Freedom Planet! A Retro Platformer Blast From The Past With A Dash Of Speedrunning

Freedom Planet burst onto the scene back in 2014, offering a nostalgic yet refreshing take on the classic platformer genre. Developed by GalaxyTrail and inspired by the likes of Sonic the Hedgehog and Gunstar Heroes, this indie gem quickly garnered attention for its tight controls, vibrant visuals, and challenging gameplay. But what truly sets Freedom Planet apart is its compelling story and cast of diverse characters.

A Tale of Three Heroines (And One Shady Villain)

The narrative revolves around three anthropomorphic heroines: Lilac, a purple dragon with incredible agility and speed; Carol, a wildcat mechanic who wields powerful weaponry; and Milla, a shy but powerful armadillo with the ability to control time and space. Their idyllic world of Avalice is thrown into chaos by the nefarious Lord Brevon, a ruthless warlord seeking ancient technology for his own sinister ends.

The game follows Lilac’s journey as she teams up with Carol and Milla to thwart Brevon’s plans and save Avalice from destruction. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, both friendly and hostile, each adding depth and personality to the world. The story is presented through in-game cutscenes and dialogue exchanges, seamlessly integrating narrative into the gameplay experience.

Mastering the Art of Platforming

Freedom Planet’s core gameplay revolves around traversing intricately designed levels filled with obstacles, enemies, and hidden secrets. Players can choose from three distinct characters, each with unique abilities and playstyles:

Mastering each character’s abilities is crucial for navigating the challenging levels and defeating the game’s diverse enemy roster. From robotic sentries to grotesque mutants, Freedom Planet throws a variety of threats at players, requiring quick reflexes and strategic thinking.

The game also features multiple difficulty levels, catering to both casual and hardcore gamers. “Easy” mode provides a more relaxed experience, while “Hard” mode cranks up the challenge with faster enemies, reduced health, and intricate level design.

A Sonic Homage With Its Own Unique Flavor

While Freedom Planet undeniably draws inspiration from classic platformers like Sonic the Hedgehog, it carves out its own unique identity through its engaging story, diverse cast of characters, and tight controls. The game’s vibrant pixel art aesthetic pays homage to retro gaming while maintaining a modern feel.

The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring catchy chiptune melodies that perfectly complement the fast-paced action. Composer Jake Kaufman (known for his work on Shovel Knight) delivers a memorable score that will have players humming along long after they’ve put down the controller.

Speedrunning Sensation:

Beyond its traditional platforming appeal, Freedom Planet has also gained a dedicated following among speedrunners. The game’s tight controls, precise level design, and various character abilities make it ripe for optimization and exploit-hunting. Online communities have flourished around sharing strategies, showcasing record-breaking runs, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the game.

This unexpected aspect adds another layer of depth to Freedom Planet, inviting players to delve deeper into the mechanics and discover hidden tricks that can shave precious seconds off their times.

Freedom Planet: A Platforming Gem Worthy of Your Time

Whether you’re a seasoned platformer veteran or a newcomer looking for an exciting challenge, Freedom Planet offers an experience that is both nostalgic and refreshingly unique. Its compelling story, diverse characters, tight controls, and vibrant presentation make it a standout title in the indie gaming landscape.

So grab your controller, choose your heroine, and prepare to embark on a thrilling adventure through the world of Avalice!