Given that Nintendo has a long history of developing some of the most well-known platforming titles in video game history, perhaps it isn’t much of a surprise that the genre is quite well-represented in the eShop. Whether you’re looking for modern 3D thrills, retro-style challenges, or pretty well anything else in-between, you’re likely to have multiple options to consider. Coming in on the decidedly retro side of the fence, and bringing a degree of challenge just a little above average overall, Little Things has some good vibes, but also may not be for everyone.

For some, the first obstacle may be the decidedly old-school look, going for a minimalist vibe like you would have seen way back in the days of the Commodore 64 and the ZX Spectrum. Stark black and white visuals accentuated with very pure colors can be a bit hard on the eyes, but I suppose it’s still effective. As you progress you’ll continue to pick up color-coded abilities which you’ll need to dash, double jump, and work your way over spikes and gaps. Throw in some trigger plates, boxes to move around, and other classic puzzle platforming elements, and you have a pretty broad range of pretty quick challenges, as these are all single-screen affairs, and if you enjoy trying to beat the clock the game is happy to put you to the test.

Given that general focus on not just precision, but also making every second count, I will say that I’m disappointed in the wonky controls when trying to use ladders, specifically with a joystick. Even simply holding the stick straight up your little guy is all over the place, making it difficult just to go up a ladder normally, let alone when trying to get through tough sections that will require going from ladder to ladder very carefully. Sure, with a pro controller you at least have the D-Pad as a back-up option, and it has no such quirky struggles, but considering the stock JoyCon is instead 4 small buttons I wouldn’t consider that to be an optimal setup for playability and comfort. If the joystick controls could at least be cleaned up the situation would mildly improve, but given the ambition of the competition already in the eShop, this feels like a very safe and somewhat vanilla release regardless.