Potatoman Seeks the Troof Indie Game Review

Potatoman Seeks the Troof by indie game dev team Pixeljam games, is a simple, yet challenging 2D platformer that is reminiscent of classic retro games like Pitfall. You play as the appendaged spud “Potatoman” on his journey for the Troof. You’ll adventure through 5 psychedelically inspired worlds, where danger is at every turn, and even the slightest miscalculation can be your end. Though the games simplicity and nostalgic value give it credit as a retro title, it still somehow manages to cultivate (no pun intended) a modern feel. This lively spud is on a spiritual journey, trying to find the meaning of life among all the chaos in the world, and it’s your job to help him find it.

Features

All of the details of this game scream retro, from the Atari style graphics, the bleeps and boops of the games soundtrack, and especially the games controls. All these aspects make a great recipe for a retro gaming experience. The games soundtrack, written by Miles Tilmann, is unique and at times tranquil, which meshes we’ll with Potatoman’s overall mission to seek the meaning of life. One important gameplay aspect are the controls, which are simple enough (direction and jump), but rely heavily on the precision and mastery of the player. Throughout your gameplay experience you will find that greater grip on the controls will help you more easily avoid the games insane obstacles. And boy they are many. There are a plethora of ways to be killed and it’s almost as if the world itself is out to get you (why’s everyone hatin’ on Potatoman so bad?). You will have to avoid animals, people, lasers, cars, and other inanimate objects to survive. This might sound redundant, but rest assured every run feels fresh and new as your progress through the game. Learning from your mistakes is something that retro gamers are all too familiar with and this is also true in Potatoman seeks the Troof. Precise timing of jumps and positioning yourself in the right place at the right time, is a complete necessity to getting through each of the games different levels. Though the levels are linear, they can be challenging and at times frustrating as all hell after multiple deaths. This is however, very rewarding upon level completion. But that’s kind of the charm of retro games like Potatoman. You have to work for and earn your victories.

Overall

Potatoman seeks the Troof is an homage to the classic games of the late 70’s and a gem in modern indie gaming. Combining fun pixel art graphics, tight controls, a compelling soundtrack, and pseudo-philosophical dialogue, this game is an interesting and trippy experience you won’t wanna miss.

Can you handle the Troof? See for yourself!

You can pick up Potatoman Seeks the Troof on STEAM for just $3.99. Enjoy!