Chests are dotted around the environment and are colour-coded, needing specific keys to be opened. Key locations can be seen on the far-too-small section of map that’s shown on-screen as the player explores and are just floating within the game world – though the number of keys you have of each type is hidden away in a pause menu. Generally, all that can be found in chests are coins, though you'll occasionally come across side quest items in chests, too. If you’re of a certain age, the Beast Quest books were likely a staple of your childhood. Having first launched in 2007 with Ferno the Fire Dragon, the series has been going strong for twelve years and shows no signs of slowing down. Including the first four books scheduled for publication next year, there are currently an astonishing 120 books in the series – this doesn’t include the various spin-offs and companion series (such as Sea Quest, a science fiction variation on Beast Quest’s kid-friendly fantasy formula) – all credited to the pseudonymous Adam Blade, who, in reality, is actually a team of ghostwriters.

The plot of Beast Quest mirrors that of the first four books in the series, with the player – cast as the hero of the series, Tom – looking to free the kingdom of Avantia’s legendary beasts from the curse they’ve been placed under by the dark wizard Malvel. Aiding him in his quest is companion Elenna and good wizard Aduro, who's often used for comic relief. If you're wondering how this epic literary fantasy translates into the realm of interactive entertainment, then wonder no longer; it turns out that Beast Quest (the game) looks almost like a Zelda title at first glance, but it doesn’t take long for the façade to drop. With incredibly linear and sometimes confusing levels, painfully tedious combat and bland, dated-looking visual design, Beast Quest is a crushing disappointment when you consider the rich source of inspiration that the famous book series supplies. Speaking of the books, this game was only ever going to appeal to those who have love for the kingdom of Avantia, and it's a real shame that after such a long wait for a video game adaptation of the series, those same dedicated fans have to endure this unflattering and lifeless adaptation. Put aside your affection for Adam Blade's novels and just play one of the many other amazing RPGs on Switch instead.

The Beast fights are much more interesting than the standard combat that becomes so tedious in the main areas of the game, and the Beasts themselves are suitably large and colourful; another relief after having to deal with so many generic enemies. Defeating each Beast gives Tom a new permanent power and changes his visual appearance somewhat, levelling him up as he does in the books.