Super Cable Boy

Genre: Platformer

Players: 1-2 Co-Op (Local Splitscreen)

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Review:

Super Cable Boy is a challenging Platformer released on PC in 2020 and ported to Nintendo Switch in 2021. This game has players jumping and swinging through levels as a Game Boy-like device in a digital world.

In keeping with the Gamy Boy-inspired themes of this game, the visuals here make use of a pixel art motif that brings to mind the monochrome visuals of the classic handheld, but it builds on those with beautiful gradient colors, wonderful animation (in particular, the pixel art rain and water reflections are gorgeous), and subtle 3D visual effects that make this game’s visuals pop. This is paired with a solid chiptune soundtrack that, while not quite memorable, nevertheless does a good job fitting the game’s visuals perfectly.

However, while I really like the presentation here, what I appreciated the most about this game was its absolutely superb, challenging yet empowering gameplay. The controls here are phenomenal, giving players the sort of precision movements they’ll need to tackle the game’s challenging Platforming tasks. Players start with a simple jump and wall jump, but not long into the game their little anthropomorphized Gamy Boy-esque device will start collecting cartridges that will enable new powers like a grappling hook and a triple jump.

However, being like a Game Boy, your character can only fit one cartridge at a time, and as such you only have access to one ability at any given time. However, players can swap cartridges whenever they want, even mid-jump. This can be done via a pause menu, or instantly using the shoulder buttons. As such, pulling off the most impressive acrobatic feats in the game will require hot-swapping cartridges in the game in sequence, challenging players to coordinate their moves as they go.

The level designs here are superb, giving quite a lot of variety to players as they proceed. The challenge levels did fluctuate somewhat erratically, especially for optional “onigiri” collectables players can opt to challenge themselves to find in each level – in some levels these collectables are obtained simply by being observant, in other levels you may have to do some particularly tricky Platforming, and sometimes it seems like these are impossible to get until you come back with new abilities later on in the game. However, it bears mention that these bonuses are completely optional, and only for those seeking a challenge.

Oh, I should also mention this game’s 2-Player co-op mode, which offers an ingenious take on the genre. Each level is completed when either player reaches an exit, but any player who dies remains on-screen as a ghost, and can revive themselves by touching the still-living player. As a result, players can assist each other by acting as “checkpoints” during difficult bits of Platforming… or they can opt to race to see who can reach the end point first. Either way, this co-op mode makes for a surprisingly nice addition to the game.

In the end, Super Cable Boy is one of my most delightful surprises of the year. This is a superb, well-crafted, and inventive Platformer with a unique, appealing presentation, and some clever mechanics that make it a joy to play. If you are a fan of challenging Platformers, consider this game a must-have.

tl;dr – Super Cable Boy is a challenging Platformer where players control a Game Boy-like device in a digital world. The visual presentation is striking and fits the game’s themes well, but what really stands out here is the excellent gameplay, which challenges players to swap between different “cartridges” (abilities) to perform some great acrobatic feats. There’s even a solid 2-player co-op mode here as well. In short, if you enjoy challenging Platformers, consider Super Cable Boy a must-have.

Grade: A-

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This game has been nominated for one or more of eShopperReviews 2021 Game Awards:

Runner-Up: Most Overlooked, The “Wow, this game was way better than I expected!” Award, Best Platformer

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