I’m a big fan of the humble platformer. After all, it’s the gaming genre that dominated my childhood.
Crash Bandicoot, Super Mario Galaxy, Spyro The Dragon, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos … I could go on.
In recent years, it has felt like platforming had become a genre developers looked down upon, instead choosing to chase the critical acclaim that might come from creating a glossy RPG or action-adventure title.
That was until Astro Bot came along, putting platforming back on the menu.
It was the longtime absence of platformers though that inspired Luckshot Games to create Big Hops, an ode to the golden age of platforming.
Big Hops sees you assume the role of a frog, where you’ll “tongue-swing, free climb, and plant veggies to build paths forward”.
“You play as Hop, a young frog kidnapped from his home by a mysterious spirit named Diss. To get back to your family, you’ll need to gather Airship Parts scattered across the Red Desert, Open Ocean, and Shattered Mountain—all while getting roped into Diss’s strange, important job.”
Following on from its reveal, the game’s release date has now finally been confirmed during Day of the Devs: The Game Awards Edition.
It Arrives Next Month
Big Hops is officially due to land on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam on 12 January 2026, so there isn’t very long to go.
Developers say that the game boasts a “deep parkour moveset” which allows for a huge sense of freedom.
You’ll be able to run, jump, dive, climb, belly side, wall run, swing, and more as you progress through this fun and silly title.
Hop’s tongue is a key mechanic. In addition to the aforementioned swinging, it’ll help you pull switches, grab items, hookshot up walls, lockpick, and spray graffiti, apparently.
I can’t say I know what aid that last move provides.
Hop is able to interact with veggies which double as platforming items; mushrooms turn into bounce pads, for example, whilst acorns spawn climbable vines.
You’ll have a backpack to store these until you need to use them.
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Big Hops boasts three worlds in total, all of which have their own unique biome; between worlds, Diss will lead you into The Void which sounds exciting and perilous.
And if you like customisation, Big Hops will see you unlock outfits for Hop. Who doesn’t want to play dress-up with a cute little frog?
All in all, Big Hops sounds like a blast and a fun game to pick up to kick off January.
While we’re here, I’d love to shout out Day of the Devs.
You can support this non-profit organisation which is dedicated to highlighting the very best in indie gaming.
Those involved in putting on the showcase do so on a voluntary basis, relying on sponsors and donors.
