Bernard

Overview

Bernard & Hank delivers a charming throwback to classic 2D platformers with its Nintendo-inspired visuals and satisfying run-and-gun mechanics. This farm-saving adventure captures the spirit of golden-age platforming with its straightforward premise and nostalgic gameplay loop. While the game's heartwarming story and retro appeal win over many players, persistent technical issues and occasional difficulty spikes create frustrating roadblocks that prevent this otherwise delightful experience from reaching its full potential.

With simple, yet well designed 2D graphics and game play that can be related to the legendary Mario Brothers.

Mr mike

A Nostalgic Trip to the Farm

Bernard & Hank immediately establishes its old-school credentials with vibrant pixel art and gameplay that faithfully channels classic platforming traditions. The charming premise pits our titular farmer duo against the villainous Nationalliberal, who schemes to bulldoze their homestead. This simple yet effective setup provides the perfect backdrop for the game's 40+ levels of enemy-stomping and obstacle-dodging action. The core mechanics feel instantly familiar - players can dispatch foes either by landing on their heads or blasting them with Hank's trusty handgun, though enemies require multiple hits to defeat, adding strategic consideration to every encounter.

What truly stands out is how the game builds upon its nostalgic foundation. The levels gradually introduce inventive hazards like giant swinging wrecking balls and ice-coated platforms that demand precision timing. Environmental variety keeps the experience fresh throughout the substantial campaign, with each new world introducing clever twists on the core platforming formula. The ability to save progress between levels proves essential given the game's considerable length, allowing players to tackle challenges at their own pace.

Charm and Challenge in Equal Measure

Bernard & Hank's presentation consistently delights players with its cohesive retro aesthetic. The cheerful soundtrack complements the vibrant pixel art, creating an atmosphere that feels like a lost SNES classic. Character designs brim with personality, from the determined farmers to Nationalliberal's cartoonishly evil minions. This visual and auditory cohesion creates a world that players want to spend time in, even when the going gets tough.

However, the difficulty curve presents a significant hurdle for many. While early levels ease players into the mechanics with gentle challenges, later stages ratchet up the complexity dramatically. Particularly notorious is World 3, Level 11 - a gauntlet that combines intricate platforming with relentless enemy patterns. These demanding sequences transform the game from a casual romp into a serious test of reflexes and patience. The challenge isn't necessarily unfair in design, but the abrupt escalation can feel jarring for players expecting a more consistent progression.

THAT LEVEL IS TOO HARD! ... But I fixed it up!

Joshuanovi

Technical Thorns in the Farmyard

For all its nostalgic charm, Bernard & Hank suffers from technical shortcomings that regularly disrupt the experience. The most egregious issues involve characters becoming permanently stuck in the environment after certain jumps or collisions. When Bernard or Hank clips through terrain, players face an unavoidable restart - a particularly frustrating outcome during lengthy or complex sections. This bug appears consistently for some players, especially around the fourth level where progression becomes impossible without resetting.

Another persistent technical flaw involves audio glitches during music transitions. The momentary lock-up that occurs when tracks loop might seem minor, but becomes critically disruptive during precision platforming sequences. That split-second hesitation can mean the difference between landing safely on a tiny ice platform and plummeting to your doom, especially during the game's most demanding jumping puzzles. While these technical hiccups don't completely ruin the experience, they add unnecessary friction to an otherwise polished gameplay foundation.

The game momentarily locks up for a split second. ... when you're in the middle of one of the game's demented jumping puzzles ... it can make you lose control of your character.

Jimmy

Verdict

Bernard & Hank successfully channels retro platforming magic with its charming presentation and satisfying mechanics, offering substantial content through its 40+ levels. While technical bugs and inconsistent difficulty prevent it from achieving classic status, the core experience remains an enjoyable homage to gaming's golden age that will particularly resonate with fans of classic Mario titles.