Potatoman Seeks the Troof Review - A Quirky Platformer

Published: December 12, 2014 1:00 PM /

Reviewed By:


Potatoman logo

Potatoman Seeks the Troof is a quirky side-scrolling platformer from Pixeljam.  The game was originally released in December of 2012 and now has received a big update.  As of December 3rd it is available on Steam.

This short platformer has players controlling Potatoman as he jumps and dodges his way through various levels journeying for “troof”.  Keyboard controls use A and D to move through the level and W to jump, or alternatively use the arrow keys.  The controls are simple yet adequate and smooth.  Aside from jumping over obstacles, Potatoman will have to navigate platforming puzzles such as eggs that jump up and down at varying heights.

Gameplay is challenging and fun.  Like in any good platformer players will find themselves dyeing over and over again but each death will teach players how to better face the challenges next time.  Obstacles range from gun-toting cowboy’s who want to eat you for breakfast to bouncing boulder rock slides as Potatoman travels through deserts, forests, cities, mountains and his own consciousness.

potatoman

Although deaths may be frequent in Potatoman the game isn’t frustratingly challenging and instead is an enjoyable exercise in zen platforming that even amateur platformers can enjoy.  Players get 10 continues and can keep playing through a level from where they met their demise.  After 10 deaths however, you’ll have to start the level over from the beginning.  This gives the game a nice balance between challenging and not to punishing.

The story for Potatoman Seeks the Troof is amusing.  Anthropomorphic spud, Potatoman leaves home on a journey to find the ‘troof’.  Throughout the levels NPC’s comment on the nature of 'troof', dropping hints and sometimes discouragements.  If you can make it to the end the meaning of Potatoman’s life will be revealed! However, all-in-all it’s a lot of pseudo-philosophical, quirky nonsense which is humorous and entertaining.

potatoman screenshot

Bright colors and 8-bit graphics are a hallmark of Pixeljam’s style and are present in Potatoman Seeks the Troof. Pixelated 8-bit graphics add to the quirky nature of the game and the bright color palette fits the simplistic art style well.   Miles Tilmann and Mark Denardo of Pixeljam composed the game’s chiptune soundtrack.  A little bit folky, the electronic music fits the 8-bit graphics and philosophical nature of the game while simple sound effects keep the action light-hearted and fast-paced.

Potatoman Seeks the Troof is a fun, side-scrolling, platformer that’s simple enough for players new to the genre to jump into but challenging enough to be enjoyable for platforming veterans.  The short length and quirky character of the title make it an enjoyable experience gamers can sit down and finish in an evening or over the weekend.

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If you’re looking for a very-difficult and challenging platformer that pushes your jumping and timing skills to the limit, this is not the game you’re looking for.  If you’d enjoy a short, simple and charming side-scroller reminiscent of retro games but with a modern feel to it’s humor and unique platforming puzzles than Potatoman Seeks the Troof is certainly worth a try.

Potatoman Seeks the Troof is available on Steam and is available to purchase for $3.99 for Linux, Ouya, PC and Mac.  Pixeljam is developing the game for iOS and Android but no further information on a mobile version is available.

 

This game was obtained from the developer and reviewed on PC.

Review Summary

8.5

Potatoman Seeks the Troof is a fun, side-scrolling, platformer that’s simple enough for players new to the genre to jump into but challenging enough to be enjoyable for platforming veterans. Plus it's crazy, in a good way.

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Alexandra Joy Taberski
| Past Author

Alexandria is a former Staff Writer at TechRaptor, who specializes in coverage of mobile games, RPGs, and JRPGs primarily, and has an unfortunate aversion… More about Alexandria