Where to get it

2024 · Kitsune Games · Action · Action-adventure

Kitsune Tails

Run, jump, and dash across a land inspired by Japanese mythology and untangle the love triangle between three young women on a journey of self discovery. Explore the complicated relationships between kitsune and humans through classic platforming action.

Released: 1 August 2024
Platforms: Linux Nintendo Switch PlayStation 5 Windows Xbox Series X/S
Genres: Action Action-adventure Adventure Indie LGBT themes Platformer
Developers: Kitsune Games
Publishers: MidBoss
Modes: Single-player
Perspective: Side view
Themes: Action Fantasy Romance
Age ratings: ESRB RP
Languages: English, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish (Spain)
Time to beat: 8.5hmain story13hcompletionist

About

Kitsune Tails is a 2024 platform game developed by Kitsune Games and published by MidBoss. Set as the follow up to Super Bernie World, Kitsune Tails controls a young female kitsune, Yuzu, one of Inari's messengers.

›Story

Play as a young female kitsune, one of Inari's fox-eared and bushy-tailed messengers, and embark on a hero's journey that begins while delivering your first message. Experience a romantic encounter with a kindly sorceress who comes to your aid in a time of need. Explore the complicated relationship with your former mentor turned antagonist and uncover her reasons for sealing your love interest inside an elemental prison. Unlock powers that manifest as cute outfits to help you run, jump, and dash across a land inspired by Japanese mythology in Kitsune Tails, the follow up to Super Bernie World.

Players say

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

Kitsune Tails is a 2D retro-style platformer featuring power-ups in the form of outfits, often stated as being very close to the gameplay of Super Mario Bros. 3. The game takes place across five different worlds themed after Japanese mythology with different levels included in each world, such as haunted house levels. Cutscenes play after certain levels and the seasons change as the player progresses.

The player can also collect coins throughout the levels and minigames to buy powerups in shops. Kitsune Tails features modding tools such as ability to make custom levels and minigames.

Story

Kitsune Tails follows the story of Yuzu, a Kitsune on her first mission as messenger of the goddess Inari. On this journey she encounters healer Akko, who begins to develop feelings for her. However, Yuzu's childhood friend Kiri grows jealous of Akko and tricks her into leaving during a festival, resulting in her capture and imprisonment. Yuzu sets off to pursue Kiri to find out what happened and free Akko.

Development

Developer Kitsune Games is based in Cyprus. Kitsune Tails was originally announced around January 2021. A preview build was released to some reviewers in July 2023. Kitsune Tails released on PC via Steam and itch.io on August 1, 2024. The release for other platforms is yet to be announced but is planned.

Reception

The 2023 preview build was given positive reviews by Screen Rant and PCMag, with both outlets praising the game's characters, love story, and "cozy" nature. Kotaku praised the narrative, stating that "it's a cute story to watch unfold and the promise of seeing a new cutscene gave me motivation to beat every level I could," although noting the controls felt floaty at times, and PCGamesN stated that "the PC finally has its very own answer to Super Mario Bros. 3."

Siliconera also reviewed the game positively, stating "Kitsune Tails is a challenging and precise platforming game featuring an adorable queer story about friendship and love." Boss Rush Network gave the game a 3.5/5, stating it is overall a "fine game" but criticizing the "lackluster dialogue and voice acting."