Kraken Academy

“Kraken Academy delivers a hilarious six-hour time-loop adventure with sharp writing and memorable characters, though a pointless late-game economy and easy final boss disappoint.”

Kraken Academy is a fun time loop adventure that hits a perfect sweet spot in terms of length. It feels entirely complete without ever dragging on, and you can finish the whole experience in about six hours for a very satisfying playthrough. The three day loop mechanic is handled expertly because it maintains a steady pace that is neither too fast nor too slow, allowing you to immerse yourself in the story without feeling rushed. Much of the charm comes from the lovable and memorable characters you meet along the way. The writing is consistently sharp and funny, ensuring that the journey remains light and entertaining from start to finish. Highlights include the art club case, which showcases the creative storytelling, and the Skeleboner dance theme that acts as a total earworm similar to an epic saxophone jam.

Despite its many strengths, there are a few areas where the game loses its momentum. The in game economy becomes somewhat pointless after a while because bottles and money eventually lose their value, leaving very little reason to continue collecting items in the later stages. Additionally, the final boss fight is a bit of a letdown because it is far too easy. With only a couple of basic attacks to contend with, the encounter fails to provide a meaningful challenge to cap off the adventure.

Overall Kraken Academy is a charming and humorous time loop game that succeeds through its excellent writing, memorable cast, and well balanced pacing. While the late game economy and the final boss encounter could have used more depth, the experience remains a highly enjoyable and creative adventure that is well worth checking out for fans of quirky storytelling.