Panic Porcupine is the sort of game that’ll make you scream! The simple approach and rudimentary mechanics lull you into a false sense of security. Consequently, when you die repeatedly, you’ll swear like a sailor and curse the moment you began playing this rage-inducing endeavour.
Developed by Shiny Dolphin LLC and Spicy Gyro Games and published by HOF Studios LLC, this is a platform experience. Moreover, it has speedrun influences, cruel gameplay elements, and many tough traps to avoid. On top of this, it has a tongue-in-cheek story that parodies 90s fan favourite, Sonic the Hedgehog.
Panic Porcupine and the evil Dr.
Doctors are supposed to be pleasant individuals that wish to save the world. Yet, the gaming industry paints them as demonic megalomaniacs that wish to rule the world. These diabolical deviants stop at nothing to get what they want. Subsequently, they smash down buildings, steal goods, and kidnap innocent bystanders. On top of this, they foolishly tell everyone about their evil plans, and this is normally their downfall.
You control Panic, a fast-paced porcupine. This unfortunate creature is thrust into the limelight when Dr Proventriculus kidnaps every Chickabirb! Accordingly, this unwitting hero must traverse many bizarre stages as he collects the stolen eggs and rescues every poor kidnapped soul. However, en route, he’ll face dangerous traps and he must face off against the evil Dr! As such, you’ll have to think fast in this agility and memory-testing affair.
Nauseating stages.
Panic Porcupine wears its influences on its sleeves. Therefore, many of its assets feel familiar. With loop-the-loops, spikes, TVs, wall climbing, and hidden areas, this looks and plays like a Sonic the Hedgehog title. However, the bite-sized stages and unbelievably cruel traps make it stand out from its 90s gaming influences.
The learning curve is wonderfully gentle. Yet, once you get into the action, the gameplay requires lightning-fast reactions, a brilliant memory, and the patience of a saint. Consequently, you are tested almost immediately, and this will impress hardcore gamers and those that enjoy a speedrun challenge.
The concept is simple. Each level comprises x-amount of Chickabirbs to rescue. Alongside this, there is an additional task to complete. If you so wish, you can attempt to collect every egg. However, this is tough and thankfully not entirely necessary. Effectively, all you must do to proceed is to rescue the Chickabirbs and you move on to the next stage.
Traps and boss battles.
The concept may be straightforward, but the game isn’t easy. The drip-fed traps and tough boss encounters make this a cruel and hardcore experience. You’ll face a range of game-ending traps on every level. Whether it is spikes to leap over, buzz saws to avoid, or the flick of a flame, they will all kill you! Subsequently, you’ll need to study each level and accept that death and failure are part of the action.
Talking of death, the boss battles will test your resolve. On paper, they are pretty rudimentary, but in reality, one mistake will end your fun. As such, you can’t take anything for granted in this colourful but challenging indie title.
Panic Porcupine is wonderfully retro.
I grew up when the Mega Drive was King! Therefore, I adore a retro experience. Panic Porcupine oozes old-school charm thanks to its 2D side-scrolling action and its pixelated finish. Alongside this, the garish colours and simple sprites are reminiscent of titles that were released in the 90s. As such, if you love a trip down memory lane, this game will not disappoint you.
Visually, it looks dated but wonderful. However, it performs perfectly as well. The fast action never falters, and I had no issues with frame rate drops, crashing, or bugs.
The nostalgia continues with the excellent audio. A shrill soundtrack is matched by some rudimentary sound effects. Accordingly, this won’t blow you away, but it was pleasant, nonetheless. Fortunately, there was some variety to the soundtrack, and each world had a unique vibe.
Sharp controls.
Thankfully, this precision title has exceptionally sharp controls. Consequently, every tight jump and tough turn is manageable. What’s more, the inputs are responsive, and this helps to reduce frustrating moments. Moreover, the simple layout and basic tutorial ensure you are up and running immediately.
Panic Porcupine oozes replay value and longevity. Every stage is timed and therefore, you can return to tighten your run and beat your score. On top of this, you have the eggs to collect and the bosses to defeat. Therefore, there are plenty of reasons to return.
Panic Porcupine is a pleasant nostalgic experience.
Though Panic Porcupine drove me crazy, I enjoyed its pleasant old-school aesthetic. Furthermore, the Sonic the Hedgehog parody made me chuckle, and the brutal mechanics pushed me at every stage. Accordingly, it is unbelievably hard, but it is also a nice nostalgic experience. Therefore, I enjoyed it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you defeat the Dr and save the Chickabirbs? Roll, run, and avoid every trap.
