Excited for Full Release of Sapphic Retro Platformer
- Kitsune Tails, an indie platformer, launches on August 1.
- Inspired by Super Mario Bros 3, with similar movement and power-ups.
- Gorgeous pixel art with a pastel palette and seasonal changes.
- Features a sapphic love story involving the fox girl Yuzu.
- Demo available on Steam; final release promises more challenges.
Streamers Visuals has recently announced the release date for their indie platformer, Kitsune Tails.
The game, which was first announced in 2021, will be launching on August 1. A demo is currently available on Steam.
After spending time with a press demo, I am optimistic about the game's melding of retro-platforming and a heartwarming sapphic love story, even if it still has some kinks to work out.
Game Overview
In Kitsune Tails, you control the fox girl Yuzu as she goes on an adventure through platforming levels inspired by traditional Japanese mythology.
The main inspiration for the game is Super Mario Bros 3. If you've played SMB3, you'll feel at home here.
- Movement feels similar to SMB3, from the sprinting mechanic to the jump height and distance.
- Certain power-ups, like SMB3's Kuribo's Shoe, have one-to-one replications in Kitsune Tails.
Gameplay Mechanics
However, the game has some weaknesses. Movement feels a bit floatier than it should, leading to missed jumps.
The hitbox sizes also prevent getting as close to enemies as expected.
The invincibility power-up, a nod to SMB3, is difficult to use as it currently lacks a timer, leading to unexpected deaths.
Despite these issues, the game's quick platforming and power-ups are enjoyable once you get the hang of it.
Visuals and Art
Kitsune Tails boasts gorgeous pixel art with a pastel palette focusing on pops of pink and purple.
The game changes seasons as you progress through levels, showcasing a wide range of beautiful art. The cherry blossom season is especially beautiful.
However, the demo levels still feel a bit simple. The final release promises Kaizo-level challenges, so there's more difficulty to look forward to.
Narrative
The story is where Kitsune Tails seeks to move past its inspirations. Yuzu is trying to help keep the peace between the Kitsune and the humans.
Along the way, she finds herself in the middle of a sapphic love triangle. Yuzu is crushing on a human healer, while Yuzu's kitsune friend is still crushing on her.
This very gay drama is the emotional and narrative core of Kitsune Tails. The promise of new cutscenes motivated me to beat every level I could.
As a player who isn't an expert at platforming games, an investment in the narrative is likely to be the thing that hooks me about Kitsune Tails.
Kitsune Tails is set to launch on August 1 for PC via Steam and Itch.io.
