When KarmaZoo was first unveiled in this year’s Wholesome Direct, our initial reaction was a mix of intrigue and skepticism. After all, the Nintendo Switch eShop is flooded with pixel-art platformers, so what could possibly set this one apart from the rest? The surprising answer lies in the game’s emphasis on teamwork and the infectious feeling of camaraderie it fosters. Devolver Digital and Pastagames have crafted a co-op platformer that not only entertains but also warms the heart.
The Joy of Helping
At its core, KarmaZoo is a team-based platformer where the objective is to help your teammates reach the goal. However, the game takes this concept to new heights by making cooperation and accumulating good karma the primary focus. When you first dive into the vibrant world of Karmazoo, you assume the role of a blob surrounded by an energetic field. Through a brief tutorial, you become acquainted with the mechanics of jumping and singing, which are essential for survival in the game.
KarmaZoo cleverly emphasizes the importance of staying close to your teammates. Moving as a cohesive unit strengthens your bubble of energy, ensuring your safety. Stray too far from the group, and your fragile bubble will burst. This simple mechanic sets the stage for an engaging and heartwarming cooperative experience. Even when playing with total strangers online, we quickly felt like integral members of a team, united by a common goal.
A Diverse Cast of Characters
As we embarked on our first Loop, a series of five platforming stages accommodating up to ten players, it became evident that we were a unique anomaly among the vibrant ensemble. Unlike the other players, who took on the form of lions, seals, flames, music boxes, and kettles, we were humble blobs. Each character possesses distinctive abilities that contribute to the team’s success. Bulldogs could sing in all directions, while wolves enhanced the voices of nearby teammates. Lamps illuminated the darkness, unveiling hidden items. As a blob, we felt comparatively limited, but the game still found a way to make us feel valuable.
KarmaZoo rewards every assist with a heart that floats from the helped player to our blob-like avatar. These hearts accumulate as “Team Karma,” which is divided among players at the end of each Loop. The satisfaction of seeing these hearts fill the screen and then be allocated to each team member cannot be overstated. The game emphasizes the power of collaboration and demonstrates that teamwork truly does make the dream work.
With our newfound Team Karma, we returned to The Zoo, the central hub, and discovered various animal statues that could be unlocked using hearts. Each statue granted a character-specific skill or ability. We wasted no time splurging on these statues, eager to unlock their unique powers. Whether it was blaring music as a Music Box or smashing glass floors as a Seal, our selected avatars now possessed a range of new abilities. We quickly found ourselves enjoying the game even more, deeply invested in our characters and their role within the team.
In a year dominated by intense online shooters, fierce brawlers, and adrenaline-pumping racers, KarmaZoo serves as a refreshing reminder of the power of empathy and cooperation. The game caters to different playstyles, including options for playing with select friends or engaging in couch co-op. However, our experience with random online teammates was surprisingly delightful. Each player’s skillset emerged gradually, and an unspoken bond formed organically. The reassuring presence of teammates rushing to rescue anyone who strayed from the group was a testament to the genuine sense of teamwork the game fosters.
An Ongoing Journey
While our adventure through KarmaZoo is still in its early stages, we can already sense the vast potential for exploration and growth. With 50 characters to unlock, each boasting its own unique abilities and upgrades, the game offers longevity and continued surprises. The levels may not be the most complex we’ve encountered in the gaming landscape of 2023, but KarmaZoo isn’t aiming to be a mind-bending puzzle game. Instead, it invites players to cherish the simple joy of lending a helping hand and nurturing a communal spirit.
In a world that can often feel divisive and isolating, KarmaZoo serves as a hopeful and uplifting experience. It reminds us all that a little kindness, cooperation, and teamwork can go a long way. So, if you find yourself yearning for an online game that fills your heart with warmth and puts a smile on your face, look no further than The Zoo. Embark on this wholesome journey, and let the power of love and friendship carry you through the challenges that lie ahead.
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