Kitsune Tails

Kitsune Tails
Cover of the video game Kitsune Tails. In the center, there is a purple-haired kitsune protagonist in mid air and being followed by a ghost. Above her, there is the video game logo with the title in both English and Japanese. Surrounding, the protagonist, there are two characters. On the left, there is a woman wearing a blue dress with a neutral happy expression in the company of two foxes. On the right, there is an orange-haired kitsune with a surprised expression.
Steam cover art
Developer(s)Kitsune Games
Publisher(s)Kitsune Games, MidBoss
Platform(s)
Release
  • PC: August 1, 2024
Genre(s)Platformer
Mode(s)Single-player

Kitsune Tails is a 2024 platform game developed by Kitsune Games and published by MidBoss.[1][2] Set as the follow up to Super Bernie World, Kitsune Tails controls a young female kitsune, Yuzu, one of Inari's fox-eared and bushy-tailed messengers.[3][4]

Gameplay

Yuzu carrying a lantern

Kitsune Tails is a 2D retro-style platformer featuring power-ups in the form of outfits, often stated as being very close to the gameplay of Super Mario Bros. 3.[5][6] The game takes place across five different worlds themed after Japanese mythology with different levels included in each world, such as haunted house levels.[7] Cutscenes play after certain levels and the seasons change as the player progresses. The player can also collect coins throughout the levels and minigames to buy powerups in shops. Kitsune Tails features modding tools such as ability to make custom levels and minigames.[8][9]

Story

Development and release

Developer Kitsune Games is based in Missouri.[10] Kitsune Tails was originally announced around January 2021.[2] A preview build was released to some reviewers in July 2023.[11][12] Kitsune Tails released on PC via Steam and itch.io on August 1, 2024.[6] The release for other platforms is yet to be announced but is planned.

Reception

The 2023 preview build was given positive reviews by ScreenRant and PCMag, with both outlets praising the game's characters, love story, and "cozy" nature.[11][12] Kotaku praised the narrative, stating that "it’s a cute story to watch unfold and the promise of seeing a new cutscene gave me motivation to beat every level I could," although noting the controls felt floaty at times,[1] and PCGamesN stated that "the PC finally has its very own answer to Super Mario Bros. 3."[13] Siliconera also reviewed the game positively, stating "Kitsune Tails is a challenging and precise platforming game featuring an adorable queer story about friendship and love."[6] Boss Rush Network gave the game a 3.5/5, stating it is overall a "fine game" but criticizing the "lackluster dialogue and voice acting."[14]

Awards

The Melbourne Queer Games Festival awarded Kitsune Tails with the 2024 silver medal[15]

References

  1. ^ a b Rowe, Willa (June 8, 2024). "This Retro Platformer Is Sapphic Super Mario And I Can't Wait For Its Full Release". Kotaku.
  2. ^ a b Valens, Ana (January 16, 2021). "Kitsune Tails is an explicitly queer throwback to classic platform games". The Daily Dot. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  3. ^ Brian (June 12, 2021). "Japanese mythology-inspired platformer Kitsune Tails announced for Switch". Nintendo Everything. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  4. ^ Editor, Ed Thorn Reviews; Thorn, Ed (August 1, 2024). "Kitsune Tails is a wonderfully queer Super Mario 3-inspired platformer that's out today". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved October 11, 2024. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  5. ^ Wright, Steve (June 11, 2024). "Kitsune Tails combines Japanese mythology and a retro map maker". Stevivor. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c Bueno, Daniel (July 31, 2024). "Review: There's More Than Meets the Eye in Kitsune Tails". Siliconera. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  7. ^ Wood, Austin (August 2, 2024). "Nintendo wasn't brave enough to put lesbian fox girls in Super Mario Bros. 3, so this new Japan-inspired platformer has taken matters into its own hands". GamesRadar. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  8. ^ McCarter, Reid (August 2, 2024). "Kitsune Tails, the closest thing to Super Mario Bros 3. on PC, out now". PCGamesN. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  9. ^ Silberman, Will (June 4, 2024). "Kitsune Tails (PC) Review". digitalchumps. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  10. ^ "About". Kitsune Games. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  11. ^ a b Lambertsen, Carrie (July 26, 2023). "Kitsune Tails Preview: A Sweet And Cozy 8-Bit Platformer". ScreenRant. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  12. ^ a b Cuevas, Zackery (July 25, 2023). "Kitsune Tails Preview". PCMAG. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  13. ^ McCarter, Reid (August 3, 2024). "Kitsune Tails, the closest thing to Super Mario Bros 3. on PC, out now". PCGamesN. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  14. ^ Celata, Eli (August 4, 2024). "GAME REVIEW: Kitsune Tails". Boss Rush Network. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  15. ^ "QGF Awards". Melbourne Queer Games Festival. October 7, 2024.