Among the many games I picked up in a bundle earlier this year were three 3D platformers from the indie developer Siactro: Toree 3D, which we discussed in March, its sequel Toree 2, and Macbat 64.

(I linked to the Steam version above, but it’s also available on the Switch, as well as on the Xbox as part of a bundle.)

Since Toree 3D and Toree 2 were both level-based 3D platformers, I expected Macbat 64 to be along the same lines.

So it was to my great delight that Macbat 64 is actually more like a miniature Banjo-Kazooie homage.

While it’s still split into levels, each level is a small explorable world with items to collect to reach your goals, usually by gathering items for NPCs in exchange for other items. For example, you might need four balloons to progress, and one character will give you a balloon in exchange for coins while another will give you one if you help them with a task.

(This setup of helping characters in exchange for items to trade for the items you need reminded me a bit of Frog Detective and its sequel, actually, although they’re adventure games instead of a platformer.)

A few levels switch up the gameplay, and overall it was a fun and charming experience that called back to 3D platformers like Banjo-Kazooie despite being much simpler.

In addition to the main story, there are some bonus levels unlocked at the end of the game, along with other secrets. A couple of the bonus levels felt like homages to Silent Hill, of all things, which just made me like it more. And then there was a Christmas-themed bonus level to make it perfect for this time of year!

Macbat 64 only takes a bit over an hour to complete, but it was absolutely delightful. I also realized shortly after starting it that a 3D platformer I’ve seen advertised on Twitter lately, Super Kiwi 3D, is the newest game from the same developer, so that will definitely be one to check out in the future. In the meantime, if you like this style of platformer and want something short and charming, check out Macbat 64!