Turnip Mountain isn’t a game for the faint of heart. It requires patience, rhythm, and a level head. If you lack any of these elements, it’ll make you shout, quit, and possibly smash your controller. I admit that I was close to rage quitting, but I managed the odd scream in order to check myself.
This brutal platforming adventure was developed and published by JanduSoft. It is a single-player or couch cooperative title. The latter is more testing than a family game of Monopoly, so expect some blazing rows. Additionally, you may need to pre-sign your divorce papers, because arguments are guaranteed. Thankfully, the single-player approach is less hostile. After all, you only have yourself to blame.
Turnip Mountain = 2 hands and no story.
I have no idea why a 2-handed turnip is clambering up a mountain, and quite frankly, I don’t care. Instead, I sat for hours trying to overcome obstacles, play with switches, and grab collectables en route to the summit. The lack of a story doesn’t impact things, and a plot would probably have gotten in the way.
Instead, you focus on the rage-inducing action and desperately trying to stay alive. If brutal gameplay isn’t your thing, I’d suggest giving this a miss. At no point is it easy, and leaping across gaps, hanging from moving platforms, and avoiding gushing water sets the red mist of anger in place.
There is no escape.
Although Turnip Mountain has a natural conclusion, there is no escape from the tough action. You control 2 hands with either analogue stick. As you move, you’ll need to generate speed and thrust to leap gaps, grab switches, and avoid obstacles. This is particularly tough when playing with another. However, it isn’t much easier alone.
If you are slow, you’ll die. If you miss your platform, you’ll die. Try something fancy but overcook it, and you guessed it, you’ll die. Death is all but assured, and getting used to failure is necessary. Consequently, you may be wondering, why play it? Well, success is rewarding. Overcoming a problem is euphoric, and making it to the summit is a job well done.
What I truly appreciated was the balance of new mechanics and the time to get used to them. Ideas are introduced during each world, and you must master them before things become too tough. This was great as you were never truly out of your depth even if things were horribly cruel.
Turnip Mountain has a dated appeal.
Aesthetically, Turnip Mountain has a deliberately dated style. The visuals are blocky, pixelated, and reminiscent of older gaming platforms. Moreover, the colours are sharp while lacking a sense of vibrancy. Subsequently, it won’t win any awards for beauty.
The audio is a retro gamer’s paradise. Chiptune music, cheerful tones, and playful atmospheres juxtapose the madness you endure. It is fun but unfairly cruel in equal measure.
Simple controls.
I was impressed by the simple control layout, the drip-fed mechanics, and the ability to master everything. Although the rhythmic nature of the moment was tough to get used to, it was well considered, enjoyable, and bitterly tough to endure.
Replay value is reserved for hardcore gamers. It broke my soul, and I certainly won’t be unlocking every achievement. However, if you wish to prove your worth, you can find every collectable and buy every hat.
Turnip Mountain is cruel.
I enjoyed Turnip Mountain, but it is cruel. It’s one of those games that’ll break you before you complete it. Although I like its approach, it is awfully niche. Despite this, I enjoyed it and recommend buying it here! Can you make it up the mountain? Choose your path, avoid the obstacles, and control your hands.
