Tad the Lost Explorer

by Mikhail Aug 8, 2023 | 1 Votes | 74 Played | 0 Reviews

8 rate

Genres:

Adventure , Platformer

Graphics:

Labels:

Adventure , Platformer

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Selecta Play Tad the Lost Explorer is an action-packed platformer where you play as Tad Stones, archaeologist extraordinaire, who explores ancient ruins, museums, and cities. Take on danger-riddled platforms, dungeons, and various obstacles like piranha-infested waters, bats, and spiked traps! Play Now Similar Games

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Summary Plotline Gameplay Graphics/Sound Conclusion

Summary

Honestly, I’d never heard of Tad the Lost Explorer before writing this review. Little did I know it’s a full-fledged Spanish-made franchise with a Netflix movie. It’s a lighthearted take on the rather serious archaeological movies like Indiana Jones (Tad’s full name is Tadeo Jones) and is geared towards a younger audience. Tad is a pretty quirky and funny character who happens to be a construction worker who finds himself exploring ancient ruins, museums, and other unlikely places.

However, this doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy its video game version. In a nutshell, Tad the Lost Explorer on the Nintendo Switch is a fun and quirky 3D platformer where you explore treacherous places, dodge dangerous wildlife, solve puzzles, and take on enemies using a rubber chicken, of all things. The game tries to cram a lot of elements, yet we can’t complain: everything works well, and it doesn’t disappoint. With that said, will it be something you’d want to try out? Before you decide, let’s check out what it has to offer:

Plotline

Tad the Lost Explorer’s story centers around the eponymous character, Tad, and his friends. You’ll accompany him on a journey to various locations worldwide, including the ruins in Veracruz, iconic locations in Paris and Chicago, and finally, Cairo in Egypt, to find an emerald tablet that can remove a certain curse. Apart from the usual in-game cutscenes, the story is narrated by his best friend, an Egyptian mummy who talks highly of Tad’s adventures.

Though Tad isn’t the most intriguing protagonist out there, he’s fairly decent and highly motivated to make groundbreaking discoveries. After all, his last find was a rubber chicken, so he’s prepared to risk a lot of becoming more renowned.

Gameplay

Tad the Lost Explorer is a 3D platformer, although it sometimes becomes a 2D platformer on some occasions. The platforming challenges are nothing short of superb - every sequence in each level provides numerous challenges that add something new to every jump. For example, there were instances where you had to traverse ramps that adjusted their elevation whenever you stood on them. At the same time, you’ll also have to deal with pools full of piranhas, stealth sequences, and enemies that would impede your progress. Thankfully, you’ll have the trusty rubber chicken you can throw at them.

Apart from the spiked pits and enemies, you will also have puzzles and other challenges to overcome in Tad the Lost Explorer. One of these is to collect glowing brushes (which archaeologists use to clean up dirt from artifacts), carry a torch to light beacons, and figure out how to open doors. Moreover, you’ll also have to push blocks and investigate certain objects (like treasure chests!) Inevitably, you’ll end up dying and failing in your runs, but thankfully, checkpoints are plenty in the levels, so there isn’t a lot of backtracking when you respawn.

Tad the Lost Explorer’s controls are relatively intuitive, although I initially found the motions imprecise. It takes a while to adjust, but once you do, you’ll get over spiked traps, roll and crouch under tiny entrances, and climb vines and ladders to get to elevated areas. As mentioned earlier, you’ll be armed with a rubber chicken to deal with bats and certain enemies. To use it, there’s no need to aim; a red target will appear on the screen, and you can trigger the throw to defeat your foe. Some enemies take just one hit, but others may require a couple. Meanwhile, there are also ones you can’t beat, like the piranhas swimming in pools of water you need to swim in. To deal with them, you’ll have to skillfully dive underwater and time your rise because Tad can’t hold his breath for long. In some areas, you'll be able to play as other characters which adds to the variety the game provides.

Graphics/Sound

In terms of how it looks, playing Tad the Lost Explorer is akin to watching the movies. However, low framerates and certain drops in demanding sequences can get in the way. These are excusable, given the Nintendo Switch’s rather dated and weaker hardware, but the entire experience will definitely take a hit. Meanwhile, the audio elements are excellent - the music is what you would expect from a quirky platformer, and the voice acting is sublime. There are also animated sequences that make it feel like you’re watching a movie.

Conclusion

Overall, Tad the Lost Explorer is a fantastic and visually-appealing 3D platformer on the Nintendo Switch. Although its overall performance takes a hit, it delivers an excellent platforming experience thanks to its varying challenges, quirky characters, and well-made presentation elements. The problems are overshadowed by its well-crafted blend of gameplay mechanics merged together to create an experience that stands out in a crowded genre.

New Game Added: Tad the Lost Explorer

by Mikhail Aug 8, 2023

Tad the Lost Explorer is an action-packed platformer where you play as Tad Stones, archaeologist extraordinaire, who explores ancient ruins, museums, and cities. Take on danger-riddled platforms, dungeons, and various obstacles like piranha-infested waters, bats, and spiked traps!