A New Era for PixelJunk Eden 2
Q-Games has made a return with a stunning 4K version of their platformer, PixelJunk Eden 2. This updated release introduces co-op play to the game’s unique take on the genre, offering players a fresh way to experience its vibrant and surreal world.
As video game franchises continue to age, many developers are celebrating significant milestones. Companies like EA and Capcom trace their roots back to the early 1980s, while Sega’s history stretches all the way to the 1960s. Nintendo, one of the most iconic names in gaming, is over 136 years old. However, it’s not just the big names that have stood the test of time.
Housemarque, the developer behind Returnal, turned 30 this year, and Q-Games, known for the PixelJunk series, will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year. Their recent silence has been due to the development of Dreams Of Another, which was released this month. While we’ll explore that title soon, our focus here is on PixelJunk Eden 2, which was initially a Switch exclusive in 2020 but has now been released on other platforms for the first time.
The PixelJunk Universe
The PixelJunk series includes a variety of games, starting with the straightforward PixelJunk Racers in 2007. Other titles include the tower defense game PixelJunk Monsters, the platformer PixelJunk Eden, PixelJunk Shooter, the oddly named PixelJunk SideScroller, and the peculiar PixelJunk Nom Nom Galaxy. These games serve as an outlet for Q-Games to create diverse experiences while maintaining a recognizable brand. It’s a model that larger publishers could benefit from adopting (think “Naughty Dog Presents…”).
Despite being based in Kyoto, Q-Games is led by British creator Dylan Cuthbert, who gained fame with titles like Starglider 1 and 2 and the early Star Fox games for Nintendo. Not every project from Q-Games has been a success, such as the recently re-released The Tomorrow Children. However, Eden 2 stands out as a unique entry in the platformer genre.
A Unique Platforming Experience
PixelJunk Eden 2 is technically a platformer but diverges significantly from traditional examples of the genre. The player controls a Grimp, a small creature capable of jumping and extruding a strand of silk to swing around platforms. However, the game’s environments are far from typical platforms. Each level is referred to as a garden, featuring curlicued fronds silhouetted against psychedelic, shifting colored backdrops that pulse to ambient techno music.
This distinctive approach creates an immersive and visually striking experience, setting PixelJunk Eden 2 apart from other games in the genre. The combination of unique mechanics and vibrant aesthetics makes it a must-play for fans of creative and experimental gaming.
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