Explore the high-speed thrills of Penny’s Big Breakaway in this review, where fast-paced platforming meets inventive mechanics for an unforgettable adventure.
In a world saturated with platformers, it takes something special to stand out. Penny’s Big Breakaway aims to do just that by embracing the fundamentals of the genre and cranking them up to eleven.
Developed by the creative minds behind Sonic Mania, this fast-paced 3D platformer takes speed and precision to new heights, blending nostalgic elements with modern innovation.
For players who crave excitement, adrenaline, and a dash of quirkiness, Penny’s Big Breakaway delivers a heart-pounding experience that never lets up.
Let’s dive into why Penny’s Big Breakaway feels like a breath of fresh air in the platformer genre, with its tight mechanics, inventive level design, and a vibrant world that will keep you glued to the screen.
A Story of Freedom and Speed
At its core, Penny’s Big Breakaway revolves around Penny, a plucky, daring character who sets off on a high-octane journey to escape the confines of a rigid, oppressive world.
The narrative is lighthearted, focusing less on complex storylines and more on the gameplay experience, but there’s a clear sense of purpose driving Penny forward.
Her mission to break free—both literally and metaphorically—ties into the overarching theme of the game: speed.
The focus on freedom and escape is reflected in the way levels are designed. Wide-open spaces, branching paths, and verticality give players plenty of room to experiment with movement and speed, mirroring Penny’s determination to break away from the norm.
The story, while simple, provides just enough motivation to keep you invested in Penny’s adventure, but it’s the gameplay that truly takes center stage.
Tight, Fluid Controls
One of the first things you’ll notice in Penny’s Big Breakaway is how smooth and responsive the controls feel. From the very first jump, Penny’s movements are tight and precise, making it easy to get into the flow of the game.
Every leap, roll, and spin feels satisfying, with the game encouraging players to keep moving and maintain momentum.
The game uses a simple control scheme, but it gives players a surprising amount of freedom to experiment with different moves. Penny’s signature ability is her breakneck speed, and the game makes full use of it.
By chaining together jumps, dashes, and spins, you can blaze through levels at lightning speed, all while pulling off impressive stunts.
The controls are intuitive enough for newcomers to pick up quickly but deep enough to reward skilled players who want to master Penny’s full range of abilities.
Inventive Level Design
The heart of any great platformer lies in its level design, and Penny’s Big Breakaway does not disappoint. Each level is a playground of possibilities, packed with secrets, alternate routes, and challenges that test your mastery of the game’s mechanics.
The levels are designed to reward exploration, with hidden areas, shortcuts, and collectibles scattered throughout.
At the same time, they cater to players who prefer to zip through at full speed, offering carefully crafted paths that let you maintain momentum while dodging obstacles and enemies.
The game introduces new mechanics and challenges at a steady pace, ensuring that no two levels feel the same.
Whether you’re bouncing off springboards, grinding along rails, or wall-running through dangerous terrain, Penny’s Big Breakaway keeps things fresh by constantly mixing up the gameplay. The design philosophy here is clear: if it’s not broken, make it faster.
Each level pushes you to think on your feet, demanding quick reflexes and sharp decision-making.
A Unique Visual Style
Visually, Penny’s Big Breakaway stands out with its bold, colorful aesthetic. The world is bright and vibrant, filled with exaggerated environments that feel like they’ve been pulled straight out of a Saturday morning cartoon.
The art style strikes a perfect balance between nostalgic and modern, paying homage to classic platformers while embracing the possibilities of modern graphics.
The environments are varied, ranging from neon-lit cities to sprawling jungles and icy caverns. Each area is distinct and brimming with personality, helping to keep the game visually engaging as you move through different worlds.
The character animations are fluid and full of life, adding to the overall charm of the game. Penny herself is an expressive, likable protagonist whose personality shines through her movements and interactions with the environment.
Fast-Paced Action with Challenge Modes
Beyond the core campaign, Penny’s Big Breakaway by Katell Keineg offers additional challenge modes designed to test your skills to the limit. These modes focus on speedrunning, offering players timed challenges where the goal is to complete levels as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The inclusion of leaderboards adds a competitive element, encouraging players to refine their techniques and post the fastest times.
The challenge modes highlight the game’s focus on speed and mastery, making them perfect for players who enjoy pushing themselves to break records.
Even outside of these modes, speedrunning is baked into the game’s DNA, with each level offering opportunities for optimization and shortcuts that reward precision and risk-taking.
A Nostalgic Soundtrack
No platformer is complete without a catchy, energizing soundtrack, and Penny’s Big Breakaway delivers on that front. The game’s music is upbeat and high-energy, perfectly complementing the fast-paced action.
The soundtrack blends retro-inspired chiptunes with modern beats, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re navigating treacherous terrain or pulling off an impressive series of jumps, the music enhances the intensity of the experience.
Final Thoughts
Penny’s Big Breakaway is a shining example of how to take a well-worn genre and inject it with new life. By focusing on speed, fluidity, and inventive level design, the game offers an exhilarating platforming experience that feels both nostalgic and innovative. The tight controls, vibrant visuals, and fast-paced action make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
If you’re looking for a game that celebrates the thrill of movement and the joy of exploration, Penny’s Big Breakaway is a perfect choice. It’s proof that when something isn’t broken, sometimes the best thing you can do is make it faster.