A new review on Gamersyde, Marsupilami 2 - Salsa Palombia is meant to appeal to both young players and their nostalgic parents, and the result is pretty convincing overall, especially considering the very reasonable price of €/$29.99.
Progressing through the different world maps, which have a very nostalgic feel, clearly harkens back to the platformers of the genre’s golden age (the 16-bit era), and it still works perfectly well. The game features pleasant, colorful 3D graphics and is backed by a solid, upbeat soundtrack, but don’t expect to see the same level of visual quality as in the upcoming Rayman Legends Retold. However, it’s clear that Ocellus Studio has made an effort to liven up certain sections, with fairly dynamic camera movements that in no way detract from the game’s 2D clarity and playability. As we mentioned earlier, three Marsupilamis join the cast in this sequel, and they all have special abilities. Twister, the yellow one, can, for example, launch himself horizontally into the air and then glide for a few moments using his tail—an ability that also allows him to pass right through opponents. Hope, the girl of the group, can perform a double jump and bounce off certain enemies where her teammates would take damage if they tried to do the same. Finally, Punch, the purple one, can transform into a ball that’s immune to the sharp spikes found in certain sections, allowing him to bounce around them with ease. All three characters can also use their tails to strike enemies (or certain objects), grab onto rings (to swing from them or propel themselves upward, depending on the type), form a wheel with their tails to move faster, and even do a bit of vertical wall-running. You can switch between them instantly using the Y/Triangle button, but there’s nothing stopping you from sharing the experience with a friend if you feel like it. Dying isn’t too punishing thanks to regular checkpoints, especially since everything you’ve collected before dying is immediately saved—even if you lose a life right after picking up a collectible. It is a bit of a shame, since it doesn’t really encourage you to use your skills to collect the “hardest” ones to reach (the difficulty level remains very moderate though), but don’t forget that this is a family game. The bonus levels take an even greater nod to the ’90s, with the game presented as silhouette animations in a very charming 2D style. As is traditional for this genre, these sections involve collecting fruit, breaking pots, or dodging streetcars (for example) before the allotted time runs out. All of this is obviously very classic in both content and form, but the execution is solid, the controls are good, and the game is a lot of fun. All in all, Marsupilami - Salsa Palombia is a successful family-friendly game that builds on the strengths of the previous installment while addressing the weaknesses that were pointed out at the time.