Gruniozerca Trilogy is a game I’ve never heard of. After some research, I discovered it was a popular NES series that had been rebooted. This confused me as I’ve played plenty of NES games. Therefore, I was intrigued and couldn’t wait to see what was on offer.
Take It Studio sp. z. o. o. developed and published this arcade experience. It is a single-player title that has a glorious retro aesthetic. However, it is the simple but effective gameplay that had me hooked for hours.
Gruniozerca Trilogy – 3 games, unique moments.
I always find it a little disconcerting when a game, or in this case, games, have no story. Yet, it doesn’t seem to matter in this case. Instead, it is the arcade mindset, straightforward instructions, and addictive, fast-paced action that keep you hooked.
Each of the games offers a unique moment. Game 1 demands that you catch coloured carrots that are falling from the sky. You must change the colour of your rabbit as you race from one carrot to the next. Sounds terrible, but it isn’t! Game 2 is a platform title that asks you to build pathways, grab carrots and keys. The carrots are a collectable, and the keys unlock the exit. As the game progresses, the levels get more convoluted. Finally, game 3 asks you to follow a crumbling path. As you pass over each block, the number lowers. Once it hits 0, it disappears. The aim is to clear the blocks and get to the exit alive.
Simplicity at its best.
Gruniozerca Trilogy deploys the idea of simplicity at its best. None of the games is complex, and this is what works. You take a walk down memory lane and tackle rudimentary experiences that just work. There is no depth, no story, and no progression, but it doesn’t matter.
It is the desire to beat the high score that drives you on. Moreover, the casual nature of each title allows you to play this as much or as little as you want. Consequently, I think this will appeal to gamers with short attention spans.
Gruniozerca Trilogy is old-school.
Basic visuals, simple level design, and a lack of colour shouldn’t be anywhere near a next-gen console. However, Gruniozerca Trilogy makes it work. I love the basic sprites, the pixelated visuals, and the stripped-back approach. In short, it is brilliantly old-school.
The audio has a delightful synth edge that is great and horrible in equal measure. The basic soundtrack adds drama and energy without going crazy. Furthermore, the sound effects are suitable, but not impressive.
Basic controls.
3 games to master should have been a nightmare, but it wasn’t. Straightforward controls and responsive inputs help you to overcome every obstacle and hit every highscore.
This is one of those games where achievements keep you going. Collecting the most carrots, surviving the deadly path, or completing a game in record time are some examples of things you must achieve. These rudimentary demands force you to keep playing even when you want to go to bed.
Gruniozerca Trilogy is a great indie game.
Despite its basic design and old-school ways, Gruniozerca Trilogy is a great indie title. It was addictive, fun, and great to play. Moreover, its casual approach is a nice change of pace. Accordingly, I love it and recommend buying it here! Can you complete the trilogy? Grab the carrots, survive the deadly path, and get a high score.
