Before this gets too far in, this review is based solely on Bubsy: Paws on Fire. I can’t claim to know about the previous games leading up to this so there will be no comparison just to save any confusion. Choice Provisions is new to the world of Bubsy and the presence of Paws on Fire is regarded in a good light.
This cartoony game is an adventure, action and indie runner. Runners are pretty fun in general. A lot of runners started with classic games such as Super Mario World. Although that game is a side-scroller, there are times when Bubsy has this element as well. There is a lot of jumping, bopping, sliding and more.
Bubsy is set out to stop Oinker from capturing all of the animals for his Amazootorium. So Bubsy and his three friends get started on the hunt racing through levels and defeating different enemies (like frogs) by shooting and flying. All four characters get to play the same levels differently. Each one has different skills that help them pass each of the 100 levels. If you go through each level by playing as each of the characters then you get on the leaderboards and open secret levels.
As you play each level with Bubsy’s friends, you get a chance to collect a special coin that unlocks a bonus level. Some are underground while others are races. All of them are a fun break from the main story. Also when you progress through the game, each character gets different outfits and cosmetics that don’t have to be purchased! You just get stuff for playing the game and this is really nice compared to the common loot boxes we see these days.
The environment of Paws on Fire is very catchy. The backgrounds are very detailed and I could really see this game being more of an adventure game like the Bandicoot games. It’s almost like the levels are almost there, but I want to explore more. In the retro aspect, this game would have been great on the N64. The music even seems to match pretty well. Sometimes it doesn’t seem to line up exactly but the difference isn’t super noticeable.
One of the things that I noticed, however, is how on point the controls are. Sometimes you come across a game where hits don’t land because the hitbox is too small, or you always seem to miss specific jumps and so on. For these levels, there is no missing it seems. The controls are tight and everything lines up as long as you’re paying attention of course. Also, there are no severe sections where jumps are too hard or specific areas mess you up every time. Some people may think the game is too easy because the levels aren’t super difficult but overall the game is casual, comfortable and fun.
So here’s my final thought. Bubsy: Paws on Fire is a good game. There is something fulfilling in being able to go through a game and feel like there is steady progress. The environment is fun to look at and stylish. Controls and the ability to work with different characters changes the feel of the game and gives the player a new challenge as well. Paws on Fire is like a retro game but a polished present day game as well.
8/10
Available on: PC, Switch, PS4
