Sackboy: A Big Adventure

About Sackboy: A Big Adventure

Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a 3D action-platformer developed by Sumo Digital and published by Sony. Released on November 12, 2020, it blends single-player and co-op gameplay across PS4, PS5, and PC. You play as Sackboy, a cloth-based character, navigating Craftworld to rescue friends from the chaotic Vex. The game emphasizes physics-based puzzles, environmental interaction, and chaotic multiplayer challenges. It’s a family-friendly title with vibrant visuals and a focus on teamwork. Think of it as a Mario-style adventure but with a quirky, crafty twist and local co-op that turns simple tasks into chaotic messes.

Gameplay

The core loop involves platforming, puzzle-solving, and combat. You’ll scale floating islands, manipulate environments like pulling strings to reshape levels, and battle enemies with slapstick-style attacks. Multiplayer modes force you to work with others to solve physics puzzles, like balancing a seesaw or fending off waves of bots. Each level introduces new mechanics, such as using a grappling hook or timing jumps in shifting terrain. Controls are responsive but occasionally clunky in co-op, where communication is key. The game alternates between solo exploration and 4-player chaos, with achievements tracking completion of challenges. Sessions typically last 1, 2 hours, though side quests and rare achievements extend playtime.

What Players Think

On IGDB, it holds an 81.5/100 average from 91 ratings. The community averages 24.1% achievement unlocks, with 46 total. The rarest, “String it Together,” is unlocked by just 0.9% of players, tied to a specific crafting puzzle. Playtime averages 9 hours, though completionists hit 15+ hours. Community moods lean toward “fun” and “family-friendly,” with some “frustrating” notes on co-op mechanics. One review from IGN calls it “a colorful, chaotic romp,” while PC Gamer praises its “creative level design.” Critics note it’s “not impressive” but “a solid pick for casual groups.”

PlayPile's Take

This game is a mixed bag. It’s great for players who enjoy lighthearted co-op and don’t mind repetitive puzzles. At $30, $40, it offers decent value for family playdates or solo platforming fans. The 46 achievements add replayability, but 24.1% average completion means many stay locked. Skip it if you crave deep storytelling or precise mechanics. It’s best for households with kids or friends who like to laugh through chaos. Not a masterpiece, but a fun, short-lived diversion.

Storyline

The dastardly Vex (a near-mythical being born of chaos and fear, no less) kidnaps Sackboy’s friends and forces them to build his Topsy Turver. This most deadly diabolical device will transform Craftworld from a fantastical land of pure imagination and innocent dreams… into a torrid, barren eyesore of nightmares. Ooh the fiend! But legend tells of a prophecy from deep within the ancient order of the Knitted Knights, Craftworld’s legendary protectors. For only the brave, fearless, chivalrous and, yes, gallant can save the day in an almost too dramatic for words race against time stuffed with danger and peril. So much peril.