Let me be honest with you—when I first picked up PG-Wild Bandito (104), I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I’ve spent years exploring action-adventure titles, from sprawling open worlds to tight-knit platformers, and I’ve seen how hard it is to strike that perfect balance between guidance and freedom. That’s why the experience I had with Hell is Us immediately came to mind. While its narrative conclusion left me a bit cold, the journey itself? Absolutely gripping. It’s rare to play a game that trusts you enough to explore without drowning you in aimless wandering. That same delicate balance is something I found—and loved—in PG-Wild Bandito (104), though it expresses it in a completely different way. This isn’t just another run-and-gun platformer; it’s a carefully crafted challenge that respects your time while testing your skills.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed how the action-platformer space has exploded lately. I mean, just last month we had both Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance drop within weeks of each other. Two ninja games, both reviving classic franchises, yet each taking a wildly different approach. Ragebound leaned hard into nostalgia, all pixel-perfect jumps and merciless enemy patterns, while Art of Vengeance smoothed out the edges, blending old-school inspiration with modern mechanics. Playing them back-to-back was a blast, but it also made me realize something: PG-Wild Bandito (104) sits somewhere in between. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but it polishes every part of it until it gleams. The controls are tight—not imprecise like some critics noted in Hell is Us—and the level design? Impeccable. You never feel lost, but you’re always curious.
Let’s talk about movement. One thing I adore about this game is how fluid everything feels. Your character responds instantly, whether you’re wall-jumping, dodging traps, or chaining together combos. I’ve played roughly 40 hours so far, and I’m still finding little optimizations—new ways to shave seconds off my best times. That’s the mark of a great platformer: depth without frustration. Compare that to Hell is Us, where the combat system was engaging but occasionally let down by shallow enemy variety. Here, enemy types are thoughtfully designed. You’ve got standard grunts, agile assassins, and heavy brutes—each requiring a different strategy. I counted at least 12 distinct enemy archetypes by the mid-game, and each one forces you to adapt. It keeps things fresh, something I wish more games in this genre would prioritize.
Another pro tip? Master the parry system early. I can’t stress this enough. At first, I relied too much on dodging, and let me tell you—that only gets you so far. Once I started practicing parries, the combat opened up. It’s not just about defense; it’s about rhythm. Think of it like a dance. You watch, you wait, you strike. It reminds me of what made older titles like Shinobi so satisfying, but with a smoother learning curve. And if you’re worried about repetition, don’t be. The game introduces new mechanics at a steady pace. By level 20, you’ll have access to double jumps, air dashes, and even a temporary stealth mode. It never throws everything at you at once, which I appreciate. So many games overwhelm players early on, but PG-Wild Bandito (104) understands the value of pacing.
Now, I know some players might be turned off by the difficulty. It’s not easy—I died 73 times in my first playthrough, and yes, I kept count. But here’s the thing: every failure felt fair. The checkpoints are generously placed, and you always know what you did wrong. That’s a huge step up from some of the jankier titles I’ve tried recently. Remember Hell is Us? Its imprecise controls occasionally broke immersion, but this? This is polished. Every leap, every attack, every counter—it all just works. And when you finally beat a tough boss or nail a tricky sequence, the satisfaction is real. It’s earned, not handed to you. That’s a feeling I live for in games.
Visually, the art style is stunning. It’s not hyper-realistic, but it’s packed with personality. Vibrant colors, detailed backgrounds, smooth animations—it all comes together to create a world that’s inviting yet dangerous. I found myself stopping just to take in the scenery more than once. And the soundtrack? Absolutely killer. Upbeat synth tracks during combat, ambient melodies during exploration—it sets the mood perfectly. I’ve even added a few tracks to my workout playlist. That’s how good it is.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the story is a bit thin. You’re a bandito on a mission, and… well, that’s about it. There are lore snippets scattered around, but they’re easy to ignore. Personally, I didn’t mind. Not every game needs a deep narrative, especially when the gameplay is this solid. But if you’re someone who loves rich storytelling like in Hell is Us, you might find it lacking. Then again, this isn’t trying to be that kind of experience. It’s a gameplay-first title, through and through.
So, after all this time with PG-Wild Bandito (104), where do I stand? I think it’s one of the strongest entries in the genre this year. It doesn’t try to be revolutionary, but it executes its ideas with confidence and polish. Whether you’re a seasoned platformer veteran or someone looking to dive into the genre, this game has something to offer. Take your time, learn the mechanics, and don’t be afraid to fail. Trust me—the payoff is worth it. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a high score to beat.