautifully detailed environments and smooth character animations. The color palette shifts between vibrant, pastel hues and moody, darker tones depending on the setting, helping to create an immersive atmosphere that draws players into the world that the creators made.
The last thing that caught my attention was the music, which was good. The soundtrack is a blend of traditional Japanese instruments and modern, upbeat chiptunes. It’s a soundtrack that not only enhances the mood of each level but also stands well on its own. Whether it’s the serene, flute-driven tracks that play in the background of quiet forest scenes or the energetic, pulse-pounding beats that accompany boss fights, the music in the game understood the assignment for capturing the sounds of the NES era, having each tune complement what is happening on the screen, and also having a bit of pathos for the emotional moments in the story.
In the end, should you give this game a chance? It depends on if you are in the mood for something like this because, unlike Celeste, which applies to most people, Kitsune Tails is more in a niche of a niche. Despite the game is still a delightful and heartfelt platformer that blends the charm of retro gaming with a modern, inclusive narrative. Its gameplay is tight, challenging, and varied, much like the games it was influenced by. The visual and musical presentation is top-notch, creating an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and fresh. However, it’s the game’s story — particularly its LGBTQ+ representation and exploration of Japanese mythology — that sets it apart from other platformers on the market. So, if you are someone who retro platformers appreciate heartfelt storytelling or are looking for more inclusive representation in games, then by all means, Kitsune Tails will be the perfect fit for you.
Score: 8 out of 10
Reviewed on PC(Steam)