Super Puzzle Platformer is a pleasant blip on the flash game landscape. It’s not too simple nor too complicated, and it packs an addictive gameplay punch that has stuck with me since. Its sequel, Super Puzzle Platformer Deluxe, does not disappoint for a flash game turned software title and adds just enough to justify its purchase over playing the original or Plus versions of the game. If you’re into that kind of thing, anyway.
The progression of the series is as follows:
- Super Puzzle Platformer – Bare bones version of the game with a single character.
- Super Puzzle Platformer Plus – One level, with two unlockable characters.
- Super Puzzle Platformer Deluxe – Six different levels with eighteen challenges, eight characters in total, and local multiplayer.
While you can certainly get the experience from one of the free flash releases, the Deluxe edition really packs a wallop in comparison to its predecessors. As a puzzle game fanatic, I am pleased.
As a hissy-fit-having baby, I am still pleased.
There’s something comforting in the game’s arcade-style gameplay. There’s nothing to worry about but getting a high score or unlocking the next level, character, or challenge. It’s so simplistic, but it holds the arcade-standard of difficulty one comes to expect from this type of game. It’s a very solid mixture that has worked for decades, and proves to continue to hold up today.
While the challenges and wide array of characters were nice additions to the game, the varied levels and all too good music made this worth the purchase to me.
Each level has its own style of blocks and obstacles to deal with. For example, you have to deal with fireballs and the like in Cookin’ Caves; saws, TNT, and lasers are a problem in Retro Relic. The variation in obstacles give each level its own feel, and when trying to unlock certain characters players can find themselves choosing a favorite level to reach the requisite goals.
Among all the good Super Puzzle Platformer Deluxe brings to the table, the soundtrack may just be the best part. Don’t believe me? Check out the soundtrack in its entirety below, fresh from the composer Landon Podbielski’s Bandcamp account:
The soundtrack is so good I paid money for it–despite it being free–and dammit I’d do it again if I could get more. The music is decidedly styled after the 16-bit era, but is more reminiscent of a Genesis title than a Super Nintendo game. Listen to the Ice or Rock themes! Listen to them! Listen to them now!
It’s weird to say, “Man, I really love this puzzle-slash-platformer. The music really seals the deal for me,” but it’s the truth. The game’s controls are tight, the visuals are clean and fitting, but this soundtrack really ties it all together well and — at least in my case — made it more than worth the $7.99 price tag.
King of my own block palace! Too bad I died not too long after.
Super Puzzle Platformer Deluxe is one of those rare Adult Swim-published games that stands out because it doesn’t try to go all out and be over the top. It’s a simple arcade-style game with an amazing soundtrack and a good amount of unlockables for the completionist.
I realize I did not explain the gameplay here, but there are two free flash versions of the game for you to try and see for yourself. The original version of the game can be found on developer Andrew Morrish’s website, while the Plus release can be found on the Adult Swim site. These two releases will tell you everything you need to know about the gameplay, without having to read wordy words.
If you enjoy the originals, I guarantee you will fall in love/addition with Super Puzzle Platformer Deluxe. You can grab the game on Steam for a cool $7.99 — that’s less than it would cost to play in tokens, I can assure you that much.
