Shroomtopia is a game that I really wanted to enjoy. However, developer GXN Games has made some fatal mistakes, and this makes it unbelievably frustrating to play. Unless you are an expert in puzzle games or you are extremely lucky, you will spend many hours scratching your head and wondering what to do.
QUByte Interactive has published this single-player isometric experience. It is designed as a cosy and calm puzzle title. Yet, the lack of guidance and hints leaves you enraged and quitting early. This was a shame, as many of the elements were fantastic. Furthermore, I love the aesthetic and the varied stage design.
Shroomtopia focuses on the nectar of life.
Life is always in the balance, and too much or too little of anything can be terrible. Shroomtopia takes this to the next level with its vision of the nectar of life. Magical mushrooms are withering and failing. However, if the nectar of life can touch the special fungi, everything will be alright.
This is the core idea of this methodical title. Effectively, users must create a path for the nectar to flow. If it falls off the side and you run out of liquid, you must start again. Additionally, you’ll need to bring micro mushrooms to life as the basic mechanics evolve.
Use the colour wheel.
Manipulating the world is a key concept. Yet, this can only get you so far. As the game progresses, you’ll face obstacles and the chance to mix colours. Now, this sounds easy, but creating the correct pathways and matching the right colours isn’t easy.
Sadly, the developer has decided not to include a hint system. This was a huge mistake, as you can’t progress to the next world without completing the puzzles. Accordingly, if you get stuck and you can’t work out a solution, you are screwed. This was a massive shortcoming and something that needs to be addressed.
Shroomtopia looks lovely.
Despite the gameplay issues, Shroomtopia looks lovely. The world has a pleasant cartoon edge that is pleasant to the eye. Moreover, the colours are vibrant, varied, and great to look at. Each level is interesting, and the game thrives because of its variety.
The soundtrack is calm and easy on the ears. This wasn’t surprising as the developer envisioned a cosy experience. Thankfully, the soft audio supports the theme and doesn’t distract from the action.
Simple controls.
Mastering Shroomtopia was easy. You can undo moves, reset the puzzle, and the grid system was easy to follow. Consequently, the control system is well considered.
Longevity is a real problem. If you get stuck, you are likely to uninstall it. This is a shame, as the game has many positives. Unfortunately, though, I can see many people giving up very quickly.
Shroomtopia could have been great.
This has so much potential! Visually, it is nice, and I love the cosy atmosphere. However, getting stuck on a handful of puzzles for hours is not my idea of fun. Accordingly, unless you are a genre whizz, I don’t recommend buying it. More information can be found here, though! Can you make the nectar flow? Dig the pathway, touch the mini mushrooms, and watch everything blossom.
