I didn’t really play much of Summer In Mara when it came out in 2020, mainly because I was preoccupied with other games and, well, surviving the pandemic. But apparently Chibig’s sim game got enough attention to inspire the developers to stick around its world for a while, though it decided to try a different genre.
That’s where Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara comes in. It takes place in the same universe and follows Koa, a young, happy kid, as she becomes inspired enough to enter pirate trials to become a pirate.
Naturally, we entered this game wondering if it would have the same vibe as the first and just come off as average. However, there are some surprises here, namely with how solid the platforming is and just how much mileage comes from its ten hours of gameplay.
Granted, there are better platformers out there for around the same price (like the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, for example), but Koa definitely has some inspiration behind it. For some, that just might make it worth the price of admission.
The Life of a Would-Be Pirate
Koa tells an interesting story of how the young kid inspires to be one of the great pirates of Mara, though it can get a bit heavy when it comes to exposition from certain characters. Still, it frames the action to come, which isn’t half bad.
The platforming itself is pretty spot on, particularly with a neat roll technique that, once mastered, will really help you get around each level in a hurry. This is a plus, as Chibig kind of leans on the speed factor a little bit. You’ll get rewarded gold medals for completing levels quickly, and you can also find neat collectibles as a bonus. This is one that’s definitely built for the “speed run” set.
Overall, it plays pretty well, and the levels don’t overstay their welcome with a lot of backtracking or anything like that. And you can always revisit them if you fail to get something right the first time around. The length is just about right too, and it’ll take you a while to 100 percent everything.
It’s Alright When It Comes To Looks
While we’ve definitely seen more flourishing platformers on the Switch (like, say, Super Mario Odyssey), Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara does a solid job in terms of creating a fun little island hopper.
The visuals, though a little washed out, do run smoothly on the Switch, around 60 frames per second or so. The animations are cute as well, and the level design is pretty cool when it comes to getting over platformers and around other sections. The island décor may be a nice little “getaway” for some gamers as well, especially those of you stuck on the mainland.
As for sound, it’s all right. Nothing that’ll blow you away, but the pleasant tunes and little sound effects definitely get some mileage here for those of you looking for a tropical approach. Just don’t expect to be wowed by an in-house band or anything like that. Just, um, be prepared for Koa’s voice. She can be a little too happy at times.
Worth Getting Away?
Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara isn’t bad. Granted, it’s not amazing either, but it’s a nice little leap forward for the team at Chibig, compared to what Summer of Mara offered just a few years ago. The platforming is precise and fun, there’s a lot to do and collect in the small time frame, and the island setting may just be enough to draw you in.
Don’t go expecting the next great platformer, but do hop in with a pleasant little vacation in mind. Sometimes that’s what we all need.
GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
