Sackboy: A Big Adventure [PC] | REVIEW

Sackboy: A Big Adventure was one of my favourite launch titles on the PlayStation 5, so I was more than happy to play through it again with its recent PC release – especially since it also launched as a Steam Deck Verified title. It still feels pretty special two years on from its initial release too, even IF it feels like it holds less significance when compared to some of PlayStation Studio’s more high-profile PC releases.

Check out some screenshots down below:

Sackboy: A Big Adventure puts players in the role of the titular Sackboy as he looks to save his vibrant home of Craftworld from the villainous Vex, who has invaded and kidnapped almost all of the land’s inhabitants. What follows is a marvellous journey through an array of colourful and creative levels, with the gameplay seemingly changing up within each one to keep players on their toes. Sometimes it feels like a traditional 3D platformer, sometimes it’ll be on rails, whilst other times it’ll go all-out with puzzling, musical, or combat-based antics to ensure players are always doing something a little different.

Much like the LittleBigPlanet titles, Sackboy can unlock plenty of different costumes for players to customise his appearance, whilst the collectible bubbles and bells give players something to seek out throughout each level. Some of the best costumes are available to download as additional free DLC (including a snazzy Kratos outfit), so players ought to check that out before playing.

I won’t go into too much depth about how the game feels to play, because it’s a two-year-old release that has been covered in depth already online. What I will say is that it’s a lot of fun, has plenty of creative and cool ideas, and keeps the experience varied and exciting right until the very end. I don’t think the game got the credit it deserved when it released on the PlayStation 5, because this really is one of the best 3D platformers available on modern platforms.

“Sometimes it feels like a traditional 3D platformer, sometimes it’ll be on rails, whilst other times it’ll go all-out with puzzling, musical, or combat-based antics to ensure players are always doing something a little different.”

One of the best things about playing PlayStation Studio’s releases on PC is that players are unshackled when it comes to graphical and performance settings, and that’s certainly the case here. Not only does Sackboy: A Big Adventure look spectacular on the higher graphic settings (one setting that particularly stood out was ‘Sackboy Fuzz’), but it can run at an uncapped frame rate. Of course, you are limited by the power of your PC, but if you can handle the 120fps frame rate you’re going to be mighty impressed by how smooth it feels. Admittedly, I didn’t think that it looked all that different to the PlayStation 5 release with the visual quality, but that frame rate boost is definitely a nice touch.

PC gamers can also connect their DualSense controller and take advantage of all of the nifty haptic feedback and trigger features offered by Sackboy: A Big Adventure. In fairness, the game offers some of the most creative and satisfying uses of the controller, so it’s definitely worth connecting if you want the most immersive way to experience the adventure.

What impressed me the most with Sackboy: A Big Adventure’s PC release is how well it runs on the Steam Deck. Whilst there were reports of some issues launching the game after some recent patches, I’ve had zero problems and also managed to play the game at high settings with a 60fps frame rate (after a little bit of tweaking). The game looks and feels great on Valve’s handheld, whilst the gameplay is perfectly suited for portable play. I’ve seen a lot of comments online from folk that say we don’t need a PlayStation Vita 2 given how impressive PlayStation Studio’s titles feel to play on the Steam Deck (you can check out our recent Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection review for evidence of that), and you know what? They’re right.

Check out some screenshots down below:

The only catch when playing on the Steam Deck is the inconvenience of local multiplayer, which really is one of the best ways to experience the game. Playing in single player is absolutely fine and takes nothing away from Sackboy: A Big Adventure, but going through the levels with a friend and helping each other out when facing off against enemies, solving puzzles, or tackling platforming challenges just feels so rewarding. Online play is available (I didn’t get the chance to test it in this review), but nothing beats playing it in local co-op.

I think the game’s biggest issue as a PC release will be the fact that it doesn’t feel as special as the likes of God of War, Horizon, Spider-Man or Uncharted. Sure, Sackboy is one of the faces of PlayStation, but I wouldn’t say that Sackboy: A Big Adventure would be seen as a platform-seller or one that PC gamers will be racing to purchase. It’s a shame too because it’s a brilliant platforming adventure; here’s hoping it gets the attention and player count that it deserves on PC.

Developer: Sumo Digital
Publisher: PlayStation Studios, PlayStation PC
Platform(s): PC (Reviewed), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Website: https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/games/sackboy-a-big-adventure/