The platforms and hazards in your typical Mario level don't have a reason for existence in the context of the level. They are just obstacles for the player to overcome. There's no explanation for them, they are just there.
Every single platform in Tropical Freeze tells you a story. Take the 5th island for example, Juicy Jungle. The main boss of this island loves popsicles. So all the levels in this island, serve as an intermediary stage in the creation of these popsicles. In stage 1, the platforms are cutting boards for fruits. In stage 3, the platforms are the sliced fruits themselves that act as trampolines. In level 5, the processed fruits have been frozen into delicious icy treats so now you get to jump on them as they slowly slide down from your weight.
The level of artistry at work here is astonishing. The enemies react as you fall off to your death and cheer when their boss damages you. The environments themselves tell little stories if you pay attention. You could just park yourself at a spot and watch the background for a good while and not get bored.
The game is punishingly difficult. The first 3 islands are not that bad but the last 3 will make Dark Souls look like Yoshi's crappy world. The final boss made me rage like a baby for 40 minutes straight. The game kicked my ass over and over again and it teetered at the edge of being bullshit but the tight controls and amazing level design pulled me back in every single time.
Every single platform in Tropical Freeze tells you a story. Take the 5th island for example, Juicy Jungle. The main boss of this island loves popsicles. So all the levels in this island, serve as an intermediary stage in the creation of these popsicles. In stage 1, the platforms are cutting boards for fruits. In stage 3, the platforms are the sliced fruits themselves that act as trampolines. In level 5, the processed fruits have been frozen into delicious icy treats so now you get to jump on them as they slowly slide down from your weight.
The level of artistry at work here is astonishing. The enemies react as you fall off to your death and cheer when their boss damages you. The environments themselves tell little stories if you pay attention. You could just park yourself at a spot and watch the background for a good while and not get bored.
The game is punishingly difficult. The first 3 islands are not that bad but the last 3 will make Dark Souls look like Yoshi's crappy world. The final boss made me rage like a baby for 40 minutes straight. The game kicked my ass over and over again and it teetered at the edge of being bullshit but the tight controls and amazing level design pulled me back in every single time.