KeyWe Nintendo Switch Review 7.5/10 "You'll quickly fall in love with the game's charming Kiwi bird protagonists" 🦃🦜 @stonewheat #IndieGame #GameDev

Looking for an adorable and entertaining game that's perfect for all ages? Look no further than KeyWe, a short co-op puzzle game featuring cute animal protagonists. While it looks like it is aimed at children, adults looking for a fun and engaging game will also enjoy it. 

You'll quickly fall in love with the game's charming Kiwi bird protagonists - Jeff and Debra - but the chaotic puzzle platforming levels will keep you hooked. The levels are challenging and require teamwork, making it a great game to play with friends or family.

KeyWe is designed for single-player and co-op play, but I found the single-player mode to be quite complex as you have to control both Kiwis, which means that it can be challenging to complete stages within the allotted time frame. Playing with a partner is much more fun and can keep you entertained for around an hour before you want to try something new. 

The aim of KeyWe is to complete a set of challenges in a post office. You play as two kiwi birds that have just been given a job to send out parcels and more. On top of completing challenges, the game also includes three seasons, which come with their own challenges, such as baking cookies and decorating Christmas cards. You can earn three awards during the challenges: gold, silver, and bronze, getting even bronze during single-player mode is difficult because you have to control both birds simultaneously.

The controls on the Switch can be challenging if playing in single-player mode. Each bird is controlled by one Joy-Con, and you have to use the stick and A/X/Y/B buttons to control the birds. However, it works perfectly for multiplayer. 

The graphics are wholesome, focusing on key elements you might see in a post office and during the changing of seasons. The detail they included during the challenges is also wholesome, like the neutral colour scheme matching a post office. The animals used throughout the game, such as octopuses, kiwi birds, and ostrich lookalikes, have been well and truly detailed to ensure the perfect quality. 

The game's sound design is also impressive, with a range of background noises and animals relating to what's happening in the game. For example, when there are files around the screen, you might hear some buzzing sounds, and when you are with the octopus, you might hear the sound of splashing water. The background noise can only be described as lying on a beach in the middle of Hawaii. 

Overall, my partner and I enjoyed playing KeyWe for a short time. We played for around an hour each time, and as we progressed through the game, the challenges repeated themselves during each season, which we didn't think would be the case, however, the calming music and cuteness of the animals allowed us to continue.

SUMMARY

I recommend this game if you have young children who play occasionally or have little gaming experience. My partner and I play various games between us in multiple genres, so picking up KeyWe was pretty easy as it’s a very accessible title.