Platform 8, the follow-up to The Exit 8, has finally hit consoles. The new title brings a lot back from its predecessor in terms of gameplay and overall feel. Not only this, but Platform 8 also kicks up the creepy factor significantly. While it is similar, is this a game that should be on your radar? More importably, how does the Switch version perform? We talk about all of this and more, including a look at the physical version, in this review. Let’s get into it.
Premise
The premise of Platform 8 is pretty simple. You are on an endlessly running train and tasked with proceeding to the next car in an effort to get to the final platform. Just like with The Exit 8, anomalies will appear in each train car and you have to figure out how to clear the area or get past them. This can be as simple as running away from some imposing figure to tracking down some small detail in the environment. Once completed, you will move on to the next car and move further down the train line. To keep track of your progress, the Station Guide and electric signs will give you an idea of where you are. Starting at Reizen (L0), you are trying to get to Hachiban (L8).
The Exit 8 seemed more subtle overall with the anomalies and overall creepiness, while Platform 8 seems to lean into this aspect a little bit harder. Don’t get be wrong. Both are creepy games. I won’t go into specifics, but expect more jump scares and horror elements than were found in Exit 8.
Gameplay
As with The Exit 8, controls here are super simple. You walk with the joystick, look around with the right stick, run while holding the ZR trigger and interact with doors or have the ability to sit down on any of the seats with A. Outside of an options menu while playing, that’s pretty much it. This no nonsense approach is something that I liked about the first title, so you can go in knowing that Platform 8 is all about the gameplay and trying to escape the train.
Without spoiling anything, playing and clearing Platform 8 is all about paying attention to details. It’s not a long game by any stretch of the imagination. It took me a little under two hours to roll the credits. The electric signs or various messages in the train cars will give you hints at what you need to do. When there is no visible message, if you see something weird on the train, it’s usually best to run away as fast as you can. Again, pay attention to your surroundings and the electric signs.
Visuals & Performance
By just taking a look at any screenshots or footage of the game, you will quickly be able to tell that the Switch version of the Platform 8 is pared back when compared to releases on more powerful hardware. Still, what is on offer on Nintendo’s platform is a serviceable way to play the game. It runs at a pretty consistent 30 frames per second and looks sharp. If you’ve ever ridden a train in Japan, especially some of the older trains, the appearance of the train car is pretty convincing. Everything about the car, down to the small fire extinguisher door to the rubber seals on the doors between each cabin - the visual look is very faithful to what you will find in real life.
Handheld mode is also a viable way to play Platform 8 on Switch. I spent about half of my time with the game playing this way and didn’t notice many differences with playing on the TV. The game runs smoothly and looks fine.
While some of the details are a little bit lower resolution on the Switch when compared to what I played on the PlayStation 5, things still look and perform admirably on Nintendo’s system. Audio is also on point in Platform 8. From the low hum of the train, the sound of the doors opening to creepy sounds or screams, everything here is pretty convincing. Simply put, if you care about things like 60 frames per second, or higher fidelity visuals, go with something like the PS5 version of the game will be for you. If you don’t care about that kind of thing, the Switch version is worth it.
Physical Version of the Game
A physical version of both The Exit 8 and Platform 8 were released on the Switch, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in Japan on November 28, 2024. I can’t comment on the PlayStation physical versions, but I did pick up this packaged version on the Switch. I really like what they did with the artwork for both games, putting the 8 front and center and dividing up the cover in both yellow and black. The back sports the logos for both games and the mysterious man that appears in both titles. The inside of the case is a bit disappointing as it’s just white. Nonetheless, both games are included on the cart, so no downloads are required here. Once the cart is popped into your Switch, two icons will appear on the home screen for both games.
Early adopters in Japan were given something a little bit special with their purchase - physical posters that are identical to the ones found in The Exit 8. There are a total of eight of them and they are quite a bit larger than I thought they would be. These are great for fans of the game, as is this physical edition of the game. This is worth hunting down if you’re into these games.
Conclusion
If you are a fan of The Exit 8, or somewhat creepy, no nonsense games, Platform 8 will be right up your alley. It controls well and is fun to play. Even with that said, the Switch version is a little bit underwhelming visually when compared to versions of the games on more powerful hardware. If the lack of high fidelity visuals doesn’t bother you, Platform 8 on the Switch is a solid port of the game that is worth playing.
But, let’s turn things over to you. Did you pick up Platform 8? What platform did you pick it up on? Are you a fan of the series? Sound off with any and all comments down below! We’d love to hear from you.
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