Petal Runner brings the charm of Game Boy pocket monsters without the battles

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At the bustling and lively hub of Summer Game Fest Play Days, a multitude of developers – both large and small – displayed their upcoming games to the throng of visitors in Los Angeles over the weekend. Among the numerous demonstrations, Petal Runner effectively caught the eye with its vivid color scheme and nostalgic, retro pixel-art aesthetic.

As a devoted fan, I’ve just completed the Petal Runner Orientation alongside my fox-like HanaPet companion, Kira. We’re embarking on an exciting journey as global couriers, delivering delightful pets across the globe! With our trusty bicycle and backpack packed with essentials, we’re ready to spread the joy that HanaPets can bring to people everywhere.

For someone like me who came of age in the ’90s, Petal Runner definitely stirs up a sense of nostalgia. Its simple pixel art, blocky font, and retro sound effects make it seem as if it could have been a game cartridge for a Game Boy. The game’s warm color palette, consisting of just four primary colors, and excellent pixel animation really capture the visual essence of those bygone days.

Established by artist Brandon James “BJGpixel” Greer and programmer Danny Guo, Nano Park Studios aimed to develop a game reminiscent of the golden age of Game Boy games, and this nostalgic inspiration is immediately apparent. If you’ve played early Pokemon titles, you might notice similarities, but that’s not the only influence at play. The game features HanaPets, which are kept in Tamagotchi-like gadgets called Leashes (decorated with fitting pixel art), and these accessories are a prominent feature within the game’s interface. Additionally, all HanaPets seem to be able to communicate, suggesting interactions between human and pet that lean towards Digimon-style conversations.

At Summer Game Fest, I got a brief taste of Petal Runner and found myself on a mission to deliver a new HanaPet to a surfboarding dad in a quaint little town. Along the way, I chatted with locals, gathered data about HanaPets (which is stored in something called a HanaBase), and even took on small side-tasks. It’s tough to fully understand how the game’s overall structure will unfold, given that Petal Runner features an open world, but the intimate feel of each moment makes it a delightful experience.

Instead of battling like in Pokemon, Petal Runner features different mini-games rather than fights. As you distribute HanaPets to new owners, you’ll encounter various minigames to seal the deal. These games, similar to WarioWare, are diverse, such as guiding a paratrooper onto a landing pad by moving the analog stick left and right, or pressing a button at the right moment to place a spoon inside a giraffe’s mouth. These mini-games aren’t tough challenges; they’re enjoyable, soothing activities that you’ll encounter while fulfilling your mission of spreading HanaPets worldwide.

In Petal Runner, we’re exploring an innovative spin by preserving the appeal and accumulation elements from Pokemon, but eliminating the training and combat features. Instead, this game offers a heartwarming journey through everyday life, focusing on the bonds between people and their pets. As Greer explains, “the unique connection we share with our pets is something we aim to portray in Petal Runner.

One worry I harbor about the overarching plot in Petal Runner, is that the intriguing enigmatic moments within the demo may hint at a deeper mystery beneath its cheerful facade. The game’s synopsis mentions that Petal Runner is “an endearing tale of everyday life and letting go.” I can only cross my fingers that the storyline won’t turn out to be as obvious as it might seem initially.

Petal Runner is set to release in 2026 for PC (Steam).

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2025-06-12 07:25