Ayo the Clown

 Switch
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. GameOver.gr
    Aug 27, 2021
    80
    A typical, but well made 2D platformer with beautiful graphics that reminded us of games from the Yoshi and Donkey Kong Country series.
  2. Switch Player
    Aug 23, 2021
    80
    Ayo The Clown offers platforming antics by numbers, and it’s a crowded genre with some big jumping shoes for company. But there are enough fresh ideas to warrant a deviation from the well-worn first-party platforming path.
  3. TouchArcade
    Aug 3, 2021
    80
    Does Ayo the Clown reinvent the platforming wheel? No, but it doesn’t have to. It’s a little easy, a little short, but it’s creative and a solid example of the 2D platforming genre.
  5. Gaming Nexus
    Aug 3, 2021
    80
    Ayo the Clown is a fun, light platformer with origins that can be traced directly back to any number of Nintendo classics, putting it in esteemed company. Though the difficulty might be a bit much for the smallest kids, Ayo the Clown is a light-hearted, family-friendly game that deserves attention from platformer fans.
  6. Screen Rant
    Jul 28, 2021
    80
    Ayo the Clown is clearly inspired by game series like Donkey Kong Country and Super Mario Bros., and it took some of the best lessons from them. The final product is a fun platformer that is easy enough to finish in a few sessions of dedicated play. The game doesn't do anything new with the platforming genre, but it's still a fun romp through a cartoon world and well worth checking out for fans of the genre.
  7. Video Chums
    Jul 28, 2021
    79
    Ayo the Clown is exactly what a 2D platformer should be; silly, fun, challenging, varied, and intuitive. So, if you enjoy the genre then adding this indie gem to your collection is a must. Plus, it's sure to make you smile and that's always a good thing.
  8. NintendoWorldReport
    Nov 22, 2021
    75
    Ayo the Clown is visually adorable and full of so much charm that you can’t help but love the little guy and the world that Cloud M1 has created. I am looking forward to what else they can create; I wonder if Ayo the Clown 2 could be on the horizon? With a little polishing of controls, character models and the town function, who knows what heights Ayo could float to.
  9. Pure Nintendo
    Aug 12, 2021
    70
    Ayo the Clown isn’t the most original game, but it’s a solid, colorful platformer. An ill-fitting idea here or there and a sluggish pace shouldn’t stop kids from enjoying a playthrough, even if they don’t go back to 100% the game. Give me a sequel that edits itself a bit, add a two-player mode, and you’ll have a real winner.
  10. Nintendo Life
    Aug 5, 2021
    70
    Despite the lack of any real challenge, Ayo the Clown is nevertheless a nice alternative to the usual go-to platformers on Switch. It’s got a wonderful, uplifting soundtrack, with several tunes you’ll be humming long after completing the game. Granted, if you’re a Coulrophobic and the mere thought of playing a game featuring a clown causes you to break out in a cold sweat, then you might want to steer clear. For everyone else, though, this is well worth picking up if you’re a fan of breezy, easygoing platformers.
  11. Starbit
    Nov 29, 2021
    50
    While Ayo's level design and presentation of mechanics are indeed competent, and its visual world looks quite attractive, the game's controls fall way behind expectations. Due to a poor execution, it's often quite difficult for the game to translate player's inputs into actions, and as such it's difficult to recommend Ayo the Clown to a child who's just discovering video games.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. btmgov
    Dec 3, 2022
    7
    This is just a simple and fun 2D platformer....period. If you miss the old days when platformers were just basic, cut and dry, fun to playThis is just a simple and fun 2D platformer....period. If you miss the old days when platformers were just basic, cut and dry, fun to play games then this one is for you. Good control for a 2D platformer, lots of hidden items to discover, fun and colorful graphics, an overall end goal to achieve and a 100% completion goal that is clear to achieve without being obscure or off the wall. This game really surprised me. Give it a shot.… Full Review »
  2. 2DPlatypus
    Jan 3, 2022
    8
    Ayo the Clown is a refreshing take on a classic genre. It doesn't break the mold but it doesn't need to in order to provide a fun and playfulAyo the Clown is a refreshing take on a classic genre. It doesn't break the mold but it doesn't need to in order to provide a fun and playful experience.

    However, this fun and playful experience is not without a few rough edges like a small hit box when jumping onto enemies, occasionally getting caught on the corner of a platform, and loose controls.

    I would still encourage 2D platformer fans of all ages to pick up this game and help Ayo the Clown find his lost doggo. You won't regret it!    … Full Review »
  3. NindieSpotlight
    Dec 17, 2021
    7
    While Nintendo has traditionally felt like it has cornered the market on cute and family-friendly fare other developers have, on occasion,While Nintendo has traditionally felt like it has cornered the market on cute and family-friendly fare other developers have, on occasion, come along and at least attempted to steal some of that thunder. With its very cutesy art style, clown main character, and a variety of appropriately-themed elements to match Ayo the Clown certainly captures the look of an all-ages platforming affair. The surprise may be that it’s perhaps a little tougher than you may expect, purely based on the aesthetics, but that isn’t to say less experienced gamers wouldn’t be able to work through things with a bit of persistence. Perhaps my biggest complaint may come down to “clown shoes” if I was looking to make an excuse, but there’s just a certain looseness to the precision in movement and the necessary placement when you try to stomp some enemies, resulting in what feels like it should have been a good hit making you take some damage. It may be a little nitpicky but, overall, outside of that and perhaps that some of the overall design feels a bit safer and more traditional instead of innovative and fun it’s minimally a solid platforming title, just not quite able to reach the high bar set by some of its more accomplished competition in the eShop.

    https://www.nindiespotlight.com/2021/07/mini-reviews-july-30th-edition-nintendo.html    … Full Review »
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