One thing I like about reviewing indie titles is discovery. Discovery in something you may have missed if you were a casual player, or too highly invested in AAA titles. I love discovering stuff that I know I can appreciate, and shouting out about such titles to others so they catch it too. And it’s with that I discuss the latest thing I’ve come across, Sir Noggin.
Sir Noggin is a retro inspired platformer that clearly leans into the days of the Sega Master System. Developed by Sinclair Strange and released through Scarlet Moon Games, it’s a magical adventure, with a hero pursuing the evil Wizard…Derek? Yes, that’s actually his name.
What follow is a game with the best kind of 8-bit visuals and music, along with gameplay that keeps you coming back for nostalgic goodies. Plus the boss battles are unique and challenging, even if losing your power-ups after you die does lead to mild frustration. Hey, it comes with the territory. The gameplay still holds up and there’s a boss rush mode, should you feel the need.
Finally, the game’s price is unbeatable. It goes on Steam for a mere four bucks and you can enjoy it on Steam Deck as well. Plus you can add the soundtrack for an extra dollar and it’s well worth the price. Don’t let Sir Noggin slip by you unnoticed. It’s a magical throwback to the days of yore. That’s right, I said yore.
Enter Sir Noggin
The game’s story is simple. There’s an evil Wizard named Derek that’s causing havoc, and Sir Noggin, sword in hand, must stop him. Plain and simple.
Over the course of the game, you’ll run into his minions, large and small. You’ll utilize a sword, along with five different power-ups that will give you an advantage. You can also double jump, ideal for making it to higher areas, where secret goodies await.
Power-ups vary, but, honestly, the boomerang gets the job done for me. Like Castlevania’s before it, it comes back and hits others. That makes it ideal for boss battles. But, anyway, back to the review, yeah?
Gameplay feels just about right. The devs at Sinclair Strange have the Master System formula dialed in here. Everything from the double jump to attacking just feels like precision. But it doesn’t get overcomplicated, keeping the formula simple. It just oozes retro, from beginning to end.
As for challenge, it’s just right. The bosses are tough but not impossible; and I got to the final boss with just a few tries. The only real setback is that if you die, you lose the power-ups. And if you’re in the middle of a boss fight, you’ll need to change your strategy.
The fun isn’t over once you finish the game. You can unlock challenges to test your dexterity, along with a nifty boss rush mode. There’s also the high scoring aspect, in case you’re feeling the need.
Best of all, the game is four bucks. I can’t emphasize what a deal this is. You can also buy the soundtrack – which we’ll get to in a second – as part of the package. It’s a swell deal for a game that will have the time breezily going by. You’ll love it.
Sir Noggin Brings the Old School-ness
Now that we got the gameplay out of the way, let’s dive into the presentation.
I honestly think Sir Noggin would fit right in with the Master System library without missing a beat. Sinclair Strange nails the 8-bit look of the game to a science. There are even glitches with the spikes every once in a while, it’s so authentic. (Relax, not a bad thing.) But the level design is pretty simple and yet satisfying at the same time, and the animations are cute. No enemy ever looks too menacing for this world, and I’m thankful for it.
Likewise, the soundtrack is a blast. The composition of tunes is so well done here, combining with the easygoing sound effects. And should you feel the need – and you likely will – you can buy the game’s soundtrack for a mere dollar. Give it a listen and decide for yourself, but I enjoy it.
Overall, you’d be hard pressed to complain about Sir Noggin’s appearance, unless you think retro games look too “old”. In that particular case, well, you might want to get checked on.
Sir Noggin Nails It On the Head
When it comes to pure old-school goodness, Sir Noggin is a tough game to beat. The core game is a lot of fun, and the unlockable extras are excellent. On top of that, the presentation will have you feeling the glory days of Master System all over again. It also won’t be a burden on your wallet and should have no trouble snuggling in to your Steam Deck library.
What can I say? Make a fun, simple game and the players will appreciate it. I hope Sir Noggin will find an audience that can appreciate it, maybe even on other platforms. It’s a, ahem, no-brainer.
GAMERHUB RATING: 4.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Many thanks to Scarlet Moon Games for providing a review code! Sir Noggin is available now for Steam.
Need more old-schooler platforming? Check out our review of Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit!
