Junkster: A Charming Comic Book Adventure Full of Personality.

Some games don’t need cutting-edge graphics or a huge budget to leave a lasting impression. Junkster is one of those games. Inspired by classic 3D platformers, it combines colourful comic book visuals, creative puzzles and light-hearted exploration into an adventure that’s easy to pick up and difficult to put down.

You play as UM-13 (or simply UM), a small but very determined maintenance robot who crash-lands his cargo ship on a dangerous galaxy-sized junkyard planet. Your objective is simple: recover the missing ship components and ancient artefacts scattered throughout the world so you can repair your ship and escape.

Fortunately, UM isn’t defenceless. Armed with his trusty robo-wrench, you’ll smash your way through obstacles, defeat enemies and collect building blocks that allow you to construct bridges, walkways, and even helpful robots to solve your junk world environment around you.

A Comic Book Brought to Life

The first thing that stands out is Junkster’s visual style. The cel-shaded graphics perfectly capture the look and feel of a comic book, complete with classic action text such as “THWACK!” and “BOOM!” appearing during combat. It gives the game plenty of personality and helps it stand out from many other indie platformers.

As you progress, each level forms part of a 20-issue comic series starring UM-13, with the story being mysteriously collected by an unknown alien. It’s a clever presentation that keeps you curious about what’s waiting on the next page.

Creative Puzzle Design

While platforming and combat are enjoyable, the real strength of Junkster lies in its building mechanics.

Using parts collected throughout each level, you’re encouraged to experiment with different structures and solutions to overcome obstacles. The game gives players a reasonable amount of freedom, allowing puzzles to be solved creatively rather than forcing a single solution.

Collectables hidden throughout each stage also reward exploration, making every level worth investigating beyond simply reaching the finish.

For younger players especially, the puzzle-focused gameplay offers a fun alternative to constant combat, encouraging problem-solving and experimentation instead.

Where It Stumbles

Junkster isn’t without its frustrations.

Some puzzles can feel surprisingly difficult, particularly when a new gameplay mechanic is introduced. There are occasions where the game doesn’t provide enough guidance, leaving players to figure everything out through trial and error.

While some players will enjoy working things out for themselves, others- particularly younger gamers-may find these early learning moments frustrating before everything finally clicks.

A little more guidance during these sections would make the experience feel much smoother.

Final Verdict

Junkster is a delightful surprise that successfully captures the spirit of classic 3D platformers while introducing its own creative building mechanics and comic book presentation.

The colourful visuals, charming world and satisfying puzzle design make it an enjoyable adventure throughout. Although some puzzles can be a little confusing at first, overcoming them brings a genuine sense of accomplishment that makes the effort worthwhile.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly platformer packed with charm, creativity and personality, Junkster is well worth checking out. Younger players may occasionally need a helping hand with some of the tougher puzzles, but for anyone who enjoys exploring colourful worlds and solving clever challenges, this is an adventure that’s easy to recommend.

WildStarGaming Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆   80–89%

Pros

• Fantastic comic book-inspired art style
• Creative building and puzzle mechanics
• Charming main character
• Fun exploration and collectables
• Great sense of achievement when solving puzzles

Cons

• Some puzzles lack enough guidance
• New mechanics could be introduced more clearly
• Younger players may become frustrated in later levels

Industry Memberships & Supported Causes

WildStarGaming is a GamesAid member.

We are proud to support positive causes within the UK games industry, and help raise awareness of organisations doing important work in and around gaming.

WildStarGaming is proud to support Safe In Our World.

WildStarGaming supports Safe In Our World, a video gaming mental health charity helping to promote positive mental health and wellbeing across the gaming community and games industry.

WildStarGaming is proud to support SpecialEffect.

SpecialEffect is a UK charity helping people with physical disabilities enjoy video games through personalised technology, a