Kitsune Tails: A Queer Love Letter to Platforming Fans

Embark on an adventurous platforming journey filled with adorable characters, a heartfelt story, and the kind of nostalgia that makes your heart race.

last updated Aug 07, 2024

Kitsune Tails is a charming retro-inspired platformer that manages to capture the essence of classic games while providing innovative gameplay and an engaging narrative.

Gameplay: An Effortlessly Charming Experience

Kitsune Tails takes the classic platforming mechanics that gamers have adored since the days of the NES and gives them a charming twist. With solid controls and responsive gameplay reminiscent of Super Mario Bros 3, it’s an irresistible combo of nostalgia and innovation. Players can expect to tackle a variety of levels filled with cunning traps, tricky enemy placements, and delightful power-ups that make exploration feel rewarding. The ability to adjust the difficulty on the fly ensures accessibility for casual players and a challenge for veterans, allowing for a more customized experience. This balance of design and inclusion means that whether you're a seasoned platformer or someone seeking to relive those childhood gaming moments, Kitsune Tails covers all the bases—and then some.

Audio: A Comforting Soundscape

The audio design of Kitsune Tails truly elevates its whimsical charm. The soundtrack is a delightful blend of catchy tunes that evoke that warm fuzzy feeling of classic gaming while still feeling fresh and modern. Voice acting enhances the narrative depth, giving life to the characters in a way that feels both quirky and sincere. Each level comes alive with sound effects that make every jump, dash, and power-up feel significant, pulling the player deeper into this enchanting world. You can almost hear the coins jingle—after all, what’s a platformer without a little auditory incentive to keep you collecting?

Graphics: A Visual Delight Rooted in Retro Aesthetics

Visually, Kitsune Tails is a feast for the eyes. The pixel art pays homage to the golden era of platformers while integrating modern flair. Bright colors pop against meticulously designed backgrounds infused with Japanese mythology, setting an enchanting tone for your adventure. The cute character designs—even the foxes are uncanny in their charm—add to the warmth of the experience. Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly on various platforms, including the Steam Deck, ensuring that players can seamlessly dive into action without stuttering or glitches. And lest we forget, the CRT filter packed within the game takes nostalgia to the next level, making every jump feel like a trip back to the living room of yesteryears.

The Heart of the Story: A Love Triangle Among Foxes

Kitsune Tails isn't just about running and jumping; it tells an engaging narrative that weaves its way throughout the gameplay. Centered around the relationships among three young women and their intertwining lives, players are treated to a variety of plot twists and character-driven storytelling. This narrative thread does an excellent job of enhancing the experience, pulling players not just through levels, but through emotional stakes that feel real. The presence of humor, coupled with poignant moments, strikes a balance that keeps you invested in the outcomes while you sprint through challenges. This level of storytelling is not often found in platformers, making Kitsune Tails a special standout in an otherwise traditional genre. Game Cover Art

STEAM RATING 99 .11% Developer Kitsune Games Publisher Kitsune Games, MidBoss, LLC. Release Date August 01, 2024

An Indie Gem You Can't Miss

Kitsune Tails is a charming retro-inspired platformer that manages to capture the essence of classic games while providing innovative gameplay and an engaging narrative. Its emphasis on character, story, and accessibility solidifies its status as one of the must-play titles in the indie scene this year.