Enter the pixelated land of Banbania, ruled by the ever-lovable Banban. The toads are happy, the jokes are (usually) funny, and life is good... until it's not good.
This is Missing Bunban, an exciting new pixel-style adventure that is a spin-off of the Bunban series that blends fast-paced platforming, intense combat, and a mysterious story.
Players take on the role of Sheriff Toadster, a brave toad on a mission to uncover the truth behind the sudden disappearance of his friend Bunban. Along the way, he must fight corrupt allies, navigate treacherous environments, and confront the sinister Bittergig - a villain notorious for his terrible jokes and destructive schemes.
Story - Mystery of Banban's Disappearance
Enter Bittergiggle - a villain so absurd he was locked up near Queen Bouncelia's pouch (yes, you read that right). But now, he's free, telling terrible jokes and causing chaos. And what's even worse? Sheriff Toadster's best friend, Banban, has disappeared without a trace.
Game Plays like a Fever Dream (in the best way)
Movement so Smooth, You’ll Feel Like a Parkour Toad
- Run, climb, and leap with precision over deadly traps and shifting platforms.
- One wrong move? Splat. This game rewards skill (and punishes carelessness).
Combat is More Than Just “Shoot Everything”
Switch between weapons and abilities to defeat enemies.
Boss battles? Oh, they’re personal. Your old friends are now corrupted monsters - defeat them, then save them.
Players must change their strategies based on enemies and the environment. Key features include:
- Multiple Weapons - Long-range guns, melee attacks, and special abilities allow for different play styles.
- Enemy weaknesses - Some enemies are best taken down from a distance, while others require close combat.
- Boss battles - Former friends, now corrupted, must be defeated in unique, multi-stage battles. The goal, however, is not to kill them, but to free them from the dark force that controls them.
Levels that Keep Getting Weirder
From sunny beaches to creepy factories, every area hides secrets.
Why is Queen Bounsalia human-sized on the poster, while she’s a giant in the game? We’ll probably never know.
Wait… didn’t Bittergig kidnap Banban?
Here's the twist: the main villain isn't behind the disappearances. So who is? Play to find out - because in Bunbania, nothing is as simple as it seems.
Exploration and Level Design
The game takes players through a variety of different areas, including:
- Beaches - Open spaces with waves and hidden caves.
- Jungles - Dense, maze-like areas with traps and ambush points.
- Secret factories - Industrial areas filled with machinery hazards and locked doors.
Each location hides secrets, collectibles, and alternate paths, encouraging deeper exploration.
Characters and World-Building
- Sheriff Toadster - The nimble, gun-toting protagonist on a rescue mission.
- Bittergiggle - The main antagonist, whose bad jokes are just as dangerous as his attacks.
- Corrupted Friends - Former allies turned into monstrous bosses, each of whom possesses unique abilities.
- Queen Bouncelia - A giant frog ruler with a mysterious anomaly: why is she human-sized on the game's poster? (Intentional mystery or omission? The game never explains.)
Visuals and Sound
- Pixel art style - A nostalgic but detailed aesthetic that brings Banbania to life.
- Dynamic music - Upbeat tracks during exploration, intense beats during battle.
- Expressive animations - Characters move with personality, from Toadster's determined dash to Bittergiggle's exaggerated taunts.
Difficulty and Replayability
- Challenging but fair - Early levels lead players through with ease, but later stages require mastery of movement and combat.
- Optional challenges - Hidden collectibles and speedrun-friendly design encourage multiple playthroughs.
- Multiple endings? - The story's mysteries suggest potential secrets yet to be uncovered.
Conclusion
Missing Banban is a well-crafted, action-packed platformer that stands out with its unique world, engaging combat, and mysterious plot. Whether you're here for the challenging gameplay or the quirky lore, Sheriff Toadster's adventures deliver a memorable experience.
