{{Short description|2024 video game}} {{Use American English|date=July 2024}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}} {{Infobox video game | title = Kitsune Tails | image = Kitsune Tails cover.png | alt = Cover of the video game Kitsune Tails. In the center, there is a purple-haired kitsune protagonist in mid air and being followed by a ghost. Above her, there is the video game logo with the title in both English and Japanese. Surrounding, the protagonist, there are two characters. On the left, there is a woman wearing a blue dress with a neutral happy expression in the company of two foxes. On the right, there is an orange-haired kitsune with a surprised expression. | developer = Kitsune Games | publisher = Kitsune Games, MidBoss | genre = Platformer | released = {{vgrelease|PC|August 1, 2024}} | platforms = {{ubl | Microsoft Windows | Linux | Nintendo Switch | Xbox One | Xbox Series X | PlayStation 4 | PlayStation 5 }} | modes = Single-player | caption = Steam cover art }}
'''''Kitsune Tails''''' is a 2024 platform game developed by Kitsune Games and published by MidBoss.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Rowe |first=Willa |date=8 June 2024 |title=This Retro Platformer Is Sapphic ''Super Mario'' And I Can't Wait For Its Full Release |url=https://kotaku.com/kitsune-tails-retro-platformer-sapphic-super-mario-1851526665 |website=Kotaku|access-date=July 31, 2024}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Valens |first=Ana |date=2021-01-16 |title=''Kitsune Tails'' is an explicitly queer throwback to classic platform games |url=https://www.dailydot.com/irl/kitsune-tails/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=The Daily Dot |language=en-US}}</ref> Set as the follow up to ''Super Bernie World'', ''Kitsune Tails'' controls a young female kitsune, Yuzu, one of Inari's messengers.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Brian |date=2021-06-12 |title=Japanese mythology-inspired platformer ''Kitsune Tails'' announced for Switch |url=https://nintendoeverything.com/japanese-mythology-inspired-platformer-kitsune-tails-announced-for-switch/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Nintendo Everything |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/kitsune-tails-is-a-wonderfully-queer-super-mario-3-inspired-platformer-thats-out-today |title=Kitsune Tails is a wonderfully queer Super Mario 3-inspired platformer that's out today |last=Thorn |first=Ed |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801153908/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/kitsune-tails-is-a-wonderfully-queer-super-mario-3-inspired-platformer-thats-out-today |archive-date=August 1, 2024}}</ref>
==Gameplay== thumb|left|Yuzu carrying a lantern ''Kitsune Tails'' is a 2D retro-style platformer featuring power-ups in the form of outfits, often stated as being very close to the gameplay of ''Super Mario Bros. 3''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wright |first=Steve |date=2024-06-11 |title=''Kitsune Tails'' combines Japanese mythology and a retro map maker |url=https://stevivor.com/news/kitsune-tails-combines-japanese-mythology-and-a-retro-map-maker/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Stevivor |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Bueno |first=Daniel |date=2024-07-31 |title=Review: There's More Than Meets the Eye in Kitsune Tails |url=https://www.siliconera.com/review-theres-more-than-meets-the-eye-in-kitsune-tails/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US}}</ref> The game takes place across five different worlds themed after Japanese mythology with different levels included in each world, such as haunted house levels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Austin |date=2024-08-02 |title=Nintendo wasn't brave enough to put lesbian fox girls in Super Mario Bros. 3, so this new Japan-inspired platformer has taken matters into its own hands |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/platformer/nintendo-wasnt-brave-enough-to-put-lesbian-fox-girls-in-super-mario-bros-3-so-this-new-japan-inspired-platformer-has-taken-matters-into-its-own-hands/ |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=GamesRadar |language=en}}</ref> Cutscenes play after certain levels and the seasons change as the player progresses. The player can also collect coins throughout the levels and minigames to buy powerups in shops. ''Kitsune Tails'' features modding tools such as ability to make custom levels and minigames.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCarter |first=Reid |date=2024-08-02 |title=Kitsune Tails, the closest thing to Super Mario Bros 3. on PC, out now |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/kitsune-tails/steam-launch |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=PCGamesN |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Silberman |first=Will |date=2024-06-04 |title=Kitsune Tails (PC) Review |url=https://digitalchumps.com/kitsune-tails-pc-review/ |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=digitalchumps |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Story == Kitsune Tails follows the story of Yuzu, a Kitsune on her first mission as messenger of the goddess Inari. On this journey she encounters healer Akko, who begins to develop feelings for her. However, Yuzu's childhood friend Kiri grows jealous of Akko and tricks her into leaving during a festival, resulting in her capture and imprisonment. Yuzu sets off to pursue Kiri to find out what happened and free Akko.
==Development and release== Developer Kitsune Games is based in Missouri.<ref name="presskit">{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://kitsunegames.com/press/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=Kitsune Games |language=en}}</ref> ''Kitsune Tails'' was originally announced around January 2021''.''<ref name=":1" /> A preview build was released to some reviewers in July 2023.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Lambertsen |first=Carrie |date=2023-07-26 |title=Kitsune Tails Preview: A Sweet And Cozy 8-Bit Platformer |url=https://screenrant.com/kitsune-tails-pc-preview/ |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=Screen Rant |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Cuevas |first=Zackery |date=2023-07-25 |title=Kitsune Tails Preview |url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/kitsune-tails |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=PCMAG |language=en}}</ref> ''Kitsune Tails'' released on PC via Steam and itch.io on August 1, 2024.<ref name=":2" /> The release for other platforms is yet to be announced but is planned.
== Reception == The 2023 preview build was given positive reviews by Screen Rant and PCMag, with both outlets praising the game's characters, love story, and "cozy" nature.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> Kotaku praised the narrative, stating that "it's a cute story to watch unfold and the promise of seeing a new cutscene gave me motivation to beat every level I could," although noting the controls felt floaty at times,<ref name=":0" /> and PCGamesN stated that "the PC finally has its very own answer to Super Mario Bros. 3."<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCarter |first=Reid |date=2024-08-03 |title=Kitsune Tails, the closest thing to Super Mario Bros 3. on PC, out now |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/kitsune-tails/steam-launch/ |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=PCGamesN |language=en-US}}</ref> Siliconera also reviewed the game positively, stating "''Kitsune Tails'' is a challenging and precise platforming game featuring an adorable queer story about friendship and love."<ref name=":2" /> Boss Rush Network gave the game a 3.5/5, stating it is overall a "fine game" but criticizing the "lackluster dialogue and voice acting."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Celata |first=Eli |date=2024-08-04 |title=GAME REVIEW: Kitsune Tails |url=https://bossrush.net/2024/08/04/game-review-kitsune-tails/ |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=Boss Rush Network |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Awards === The Melbourne Queer Games Festival awarded ''Kitsune Tails'' with the 2024 silver medal.<ref>{{cite web |title=QGF Awards |url=http://mqgf.com.au/2024/awards/ |website=Melbourne Queer Games Festival |date=October 7, 2024}}</ref> It also won "Best LGBTQ+ Indie Game Award" at the 2025 Gayming Awards.<ref name="Gayming Awards 2025 Winners">{{Cite web |last=McEvoy |first=Sophie |date=July 9, 2025 |title=Dragon Age: The Veilguard wins Game of the Year at Gayming Awards 2025 |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/dragon-age-the-veilguard-wins-game-of-the-year-at-gayming-awards-2025 |access-date=July 9, 2025 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
== External links == * {{Official website|https://kitsunegames.com/kitsunetails}}
Category:2024 video games Category:Indie games Category:Kitsune (fox) Category:LGBTQ-related video games Category:Linux games Category:MidBoss games Category:Nintendo Switch games Category:Platformers Category:PlayStation 5 games Category:Retro-style video games Category:Single-player video games Category:Video games developed in Cyprus Category:Video games developed in the United States Category:Video games featuring female protagonists Category:Windows games Category:Xbox Series X and Series S games