Kitsune Kaeru Review: A Clever Gimmick Hampered by Repetition

Kitsune Kaeru is a platformer that lands squarely in the category of “novelty.” While it introduces a unique hook involving the ability to transform into boxes to solve navigation puzzles, the experience ultimately feels like a chore due to repetitive level design and inconsistent precision. Priced at £4.19, it is an interesting experiment, but one that struggles to sustain its own ambition.

The Box-Creating Gimmick

The core conceit is simple: you play as a kyubi (a nine-tailed fox) who can manifest boxes to use as platforms. By tapping X, you transform into a box, which resets the character to the start of the level. This leaves the box floating in mid-air, allowing you to build staircases or protective ceilings to bypass hazards. It’s a clever idea that rewards players who can successfully time their inputs to create paths where none existed.

The game even encourages efficiency with a stretch-goal system that tracks how many boxes you use. This adds a layer of strategy, as you try to minimize your footprint to find the quickest path to the exit. When you pull off a difficult jump using a perfectly placed box, the game feels genuinely satisfying.

Technical Friction and Repetition

Unfortunately, Kitsune Kaeru is held back by its own mechanics. The box placement lacks the precision required for a platformer of this type. There is a noticeable delay between a button press and the box appearing, and in some instances, boxes materialize off-screen, forcing you to rely on guesswork rather than skill. Because the game requires you to restart the level with every box placement, you are often forced to repeat the same platforming sections over and over. This creates a loop that feels more like busywork than engaging gameplay.

Midway through the game, you encounter wind updrafts intended to vary the pace. However, these are hampered by an invisible ceiling that prevents you from maneuvering freely, often leading to frustrating, unavoidable deaths if you don't exit the updraft at the exact right moment. The lack of a 'Reset Puzzle' feature only compounds these issues, making the experience feel unpolished.