Papo & Yo
SCORE: 84
A handful of times every year there are games released that broaden the gaming experience. We are always looking for these games at Family Friendly Gaming. Especially when they are games that families will enjoy. Papo & Yo is one of those games. Minority Media has put together a solid action puzzle game with all kinds of fantasy elements.
I could tell early on that Papo & Yo was going to be something unique. The main character is a little black boy. He is on a mission to help a monster that he befriends. We find out there is a connection between the monster and his father. The puzzles throw out many of the laws of reality. But it is a game after all. Painting may come to life, but we can enjoy the ways it makes our brains work.
Papo & Yo consistently makes us look at the game world in different ways. Where are the hint boxes when I am stuck? How can I get through this next door? How do I get the monster where I need him? Sometimes the answer involves looking around for a door, or device we can interact with. Other times the solutions are more complex. At times I tried things to see how they worked.
Quico is the little boy we play in Papo & Yo. He goes through this PS3 game without his shirt on. We control the camera most of the time so we can put it behind his back. Which is actually a better viewing angle in my opinion anyways. There is some violent content in Papo & Yo. We can splat frogs against walls, and the monster can go into a fiery rage when he eats a frog. That rage can be useful in solving certain puzzles.
Our little robot toy comes to life in Papo & Yo as well. He is extremely helping by giving us a boost jump to reach farther platforms, and he can be used to hit switches from far away distances. He also has an interest in protecting us. Memories are shown through slow motion. Papo & Yo reveals its secrets slowly.
The music in Papo & Yo sets an atmosphere. This home console game feels half dream, and half fantasy world. Yet it looks a lot like some areas of Brazil - like the slums of Rio De Janeiro. The way Papo & Yo moves these buildings around is very unique. I found certain aspects of Papo & Yo very fascinating. Like moving a block around and watching a building move as we move the block. The most fascinating thing was how the main character acted like he was moving a very heavy object.
Papo & Yo made me feel like I was a lobster in water where the temperature kept rising. Little by little Papo & Yo introduces new concepts. Area by area the puzzles become more difficult. Players will get their moneys worth out of Papo & Yo. Hardcore gamers will want to find all of the trophies. Papo & Yo is one of those games that I really enjoyed.
Family Friendly Gaming was provided a download code for this review.
We are very thankful and appreciative of that. We are also very
appreciative of Minority Media for creating this top notch video game.
Aside from the previously mentioned aspects, families may also take note
of the shaman character. I hope to see sequels in the future.
- Paul
Graphics: 79%
Sound: 87%
Replay/Extras: 90%
Gameplay: 88%
Family Friendly Factor: 74%
System: Playstation 3
Publisher: Minority Media
Rating: ‘E10+’ - Everyone 10+
{Fantasy Violence}
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