Platformers these days tend to be fairly ruthless. If you want proof of this, simply ask anyone who’s sat down with Super Meat Boy, VVVVVV, or Apple Jack if they’ve tossed a controller recently. Well thanks to Magiko Gaming’s PLATFORMANCE: Temple Death, you’ve got just one more reason to stick with those court ordered anger management courses.

Gameplay

As the title implies, PLATFORMANCE is a platformer from start to finish. As with many platformers the objective is to rescue the fair maiden, who in this case happens to be none other than the luscious movie star Grace Belly. That’s right you’re going to run, jump, swim, dodge blades, avoid fire, look out for falling objects, and do it all again backwards to save an undoubtedly terrible actress.

The controls of the game are a little strange at first. The character seems to have an unnatural amount of slip to him. While this could initially be interpreted as a flaw, it disappears rather quickly from the games short list of issues as you become accustomed to the weight of the character. Additionally the character has somewhat limited ability to maneuver in air. This in combination with obstacles that are precisely crafted to be within a pixel or two of impossibility, adds up to being a very challenging game.

While the game does play very well it has a couple problems. First off it is short, real short. It actually took me roughly an hour and twenty minutes to beat. It is entirely constructed on a single very densely packed map that offers little in the way of scenic variation. That said, the value proposition here is made acceptable with the addition of varying difficulty modes and pseudo achievements. The game does have leaderboards but I have begun to consider those a non-factor as I think they don’t add much to the experience due to the limited XBLIG audience.

Speaking of the map’s design, I can fully appreciate the amount of work Magiko must have put into its creation. There is literally no wasted space in the map what so ever. And while I am not a developer myself, I can imagine that creates a considerable challenge to wedge death and danger into every nook and cranny.

This game borrows and expounds upon, the death system utilized in the quite popular game VVVVVV. It utilizes a checkpoint system that is combined with infinite lives to allow for some pretty incredible mortality rates. Unsatisfied with the entirely painless system though, Magiko altered it a bit with the inclusion of a spirit who acts as sort of a “time limit” mechanic. If he catches up to you, you’re perma-dead.

From a fundamentally mechanical perspective the game is great. Controls grow on you as you master them. You learn as you progress, and you feel accomplished when you move on past a significant obstacle. The shortness of the game has been improved with the addition of the escape sequence, which is essentially just the same map backwards while carrying Grace Belly, and at the one dollar price point you’re going to get more entertainment per unit than you would at the movies.

Audio/Visual

Visually the game takes on a consistent pixel art style. The sprite is well animated and looks adorable and charming as all pixel art characters should. The environment is equally well done with fantastic commitment to the style. Nothing in the game looks particularly out of place which is often a plight upon modern games made in the classic style. Oh, and on a related side note Grace Belly is the hotness. I can somewhat understand why this little man is willing to risk a couple of his 8bits to save her.

Sticking with the classical theme, PLATFORMANCE carries it through to its music and sound effects as well. They are fully chip tuned up with considerable polish, the result of which is some really fantastic game music. The high level of frustration at some points of the game could have lead to a situation where bad sound could have broken the experience just by providing something to project all of your rage upon. Fortunately this never occurs and you are left with an enjoyable experience for your ear holes.

Summary

This was my first experience with the PLATFORMANCE series from Magiko, and I really must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. As a platformer it was exceptionally challenging with some very difficult obstacles at every turn. But with its modern death penalty it never becomes too terribly rage inducing. PLATFORMANCE: Temple Death is 80 Microsoft Gold Coins and is available now.