Potatoman Seeks the Troof Review - A Quirky Platformer

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, you'll have to navigate platforming puzzles such as eggs that jump up and down at varying heights.

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

Although deaths may be frequent, 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 challenge.

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

Bright colors and 8-bit graphics are a hallmark of Pixeljam’s style and are present in 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.

The game 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 that gamers can sit down and finish in an evening or over the weekend.

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 its humor and unique platforming puzzles then Potatoman Seeks the Troof is certainly worth a try.

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