This charming new adventure game brings to mind a classic from the PS1 era that seems to have been forgotten.

      I always have a fondness for video games that evoke the charm of a long-forgotten classic from the past. I’m not referring to those that intentionally pursue a retro look for the sake of nostalgia. Instead, I admire games that feel genuinely influenced by their history, reflecting fond childhood memories. That's exactly the essence of Slime Heroes, a delightful adventure featuring vibrant cartoon characters. If someone claimed it was a remake of a lost PS1 title, I might actually agree—if it weren't for a few modern indicators.

      As the initial project from indie developer Pancake Games, Slime Heroes is an open-world adventure that follows an adorable slime on a mission to rescue its home from corrupted creatures. Its bright visuals, whimsical soundtrack, and somewhat awkward user interface give it the nostalgic vibe of games from the mascot-driven platformer era. However, don't let its cheerful appearance deceive you: Slime Heroes can be surprisingly challenging, featuring some intricately designed combat mechanics.

      When my adventure kicks off, everything appears quite simple. I’m introduced to some vague lore to set up my quest, and soon I find myself navigating a jungle with a sword in hand (or equivalent for a slime). I slice through monsters in my way and progress to checkpoints. It’s straightforward enough!

      However, the modern elements quickly come into play. Upon reaching my first save station, I discover that Slime Heroes is actually influenced by the Dark Souls philosophy. At checkpoints, I can enhance my stats like attack power and speed using materials I've gathered. If I perish, I lose everything I was carrying and must retrieve it or face permanent loss. Given the occasionally tricky platforming and imprecise physics, I often find myself dying. It's a bit frustrating and presents a tonal contrast to the otherwise charming, family-friendly game.

      That irritation diminishes as I begin to see the bigger picture. Slime Heroes is an open-world experience similar to Nobody Saves the World. I can explore at my own pace, tackling bosses and challenge shrines in any sequence I desire. This freedom reshapes my approach, allowing me to scavenge for checkpoints and gather upgrade points along the way. If I encounter a battle arena that's too challenging, I simply continue to explore and return when I'm better prepared.

      Progression isn't solely about leveling up, and therein lies Slime Heroes’ hidden advantage. As I explore, I receive random drops of special abilities. These include basic powers like projectile blasts and whirlwind attacks, which I can assign to three different button slots. A unique twist is that I can combine abilities for new powers, adding additional effects like fire or poison damage. This system encourages experimentation, inviting players to discover combinations that can help ease the difficulty.

      And trust me, some wonderfully overpowered combinations exist. My greatest achievement was creating a synergy involving an attack-boosting circle, a whirlwind, and a life-steal ability. Activating it would create a cyclone that drew in nearby foes, allowing me to strike them down with enhanced power while replenishing my health. To boost this even further, I equipped a hat that heals me with consecutive hits. Battles that initially seemed insurmountable became effortless thanks to my ingenuity. That's just one instance; from fiery projectiles to meteor showers that turn enemies into allies, there’s a wealth of options to explore.

      Although the aimless combat and rough movement can sometimes detract from the experience, I still feel inclined to play Slime Heroes casually on my Steam Deck. Each time I start it up, I uncover something new, whether it’s an uncharted area or a powerful ability combination. I haven't even delved into its co-op mode yet, which seems like the perfect way for parents to enjoy the game alongside their children. What resonates with me the most is the heartwarming feeling of engaging in a beloved childhood game that could have easily been part of my PlayStation collection during my youth. You might call it nostalgia, but for me, it’s the simple joy of immersing myself in a whimsical cartoon world that truly captivates me. I’m simply delighted to wander around as a little blob and revel in the whimsy.

      Slime Heroes is currently available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.