Flat Kingdom Paper’s Cut Edition


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Summary
Today’s platformers evolved to become incredibly fast-paced while infusing several gameplay elements from other genres. For example, there are Celeste and 3D platformers like Crash Bandicoot. Of course, we can’t dedicate a whole paragraph about platformers without talking about Super Mario.
Flat Kingdom Paper’s Cut Edition does away with the new norms in platformers and instead goes for a more traditional yet incredibly fun approach that made us all love the genre in the first place. Split-second decisions and navigating across tight spaces are far and few in between. Instead, you’ll be solving a series of entertaining yet challenging 2D puzzles while fighting off various enemies using the shapeshifting abilities of Flat, the game’s protagonist.
Now available on the Nintendo Switch, is this 2D sidescroller something that deserves a spot in your gaming library? Let’s take a look at what it has to offer:
Plotline
Without diving deep into spoiler territory, Flat Kingdom tells the story of a 2D kingdom under threat by the evils of the 3D world creeping bit by bit into its territory. One day, one of the Jewels stopping 3D from wreaking havoc was stolen by a mysterious thief named Hex, who kidnapped Princess Tri. Fortunately, the kingdom has you, Flat, a literal shape-shifting hero tasked to save the day. You may appear to be a tiny, unassuming being, but you are armed with powers capable of saving the entire kingdom.
As Flat, you’ll pursue enemies from across various worlds and locales, ranging from the basement of the kingdom, underground caverns with rivers of lava, and mythical wolves in cold, abandoned palaces. Though it’s a story akin to fairy tales you may have read as a child,
Gameplay
In a nutshell, Flat Kingdom is a 2D sidescrolling platformer with puzzle mechanics. As Flat (who isn’t flat), you’ll explore a 2D world brimming to the edge with several cute characters you can interact. Compared to its peers, it’s a slower platformer, but it’s still equally challenging, thanks to its unique shapeshifting mechanics.
After the first cutscenes and introductions, you will immediately be oriented about the game’s Circle-Triangle-Square mechanic. You see, Flat can change shape at will, and doing so will change how he interacts with and moves in the world. When Flat is a square, he becomes relatively heavy, perfect for crushing enemies in midair, sinking in water, and moving blocks. Meanwhile, as a triangle, he can quickly run through obstacles or pierce opponents with the pointy end at the cost of jumping power. Finally, his standard shape, a circle, enables him to double jump.
Flat Kingdom requires you to change shapes regularly to solve puzzles and obstacles. For example, destroying a wooden floor may require you to jump as a circle, then press the corresponding button to shift to a square, thus becoming heavier. There are many variations and puzzle types you’ll encounter the further you progress into the game, giving you tons of variety.
Exploring Flat Kingdom’s world pits you against its many enemies, and dealing with them may require you to change to a particular shape or quickly change into another. For example, one of the bosses requires you to double jump on top of him and land as a square, crushing it with your weight. Others may require you to stick Flat’s triangular head on one of their weak points. This is the case when fighting bosses, which range from a fiery dragon, a giant head statue, and a mythical ice wolf.
Graphics/Sound
In terms of presentation, Flat Kingdom is undoubtedly one of the best-looking platformers on the Switch to date. When looking for something to compare it to, it feels and plays like a 2D version of Paper Mario. The art style and entire aesthetic feel look like an art project created by the most gifted art student in the most prestigious fine arts university in the world. Though the game is essentially a 2D title, there are several instances where it is 3D, and the devs managed to merge both worlds seamlessly. In addition, the sound design is fantastic - the music is akin to old-school platformers and JRPGs. There’s no voice acting, but the enemy effects and sounds are on par with its peers.
Conclusion
Overall, Flat Kingdom may not be the biggest platformer today, but if you’d like a platformer that is a little unique while handing out a variety of gameplay mechanics, then it deserves a spot in your Nintendo Switch. Its countless levels, puzzles, and enemies to clash with will always keep you on your toes while you explore its rather beautiful and artsy 2D world. Finally, note that it has a rather interesting story despite being silly sounding, with numerous twists that will definitely make you root for Flat.
So, give the game a shot today and save the 2D world today!
Flat Kingdom Paper’s Cut Edition Blog
View allFlat Kingdom Paper Cut Edition is out today on Xbox, Playstation and Switch


New Game Added: Flat Kingdom Paper’s Cut Edition




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