When game makers want to imitate a classic from the arcade, they’ll usually go with something popular and familiar, like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, Tetris, etc. But I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen a game try and imitate Donkey Kong 3. Probably because that game wasn’t as popular, since it was more of a shooter than a platformer. It was also the one and only appearance of Stanley the Bugman. But here comes Flora and Fang, which is very much like Donkey Kong 3. Dracula has to go away on a trip, and leaves two young vampire siblings Flora and Fang in charge of protecting his pumpkin patches from bugs. Flora and Fang: Guardians of the Vampire Garden is available on Switch and PC but reviewed on Switch here.
As Flora or Fang, you can run and jump as well as fire bug spray upwards to shoot bugs. You have to hit a bug three times usually until it is completely clouded in spray. When you do this, you can then kick the bug off the screen, and coins will come out for you to collect. This part of the game also made me think of the original Mario Bros. as well. If you get hit three times, you’ll have to start the level over again. Also make sure the bugs don’t take away your pumpkins. You can actually pick up the pumpkins and carry them around in case they are in too much danger from bugs and nibbling worms and other pests.
Sometimes ghosts will come out and if you shoot them they’ll drop a coin or power-up. I got one that freezes time and another that gave me a flamethrower to immediately irradicate the bugs. You can also collect colored balloons but I don’t know what they do. Two players can also go at the same time as well. My only big problem with this game is that it gets too hard, too quickly with a huge difficulty spike around the seventh level or so. But if you liked Donkey Kong 3, you may want to check this one out.
Kid Factor:
Flora and Fang: Guardians of the Vampire Garden is rated E for Everyone with an ESRB descriptor of Mild Fantasy Violence. You spray bugs and kick then off the screen, and when you lose you just turn into a bunch of bats. Reading skill is helpful but not necessary just to play. Younger gamers may find it too difficult, though.
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