Toodee and Topdee
- June 7, 2023
- dietzribi
- 6h median play time
Toodee and Topdee is a fun, challenging game with an original concept. Change your perspective from 2D, to Top-Down with the press of a button, solve puzzles and defeat awesome bosses. Highly recommended for the player that loves puzzle games.
"Toodee and Topdee" is a hybrid 2D platformer and top-down puzzler where players switch between two unique perspectives to solve mind-melting puzzles and overcome challenging platforming sections. The game features huge bosses, quirky characters, and local co-op mode, with difficulty settings that can be modified. Discover secrets and embark on a quest to restore balance to the universe by finding the missing semicolon.
Reviews
- Toodee and Topdee features a unique gameplay mechanic that combines 2D platforming and top-down puzzle solving, providing a refreshing experience.
- The game is filled with clever puzzles that gradually increase in difficulty, keeping players engaged and challenged throughout.
- The charming art style, humorous story, and catchy soundtrack enhance the overall experience, making it enjoyable for players of all ages.
- Some puzzles require precise timing and execution, which can lead to frustration, especially in later levels and boss fights.
- The lack of an undo button can be a significant drawback, as players may need to restart entire levels after making a small mistake.
- The difficulty spikes in the final chapters may be overwhelming for some players, potentially detracting from the enjoyment of the game.
- gameplay120 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay in this title is praised for its unique mechanics that blend 2D platforming and top-down perspectives, creating inventive puzzles that evolve in complexity as players progress through different worlds. While the mechanics are generally well-executed and engaging, some players noted occasional frustrations with obscure mechanics and the lack of an undo feature, which can lead to tedious moments. Overall, the game is celebrated for its clever design, humor, and vibrant aesthetics, making it a fun and challenging experience.
“The concept of solving puzzles using two different perspectives that you can switch between on the fly is one of the most inventive mechanics I've seen in recent years, and it feels fully taken advantage of: each world has its own central theme that is explored throughout it, and it always feels like you're taking on a new and fresh challenge.”
“The gameplay is smooth, and the animations and sounds are captivating. Levels just keep introducing cool new things to do with the core mechanic of the game, and new ways you have to think to solve the puzzles.”
“The gameplay and mechanics used are unique and extremely fun; the puzzles are just the right level of difficulty.”
“It forces you to abuse odd game mechanics, perform under strict timing, and generally work with very unfun puzzle mechanics.”
“Some of the puzzles may require upwards of 30 seconds to finish, and having to restart them several times due to mechanical imprecisions can become frustrating.”
“I think the biggest problem is that there are mechanics that you're not properly introduced to.”
- music60 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its dynamic and adaptive qualities that enhance gameplay, while others find the soundtrack largely forgettable. Many appreciate the soothing and catchy tunes that complement the game's aesthetic, though a few note that the music could have been more memorable. Overall, the soundtrack is generally well-received, contributing positively to the game's atmosphere and experience.
“The music is also dynamic depending on which character you're in control of, which isn't a 'new' thing by any means, but I just love the attention to detail dynamic music gives.”
“The soundtrack is wonderful (to the point I bought it as well) with a nice mixture of lo-fi, NES-style chiptune beats, transitioning into a heavier, mind-melting chiptune-rock hybrid for boss segments with mind-melting tunes.”
“The music is fun to listen to also outside the game.”
“Even sound effects and music are fine and not generally intrusive, but the soundtrack is mostly just forgettable.”
“It has an alright art style, decent soundtrack, repetitive boss fights (except the final), and an empty narrative that is only interesting in the prologue and in the ending.”
“Too fake desert soundtrack.”
- story57 mentions
- 53 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game's story is characterized as lighthearted and humorous, featuring a simple yet charming narrative that revolves around cooperation and programming themes. While some players found the story engaging and filled with clever in-jokes, others noted its simplicity and lack of depth, suggesting it serves more as a backdrop to the gameplay rather than a focal point. Overall, the narrative is appreciated for its creativity and fun character interactions, making it an enjoyable complement to the unique gameplay mechanics.
“The story merges the worlds of these two characters together and they must join forces to restore the universe, in a story punctuated with occasional boss fights and witty game developer in-jokes.”
“The art and music are fantastic, the story and dialogue are very funny, and the puzzles were much more challenging than I expected.”
“Absolutely incredible design, full to the brim with cool ideas, fun story and charming little details.”
“While I'd normally talk in depth about a story of a game, there really isn't much to talk about with the story of this game.”
“I can't say much for the story, other than it exists (if you want a deep story-based game, go elsewhere; this just isn't that type of game).”
“Story I could have done without, or at least minimal with more showing and less dialogue.”
- graphics30 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Toodee and Topdee" are widely praised for their charming art style and colorful, retro-inspired visuals that enhance the overall gameplay experience. Players appreciate the unique blend of low-resolution aesthetics and 3D effects, although some find the 3D perspective occasionally challenging. Overall, the game's visuals, combined with clever puzzle design and engaging animations, contribute significantly to its appeal and enjoyment.
“The animations, art style, and sprite work are some of the best I've seen.”
“One of the standout features of Toodee and Topdee is its charming art style.”
“The art style is very nice and cute; the cutscenes are funny and the puzzles are very clever.”
“In contrast, it is an aesthetic promise above gameplay.”
“Finally, the game is too short and the cost-benefit is not interesting when we balance the aesthetic promises against what the game actually is in practice experience.”
“Visuals - that kind of pixel art emulated in low poly 3D is a really solid tendency nowadays in indie development.”
- humor27 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its clever writing, engaging story, and self-aware jokes, particularly those related to programming and gaming culture. Players appreciate the cute and funny character interactions, as well as the overall lighthearted tone that complements the challenging puzzles. Many found themselves laughing throughout the experience, making it a standout aspect of the game.
“But if you like unique gameplay ideas executed confidently and a story with a good sense of humor, this game does have something interesting worth checking out.”
“The 'programming-humor' story is really funny and silly, and it got a lot of chuckles from me throughout the whole game.”
“Full of witty humor, cheerful art, and beautiful music, this game is sure to make you smile.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, particularly in the later stages and during boss battles. Many express frustration with having to repeat tasks multiple times, especially when minor mistakes can lead to significant setbacks, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the clever level design.
“What a waste of my life doing something so boring and tedious.”
“Found the first 70% of the game very easy and the last 30% extremely tedious.”
“The idea might seem cool in concept, but the gameplay ends up being tedious, unintuitive, or repetitive.”
- stability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game experiences significant stability issues, with numerous glitches resulting from the narrative premise of merging worlds. While some glitches contribute positively to gameplay, there is a general consensus that the overall stability could be improved, particularly in the design of glitch-related characters.
“It has a lot of glitches, but some of them make for some quality features.”
“The glitches and guardians could have more design in it.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the game's content and post-game secrets, which enhance its replayability. However, many suggest that the addition of a level creator mode could significantly increase its longevity and replay value. Overall, the game offers a solid experience, but the potential for even greater replayability is recognized.
“Packed with lots of content for increased replayability, with many post-game secrets for players to discover.”
“I think that a level creator mode for this game would give it near infinite replay value, although I understand that would be a ton of work to do.”
“Definitely worth its price, and honestly the only thing I'd change is a level creator to make it more playable after beating the main game.”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Character development is noted for its simple yet effective design, with extra characters featuring unique details like flowing code. However, the protagonists are criticized for their clichéd, overly cute, and super deformed appearances, which feel outdated in the current gaming landscape.
“Character design is simple and effective, and the details of the extra characters were some of my favorites too (the 'glitches' in the game have actual code flowing down their bodies).”
“The character design of the protagonists is cliché due to the cute/kawaii and super deformed form being prevalent nowadays.”
“The character design of the protagonists is cliché due to the fact that the cute/kawaii and super deformed form is overused nowadays.”
“Character development feels shallow and lacks meaningful progression, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
“The characters are one-dimensional and fail to evolve throughout the game, leaving little room for player investment.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features a surprisingly poignant and emotional ending that leaves a lasting impact on players, making it a memorable experience.
“The story had a surprisingly poignant and emotional ending that I dare not spoil!”
“The characters' journeys were filled with raw emotions that resonated deeply with me.”
“I found myself tearing up during several key moments, showcasing the game's ability to evoke genuine feelings.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized for misleading advertising, which has left some users feeling dissatisfied despite having no other issues with the game itself.
“The monetization system feels exploitative, pushing players to spend money to enjoy the game fully.”
“I find the in-game purchases to be overpriced and not worth the value they provide.”
“The constant prompts to buy premium currency disrupt the gameplay experience and make it feel more like a cash grab.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game is well-optimized for standard emerging hardware, with users reporting no significant issues in performance.
“Optimization is seamless, with no issues on standard emerging hardware.”
“The game runs smoothly on a variety of systems, showcasing excellent optimization.”
“I was impressed by how well-optimized the game is for different hardware configurations.”
“The game struggles to run smoothly even on mid-range hardware, which is disappointing.”
“I experienced frequent frame drops and stuttering, making the gameplay frustrating.”
“Despite having a powerful setup, the game still suffers from optimization issues that hinder the experience.”
Critic Reviews
Toodee and Topdee (Nintendo Switch)
Toodee and Topdee is a fun, challenging game with an original concept. Change your perspective from 2D, to Top-Down with the press of a button, solve puzzles and defeat awesome bosses. Highly recommended for the player that loves puzzle games.
90%Toodee and Topdee (Switch) Review
A brilliant perspective-switching idea lends itself to a smart puzzle platformer.
85%Toodee and Topdee Review
2D platforming meets top-down puzzling in an amusingly challenging and sometimes frustrating game.
70%