Sackboy: A Big Adventure puts players back in the shoes of everyone’s favorite plush hero, and it mostly earns the trip. The game launched for PS4, PC, and PS5 in 2020, and it remains a solid entry in the platformer genre, even if it doesn’t reinvent it.
Trailer, via PlayStation Europe.
A Familiar Face
Sackboy: A Big Adventure follows the soft toy on a journey across several themed worlds, each packed with puzzles, enemies, and hidden collectibles. Players guide him through levels built for speed runs, exploration, and boss fights, all while the game leans heavily on its signature crafting system. That system lets players build platforms, bridges, and tools mid-level, a mechanic that has defined the franchise since the early days.
The premise is simple: Sackboy gets separated from his friends during a trip to the moon, and he must make his way back through a series of strange lands. The story is thin, but it moves fast and rarely gets in the way of the gameplay.
Levels Worth Running
The level design is where Sackboy: A Big Adventure shines brightest. Each world offers distinct themes and hazards, from icy mountains to neon cityscapes, and the pacing keeps momentum high. Players move through checkpoints, avoid traps, and solve physics-based puzzles, often within seconds of starting a new stage.
Boss fights break up the rhythm with larger-than-life foes that require precise timing and quick reflexes. The game rewards players who study enemy patterns and react quickly, and the difficulty ramps up steadily across the campaign.
Crafting in Motion
The crafting system is the game’s defining feature, and it holds up well here. Players can build platforms, ladders, and even simple machines to solve environmental puzzles. The system is accessible enough for newcomers but deep enough to reward skilled players who experiment with different designs.
Crafting isn’t just a gimmick. It becomes essential for solving certain obstacles, and the game frequently asks players to think creatively about how to navigate a space. This is where Sackboy: A Big Adventure feels most original, setting it apart from other platformers on the market.
Performance Across Platforms
The game runs well on PS4 and PC, but the PS5 version adds a touch of polish with faster load times and improved frame rates. The loading screens are nearly nonexistent on PS5, which makes repeated playthroughs smoother than on the older hardware.
On PC, performance depends heavily on the machine’s specs. Lower-end systems may experience occasional frame drops during busy sections, while stronger builds handle everything with ease. The game supports a wide range of controllers, including standard keyboards and mice, making it accessible to players who prefer PC controls over a gamepad.
Hidden Content and Replay Value
Sackboy: A Big Adventure includes a large amount of optional content beyond the main story. Collectibles, challenge rooms, and extra difficulty modes extend the game’s lifespan significantly. Players who want to see everything will find plenty to chase, though some of the side content feels thinly spread.
The main campaign itself is fairly short, clocking in at around six to eight hours depending on skill level. Players who complete it quickly may feel the game ends sooner than expected, but the additional modes provide ample reason to return.
Sound Design and Presentation
The soundtrack is cheerful and energetic, matching the game’s colorful visuals. Sound effects are crisp, and the voice acting is minimal but effective, keeping the focus squarely on the action.
The presentation is bright and inviting, with detailed environments and smooth animation. Sackboy himself is expressive, reacting to jumps, falls, and enemy attacks with a full range of movements. The game’s art direction draws on familiar platformer tropes while adding enough personality to stand out.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Here’s a quick rundown of the game’s strongest and weakest elements:
What Works Best
1. The crafting system, which remains inventive and useful.
2. The level design, which stays varied and engaging.
3. The boss fights, which demand real skill.
4. The presentation, which is polished and colorful.
5. The replay value, thanks to extra challenges and collectibles.
Where It Falls Short
1. Some levels feel repetitive in their middle stretch.
2. Difficulty spikes occasionally without warning, frustrating players who aren’t expecting sudden changes in challenge.
3. The story, while pleasant, doesn’t offer much depth beyond the surface level.
“Sackboy: A Big Adventure succeeds because it knows what made its predecessor great and builds on it.”
The game’s weakest moments come from pacing issues and uneven difficulty, but these are minor complaints against a game that delivers so consistently elsewhere.
Final Word
Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a strong, polished platformer that honors its heritage while finding room to grow. The crafting system remains the star of the show, and the level design keeps players engaged from start to finish.
Performance is solid across PS4, PC, and PS5, with the PS5 version offering the best experience. Optional content gives the game lasting appeal, though it’s not enough to fully mask the relatively short main campaign.
If you enjoyed previous entries in the series, there’s plenty here to love. If you’re new to Sackboy, this is a great place to jump in.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure earns an 8.5 out of 10.
