Kudzu (2024) [Switch] review

Regular kudzu is invasive…but this species has exaggerated characteristics. It’s like the over-aggressive sharks in movies!

Nostalgia has a funny way of creeping into our brains and taking root. Often without us even knowing. Years pass, and the nostalgia grows within the warm soil of our subconscious. Until one day, we see something that brings those childhood experiences rushing back, and the nostalgia blooms. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, despite its Gameboy-bound limitations, remains a beloved memory for many a gamer who grew up in the 90’s. The combination of intriguing story, exploration, and cameos from other Nintendo franchises (Goombas! Wart!?) made for an unforgettable experience. One made all the more charming for its 8-bit nature.

Flash forward more than 30 years, and that nostalgic seed has grown into the flower that it is Kudzu. 

A clear love letter to Link’s Awakening, Kudzu is built on much the same DNA. You’ll traverse an overworld of obstacle-laden puzzles, battling all manner of monsters along the way. There’s an equally-heavy emphasis on combat and brainteasers, with the two melding together when it comes to bosses. Keep your wits as sharp as your machete. Expanding your arsenal of gardening tools unlocks new areas and opens backtracking to those previously-inaccessible. All the while, the story’s quirky mix of whimsy and sinister undertone mirrors Link’s adventure on Koholint. One second, you’re helping cat-people become pen pals. The next, you’re analyzing bodies mummified in foliage. Sure, there are cute characters who love to quip, but there are also darker machinations going on under the vine-laden surface of Kudzu‘s world.

And what a world it is! Your hero is part of a team of gardeners and scientists who’ve set up a research facility in the wilderness. The mission is to study a bizarre new species of kudzu vine which grows far more quickly, and aggressively, than its real-world counterpart. The adventure takes place in the present day, but its roots wind back into history. No spoilers, but needless to say, something bigger is afoot. Your mentor vanishes in the night, leaving an ominous warning not to follow his trail. As you set out to rescue him, the mystery unfolds. What secrets do these plants hold, and why is local wildlife driven mad by their proliferation?

The tale is swift, taking only 6-7 hours to complete in-full, but it’s an intriguing jaunt that keeps you eager to press onward. Vast kudzu fields are to be expected, but you’ll also traverse ancient ruins, dense woods, and a spooky mansion. Your research facility acts as home base, essentially a small town populated by an eccentric rabble of characters, many of whom need your help for various tasks. Play the part of good Samaritan, and your generosity will be rewarded.

With your botanical background, simple garden rakes, hoes, and gloves become epic pieces of adventuring gear. The kudzu will fast learn to respect the swing of your machete. And you’ll certainly need to respect them, as some enemies are vicious. Controls are simple and responsive, though hit detection is spotty at times. It’s easy to collide with enemies as you try to attack, and there’s no sound effect from either your weapon or a successfully landed hit to help convey successful strikes. There is knock-back after taking a hit, which proves detrimental if it sends you into the path of an adjacent enemy. Beware foes in groups, as a single hit can trigger a pin-ball like effect and demolish your health. These twin factors make the game more difficult than it would otherwise be, but can be compensated for. Use caution when entering combat. Get familiar with your blade’s arc, as hitting enemies at an angle best avoids the hit detection working against you. Also note that, when you pull up your inventory, the game screen resets, so enemy placements will be reverted back to their original positions from when you first arrived. This can result in damage if you open your inventory whilst standing near a monster’s starting location, as it’ll snap right back in that spot.

Much link Link’s Awakening, sprites have chibi-esque proportions. The wilderness is lushly illustrated, working with the GameBoy’s limited palette to really sell the oppressive impact of the kudzu. Characters are cartoony, but their world is illustrated in a creepier fashion, setting the mood. Bosses come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s tons of variety, though I did encounter a moment or two when larger sprites flickered apart briefly before returning to original shape. This made certain bosses harder to hit or resulted in me taking damage. The graphical interface is clean, with all items mapped to two buttons, so there’s no need to switch back and forth in the inventory screen. While this is useful, I do wish your health was displayed at all times, as I found myself constantly pulling up the status screen after each hit to assess damage done. The game does warn you via pop-up balloon when life is low, but it’d be easier to be aware of health at all times.

The music lends an appropriate atmosphere, with catchy chiptunes imbuing each area with its own vibe. Springy when exploring, ominous when needed. Each scenario’s theme fits well, with boss tunes amping you up for battle, safe havens conveying that you can breathe easy, and the darker storyline moments feeling appropriately grim.

Overall, Kudzu really captures the spirit of Link’s Awakening, and by extension, a slew of other classic adventures. The developer and his wife even make a cameo, so you can tell this title is a labor of love. It’s a fantastic adventure that can be digested in a weekend, like a great novella. If you’re looking to heal that nostalgic ache, Kudzu provides verdant remedy.

Special thanks to publisher Mega Cat Studios for the review key!

PIXEL PERFECT

Recommended

Matt Lotti has explored the realms of paper and pixel in equal measure. An avid collector of both Magic the Gathering and classic NES & Gameboy, he feels imagination is the kindling that keeps the fires of gaming alive. This holds true to both classic titles and new adventures. What matters most is the creative energy involved. Each experience is a new story, and all stories deserve their time around the campfire. So grab an ale and settle in. After all, it’s dangerous to go alone. Matt Lotti can be found on Twitter @Intrepid_tautog.