'It’s a little quirky and odd. That’s what makes it special though.'
Saving the world is something that I feel that we all dream about. We all want to be the hero in our story. Whether it’s going out and stopping a bomb from blowing up, thwarting a bank heist, or even just impressing your bosses on a big project. We all want to be a hero in some way. ‘Toodee and Topdee’ is a game that allows you to be that hero, but oddly enough be a hero for two different worlds entirely.
‘Toodee and Topdee’ is a 2/3d puzzle platformer developed and published by dietzribi. You are introduced to Aleph, the creator of the universe and world that you are born into. Aleph’s creation is volatile to start with as the eighth planets are out of whack. To help keep calm, Aleph creates the semicolon into the galaxy to keep things at bay. You’re also introduced to Toodoo, Aleph’s assistant to help clear up any glitches and other issues along the way. Once stability has been introduced to the cosmos, you meet Toodee. Toodee is the 2D side scroller character. Running, jumping, and dodging in the world before them. You all meet Topdee, the 3D puzzle aspect of the game. Once in control of him, the world shifts, and you now are set out to figure out the puzzles of how to get from one location to the next.
Things are going great! Aleph is almost finished taking out all the glitches in the world and has a perfect product. Then it hits. Toodoo realized that once Aleph is finished, Aleph won’t need him anymore and he will be done with his job. In a fit of rage, and confusion he steals the semicolon. Causing the universe to collapse and worlds to collide. In all the chaos and confusion, Toodee and Topdee worlds merge and the two meet. After speaking with a glitch, their quest becomes clear. Together, they need to save the world.
Gameplay is where you see their worlds collide. Moving through each level and world is a puzzle. Well sure, that seems easy, right? Nope. You’re forced to think top-down and side-scroller style. Toodee is able to run and jump from platform to safety, Topdee is there in some ways to assist him as well as move through yourself. Topdee can help Toodee by moving platforms (mostly boxes) to help get Toodee over larger gaps and holes. The same is vice versa for Toodee, helping Topdee in situations of unlocking certain parts of the map. Now I will gladly be the first to admit that puzzles are not a strong suit. However, the worlds that I was able to play all seemed cool and enjoyable. Obviously, they vary in degree of complexity and work. There were some that I struggled with, but all felt really enjoyable and a good brain workout.
The game really plays heavily on the 16-bit art style which I really enjoy. It takes the narrative that you would expect from the typical side scroller game and tilts it on its side (pun slightly intended as you tilt the world. Visually, the game is enjoyable to take in. The art style and color palette and fun and upbeat, the character design is cool as well. Levels in worlds tend to look the same as you progress though, so it can feel slightly repetitive in the puzzles. The soundtrack is also a solid listen and such an upbeat OST to have in your ears. Controls are a bit frustrating at times. On the keyboard and mouse, you will swap between characters using the X key. To pick up and move stuff as Topdee is Z on the keyboard. Now granted, I am not and will never be the best typist in the world. That being said there were moments where I’d mess up the puzzle by just not paying attention and controls being offputting for me.
‘Toodee and Topdee’ is a really fun take on puzzle platformers. While it can get lost in the wild collection of current puzzle games, it tries to be its own thing (for a good reason). It’s a little quirky and odd. That’s what makes it special though. The story is fine and the gameplay is challenging and fun. Overall, ‘Toodee and Topdee’ is a solid game for anyone looking to get through some puzzles and work their brain.
