Review by Jon Donnis
There's something refreshingly old-school about Chickenhare and the Treasure of Spiking-Beard. Developed and published by N-Zone, this bright, energetic adventure takes its cues from classic platformers while building on the whimsical world of the Chickenhare film and comics. The result is a cheerful romp across colourful kingdoms, packed with puzzles, light combat and the kind of charm that only a talking chicken-rabbit hybrid can deliver.
The story follows Chickenhare and his trusty companions, Abe and Meg, as they race to find seven mystical crystals before the dastardly Spiking-Beard plunges the kingdoms into chaos. It's a familiar "save the world" setup, but the game's warmth and humour keep it from feeling stale. From the lively dialogue to the wonderfully animated cutscenes, everything here feels designed with younger players in mind, yet polished enough that parents won't mind joining in.
What makes the game shine is its trio-based gameplay. You'll constantly swap between Chickenhare, Abe and Meg, each with unique abilities that keep things varied. Chickenhare can glide using his ears, Abe smashes obstacles with his shell, and Meg brings a burst of martial arts flair. The swapping system works beautifully, creating a smooth rhythm between exploration, puzzle-solving and combat. It's surprisingly satisfying to master, and the controls are responsive enough to make even tricky sections feel fair.
Visually, this is one of the better-looking family titles on Xbox this year. Each world bursts with colour and personality, from the golden glow of Featherbeard's Castle to the eerie depths of Demon's Hole. The blend of 2D side-scrolling and full 3D exploration gives the game a playful cinematic flair. The camera transitions are handled neatly, with the shifts in perspective adding depth rather than confusion.
The puzzles, too, deserve credit. They strike a nice balance, challenging enough to make young players think without ever tipping into frustration.
Still, while Chickenhare and the Treasure of Spiking-Beard is brimming with heart, it's not without its limits. Older players might find the challenge level a bit too gentle, as combat and platforming rarely punish mistakes. This is very much a game for children and early teens, and while there's enough polish to keep grown-ups entertained, veterans of the genre will breeze through it.
Despite that, it's hard to hold a grudge against something so cheerful. The combination of character-switching, smart level design and light humour makes for a thoroughly enjoyable experience. It's a perfect introduction to the action-adventure genre for younger gamers and a charming nostalgia trip for anyone who grew up on platforming classics.
Chickenhare and the Treasure of Spiking-Beard may not reinvent the genre, but it delivers exactly what it promises: fun, family-friendly adventure with style and heart. Fans of the 2022 film or Chris Grine's original graphic novels will find plenty to love here.
Verdict: 7.5/10 – A delightful, easy-going adventure that soars on charm and colour, even if it plays things a little too safe for older players.
