While not all gamers seem to be on the same page, and a game’s graphics can be an important part of what makes them great, looks aren’t everything. Even before getting dragged down into whether they’re based on pixel art or polygons, or what aesthetic art style they’ve opted for, there are plenty of terrible games out there that look great, and terrific titles that some would say look underwhelming. In the end, gameplay and overall game design should typically win the day, and it is clear when you play enough games out there that finding people who are really good at that are in too short supply.

Candylands Journey, unfortunately, falls into that category of being quite visually attractive, if anything sporting a sort of classic NeoGeo look, but falling apart when it comes to overall design. Much like Farlands Journey before it, indeed feeling very similar with regards to its aesthetics and general play, Journey has looks on its side, but its “personality” just isn’t there to back it up. I would note that in terms of the character design this is actually a step up from that predecessor, showing progress on that front, but considering I had more issues with differentiating the background and foreground in spots this time around, it also ended up being a step back in some regards.

The central issue here is just that the stage design doesn’t feel very polished, tends more often than not to be overly long, and just isn’t generally satisfying. That comes from a combination of your character not being terribly capable, her bubble wand used as a weapon not adding any sense of excitement to things, and in general just the feeling that you’re meandering through the world without much aim to compel you to continue returning. It feels like you’re strolling through an extended showcase of someone’s pretty nice game art, bopping enemies here and there, encountering variations on the same puzzles that aren’t that challenging or interesting, and getting bored along the way. I suppose some could at least find some simple enjoyment in the overall experience, but there are absolutely far better games out there delivering more focused and fun play worth checking out before settling for this.