Kitsune Tails is a Wonderfully Queer, Super Mario-Inspired Platformer Out Today

Fans of retro platformers, get ready for a delightful new adventure. Kitsune Tails, a wonderfully queer, Super Mario 3-inspired game, has just been released, bringing with it a colorful rescue mission steeped in Japanese mythology. Developed by Kitsune Games, this title is a follow-up to their 2020 hit Super Bernie World, where you guided a pixelated Bernie Sanders through a political platformer. Now, they’re back with a game that’s not only charming but also refreshingly inclusive.

A Mythical Love Story

In Kitsune Tails, you step into the shoes (or tails) of an unnamed kitsune, a mythical fox spirit inspired by the Japanese deity Inari Okami. The game kicks off with your character developing a romantic interest in a young sorceress who lends a helping hand in your time of need. But just as things are looking up, your former mentor—now turned antagonist—kidnaps the sorceress and traps her in an elemental prison. It’s up to you to embark on a quest to save your newfound love, all while donning a variety of "cute outfits" that grant you special abilities.

Nostalgic Platforming with a Twist

The gameplay in Kitsune Tails is heavily inspired by classic Mario titles, particularly the GameBoy Super Mario games. You’ll hop on enemies called "pangos," making them curl up so you can toss them at other foes, much like the turtles in Mario. The game’s charming art style and tight controls make it feel like a true throwback to the golden age of platformers.

What sets Kitsune Tails apart, however, are the outfits you can wear, each granting you different abilities. For example, one outfit turns you into a shark that can swim, while another transforms you into a shogun capable of hopping up walls and swinging from poles. These outfits add a fun layer of strategy to the platforming action, as you’ll need to switch between them to overcome various challenges.

Explore Five Worlds and More

The game features five worlds to explore, each with its own unique environments and obstacles. Within these worlds, you’ll also find haunted houses where you’ll need to carry lights to reveal secret doors and fend off ghosts. The level design is clever and varied, keeping the gameplay fresh as you progress through the story.

For those who find the game challenging, Kitsune Tails offers some helpful features. You can buy power-ups from in-game shops or "change playstyle," which seems to offer instant revives when you’re having trouble. And if you’re a glutton for punishment, beating the game unlocks "kaizo" levels—brutally difficult stages that will test even the most skilled players.

A Game That Stands Out

Kitsune Tails isn’t just another retro-inspired platformer; it’s a game with heart, offering a story that celebrates queer love and diversity within a charming, mythological setting. Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia, the inclusive story, or the tight platforming action, Kitsune Tails is a game that’s worth checking out. Don’t sleep on this one—it’s out today!