Remember the golden age of gaming, when collectathon platformers reigned supreme and the game manual was your only guide? That era is back and whilst we’ve recently had the pleasure of playing Yooka-Replaylee, we now also get to experience Windswept; a new love letter to the 90s.
This charming new title from developer WeatherFell and publisher Top Hat Studios, is now available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Prepare for a journey where you’ll learn every ability in the first stage, and after that, you’re on your own!
Swept Away!
The story of Windswept is a simple one. A duck named Marbles and a turtle named Checkers are just trying to live their lives when they are suddenly swept away in a massive storm. Now, lost and far from home, this unlikely pair must help each other find their way back.
This is a game that proudly wears its 90s inspirations on its sleeve. It’s a content-stuffed, skill-based platformer where trying again is the norm.
A Buddy System with a Twist
The core of the gameplay is its unique buddy mechanic. You can swap your leader at any time, giving you an entirely new set of actions to use and master. Marbles and Checkers each have a unique set of movement skills, and you’ll need to figure out the best combo or sequence to make it through the game’s various challenges.
In a truly old-school move, Windswept teaches you every ability in the very first stage of the game. After that, it’s up to you. There are no waypoints, no tutorials, and only a game manual to guide you. It’s all about exploration and mastering the controls.
More Than Just Platforming
Your journey will take you across over 40 main levels, each with its own set of hidden collectibles, bonus challenges, and quirky obstacles. These are spread across five different uniquely themed zones, each with its own mechanics.
You’ll even befriend and ride a variety of friendly critters, from a dolphin to a “licky-lizard,” who bring new abilities to the table.
Check out the 90s-inspired trailer here…
Your Collectathon Checklist
Here’s what you can expect from this new retro adventure:
- A 90s-style buddy-platformer and collectathon.
- Play as Marbles (the duck) and Checkers (the turtle), swapping between them on the fly.
- All abilities are unlocked in stage 1—no hand-holding!
- Over 40 levels across 5 unique zones.
- Rideable animal friends like a dolphin and a licky-lizard.
- Stuffed with optional content, collectibles, and mini-games (including collectible action figures!).
The journey home is a long and challenging one, but it’s packed with charm, secrets, and a whole lot of collectibles.
It’s time to dust off your old platforming skills and get ready to be swept away. Windswept is waiting for you on the Xbox Store right now (ÂŁ16.74), playable on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. It’s also on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and PC (Steam).
Let’s get swept away – together! We’ll be sure to let you know how it plays in full review.
Windswept Description
Marbles and Checkers need your help finding their way home after being swept away in a storm. In this 90s buddy-platformer there’s a ton of stuff to do and even more to collect!
