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Nikoderiko: The Magical World

Nikoderiko: The Magical World

VEA GAMES · released Oct 15, 2024

2D PlatformerPCPlayStation 5, PlayStation 4Xbox Series XNintendo Switch

Join Niko and Luna on their quest in Nikoderiko, a vibrant platform adventure! When the duo discovers an ancient relic on a magical island, the villainous Grimbald of the Cobring Gems Company snatches it away. To save the island and its tribes, they must navigate seven unique worlds with the help of their animal friends and defeat the Cobring army. With family-friendly design, couch co-op, and music by David Wise, Nikoderiko promises a magical, mysterious journey for all ages.

69
VGC Score
·No trend datamedium confidence
80%
Press
65%
Player sentiment
59%
Backloggd
67%
Xbox store
275
Ratings

Screenshots & trailers

How this score was computed

The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.

ComponentPositiveQuality (0-100)Weight (pseudo-reviews)
Press reviews (Metacritic)8033
All-time Steam reviews0
Metacritic user ratings7829
Backloggd ratings5971
Xbox store ratings6738
Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted)0
Calibration prior (typical game)7250

Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 6h ago · full methodology →

Press & Creators reviews (15)

Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.

  • 80
    trust 65Dec 6, 2024

    I really enjoyed my time with Nikoderiko: The Magical World. It's a blast in singleplayer, and after a good few evenings playing in coop with my kids I and can absolutely recommend it as a local multiplayer experience too. If you're a platforming fan, then this is one you won't want to miss.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    trust 62Oct 14, 2024

    Nikoderiko: The Magical World feels like a nostalgic nod to classic mascot platformers, offering a fun balance of challenge and simplicity. While it borrows heavily from older games and lacks a distinct identity, the co-op mode shines, making it great for couch co-op multiplayer. At a budget-friendly price of thirty euros, it’s a solid choice for fans of platformers looking for a lighthearted, cooperative experience.

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  • 80
    trust 61Oct 14, 2024

    Nikoderiko: The Magical World is heavily influenced by Donkey Kong Country and Crash Bandicoot, perhaps to the point where it almost becomes derivative. But although it may wear its influences plainly on its sleeve, it's such a well-crafted new entry in the platforming genre that it's impossible to care too much. Making your way through Nikoderiko's wonderfully designed levels is every bit as joyful as the 90s classics, and if you're a fan of the genre you should consider this a must-play.

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  • 80
    trust 59Oct 14, 2024

    Nikoderiko: The Magical World may not reinvent the wheel, but it certainly does enough to stand on its own two feet. Whether the developer’s were counting on the visual similarities between Niko and Crash Bandicoot to generate chatter, I do not know but if that’s the case, I only wish they’d believed in their own vision as this is a lovely, well-rounded game that needn’t rely on imitation. With its inventive mount system and challenging boss fights, Nikoderiko: The Magical World has enough unique gimmicks to hold its own against competitors. If it’s a solid little platforming adventure you’re after, you won’t feel disappointed picking Nikoderiko: The Magical World up.

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  • 77
    trust 57Oct 15, 2024

    Although Nikoderiko: The Magical World doesn't quite match the class of its great idols, this playable love letter to the platformer genre is a title that fans can give a chance without hesitation.

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  • 81
    trust 57Oct 14, 2024

    A remarkable platforming game that the whole family can enjoy. Its only "sin" is being too similar to previous titles. It lacks a soul gameplay wise. Even so, it's a solid, beautiful adventure.

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  • 80
    trust 57Nov 5, 2024

    Nikoderiko: The Magical World takes a risk that pays off. Playing off the nostalgia of platformers of the past, Nikoderiko is a love letter to the mascot platformer. Clocking in at a little over 8 hours, Nikoderkio is one of the surprise hits of 2024. It is a game that will be loved by players of all ages, and with couch co-op, it should bring fun to friends and family. I hope we get more of Nikoderiko down the road.

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  • 80
    trust 56Oct 14, 2024

    Nikoderiko is a true love letter not only to Donkey Kong Country and Crash Bandicoot, but also to the platform genre. By mixing the most varied elements present in these games, we are graced with a game that brings a nostalgic and at the same time current experience. Despite presenting some small problems and a boring unlockable system, the game is fun and capable of putting a smile on the player's face with each reference. A title recommended for all fans of the genre and that will please both more experienced players and newcomers.

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  • 75
    trust 52Oct 22, 2024

    Nikoderiko: The Magical World is everything that nostalgic fans of old platformers need to dive back into the memories of yesteryear. It may not be among the most original games of the past decade, given the many similarities to Crash Bandicoot and Donkey Kong, but the care with which the work was created allows it to stand at more than decent levels of harmonious enjoyment.

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  • 85
    trust 51Nov 22, 2024

    Nikoderiko: The Magical World is a reminder that indie games can achieve greatness even without the resources of big studios. With its endearing characters, beautiful visuals, and inventive level design, it offers a well-rounded platforming experience that will appeal to both longtime fans of the genre and newcomers. There are a few rough edges, but overall, the game is brimming with charm, creativity, and a sense of nostalgia that makes it hard to put down. With a few refinements in future updates or installments, this game has the potential to grow into a beloved indie franchise.

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  • 88
    trust 50Oct 15, 2024

    Nikoderiko: The Magical World is an impressive platformer that blends the logistics and inner workings of classics into a new style that respectfully represents the genre in a fun-loving way. The mellow approach and splendid animation create a welcoming and heartwarming adventure about plundering and bravery that you will want to see through to the end.

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  • 90
    trust 49Oct 14, 2024

    Nikoderiko: The Magical World looks fantastic, plays brilliantly, and hits all of the right spots.

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…and 3 more tracked reviews.