EGGNOGG+

2D platformers are not the most popular games nowadays, not when developers can achieve much better-looking things in three dimensions without too much work, at least not as much as back in the day. However, gamers are still quite OK with the genre as long as it features nice gameplay mechanics and some sort of new concept that keeps them engaged.

EGGNOGG+ is a local multiplayer platformer in which your goal is to fight the other player using swords and fists, in order to reach the lake of eggnog first and be declared the winner. In essence, this is a two-player brawler designed for short matches with simple gameplay mechanics. On the other hand, that doesn’t mean it’s not capable to keep you playing for hours on end.

To begin with, the only thing you can change about the characters is the color of their outfit, which obviously doesn’t affect the gameplay at all. After that, your next and only concern is killing the enemy before he kills you. Each level features multiple arenas in which one of the players has to die in order for the way further to be unlocked.

The characters can fight using either their fists or swords that can be found throughout the levels. There’s not much to it regardless of what you choose, because there’s only one attack button that performs a simple punch/stab move. On the other hand, it’s pretty difficult to break the opponent’s guard, at least when swords are involved. Hence, positioning is very important, at least if you do not base your strategy on pure luck.

As for the graphics, they’re as simple as they can get, especially when it comes to character and level design. The retro style should be good enough for old school fans of the genre, but it may prove to be a tad too basic for younger gamers. Thankfully, you should be too distracted by the fast-paced gameplay to notice the lack of visual acuity.

In spite of limitations and simplicity, EGGNOGG+ is both challenging and entertaining, especially when it’s played on two separate controllers. Hence, it should be the perfect cure to a boring slumber party.