Super Lucky's Tale
A 3D platformer sequel to a VR title, released for Xbox One X.
Super Lucky's Tale, a 2017 platform game from Playful Studios and published by Microsoft Studios, launched on Windows and Xbox One. It follows *Lucky's Tale*, a virtual reality 3D platformer for the Oculus Rift. Released as a launch title for the Xbox One X on November 7, 2017, the game drew mixed reviews from critics. A later expanded version, *New Super Lucky's Tale*, arrived on various platforms between 2019 and 2020.
The gameplay recalls 1990s 3D platformers like *Banjo-Kazooie*, *Crash Bandicoot*, and *Super Mario 64*. Five worlds each have their own hub, which functions as a playable level with coins and basic platforming to unlock new areas. Each hub contains about five main levels plus extra puzzles. The goal is collecting clovers to reclaim the Book of Ages from the villain Jinx. Each level offers four clovers: one for completing it, one for gathering 300 coins, one for finding the letters spelling "LUCKY," and one secret clover, often hidden or earned through a timed challenge. Levels mix 3D arenas with non-linear paths and 2D side-scrolling sections. Mini-levels include Sokoban-style puzzles and marble mazes where Lucky must reach an exit. Boss fights involve Jinx and his Kitty Litter.
The story follows Lucky Swiftail, a curious fox seeking inner strength to help his sister Lyra protect the Book of Ages, which contains entire worlds. The antagonist Jinx, a cat, aims to steal the book for his own ends. Lucky encounters the Kitty Litter—Jinx's mischievous children—and allies such as misplaced Yetis, Kookie Spookies, a village of farming worms, and other characters living inside the book, all threatened by Jinx and his family.
Development began as a sequel to the VR title *Lucky's Tale*, published by Microsoft Studios. It was among the first Xbox One games to support Dolby Atmos. Playful Studios CEO Paul Bettner called it a "playground platformer," saying the genre allows mixing traditional levels with mini-games like flying or riding a giant mech. Downloadable content arrived in 2018: *Gilly Island* sends Lucky to a tropical paradise hijacked by Lady Meowmalade, a Kitty Litter member celebrating her new single; *Guardian Trials* has Lyra train Lucky through challenging levels to become a full Guardian.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Super Lucky's Tale
- Developer
- Playful Studios
- Publisher
- Microsoft Studios
- Engine
- Unity
- Platforms
- Windows / Xbox One
- Released
- November 7, 2017
- Genre
- Platform, action-adventure
- Modes
- Single-player
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Super Lucky's Tale follows Lucky Swiftail, a curious and brave fox on a quest to find his inner strength and help his sister Lyra protect the Book of Ages, inside of which exist entire worlds and characters. The game's antagonist is a cat named Jinx, a mysterious villain who is trying to steal the Book of Ages for his own nefarious purposes. Along the way, Lucky encounters a supporting cast of friends and adversaries, including the Kitty Litter (Jinx's mischievous children), misplaced Yetis, Kookie Spookies, and a village of farming worms.
Gameplay has been described as reminiscent of 90's-era 3D platformers such as Banjo-Kazooie, Crash Bandicoot and Super Mario 64. Each of the game's five worlds has its own hub, which functions as a level itself. Each hub contains around five main levels and additional puzzles. The goal is to collect clovers to take back control of the Book of Ages from Jinx. Each level has four clovers: one for completing the level, one for collecting 300 coins, one for finding the letters spelling 'LUCKY', and one secret clover. Levels include 3D arenas, 2D side-scrolling, Sokoban-style puzzles, marble mazes, and boss fights.
Development was led by Paul Bettner, CEO of Playful Studios, who described the genre as a 'playground platformer'. The game was one of the first Xbox One games to feature Dolby Atmos support. Downloadable content released in 2018 includes Gilly Island and Guardian Trials. An expanded version, New Super Lucky's Tale, was released for Nintendo Switch on November 8, 2019, and for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One on August 21, 2020, integrating both expansions.
Reader's Guide
Super Lucky's Tale received 'mixed or average' reviews on Metacritic. Critics highlighted both strengths and weaknesses. Ryan McCaffrey from IGN gave a mediocre rating, citing poor controls and a lousy camera, and noted that the Xbox brand 'could use a decent answer to Nintendo in the 3D platformer genre'. Kallie Plagge from GameSpot found the game somewhat generic, with limited camera controls, and suggested it would appeal mainly to younger players. Cody Perez from GameRevolution rated it positively, considering it part of a 'renaissance' of 3D platformers in 2017, praising its colorful worlds, burrow ability, and mix of 2D and 3D levels, but criticizing the short main story and camera design. Jeremy Peeples from Hardcore Gamer praised the graphics and fast pace, calling it a 'fine 3D platformer' with camera issues and a lack of deeper impression. Chris Carter from Destructoid gave it a 7/10, calling it 'a clean, responsive platformer' with an underwhelming reward loop. Ray Carsillo from Electronic Gaming Monthly gave a negative review, calling it 'subpar' and 'unrealized potential'. The game's legacy includes its role as a launch title for Xbox One X and its later expanded version, New Super Lucky's Tale, which was described as a partial remake.
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