Little Trus Man Review

Little Trus Man is a devious little game developed by PRC Production and released on Desura, adding itself to the plethora of rage inducing platformers like Cloudberry Kingdom. Little Trus Man (or LTM), sets itself differently against other Platformers with its addition of Tetris like gameplay, allowing the player to place shapes, unlike Tetriminoes, on the field. Can this little upstart make its name in the platforming genre, or will it simple fall short… get it?

 

Story

The story of the game is told in the beginning with moving stylised pictures, telling us that LTM’s dog Tyler has gotten himself lost and sets it upon himself to go out and find his best friend. LTM’s travels take him across 6 different chapters, containing 5 levels each, getting increasingly harder. There isn’t much in story development in this game besides it beginning and ending, leaving the game completely open, making it feel slightly empty at times.

Across the 30 levels there isn’t much in the way of reward or cutscene to show if we are progressing or not, the only nod we are given is at the start of each Chapter when LTM says a little sentence in his head showing his discomfort with having to walk so far, or saying he will get revenge… which is confusing when he wants revenge for his dog getting lost.

 

Gameplay

The game is very simplistic in its control scheme, utilizing the keyboard for all of its in-game controls. Arrow Keys for movement, space for jump and tab for switching between Placement and platform mode. The game is like any other platformer, jump on platforms and reach the end, whilst getting a key along the way, all the while trying to outrun the ever scrolling screen.

The biggest mechanic in the game is it placement mode, where you place blocks of varying shapes and sizes, including 3-5 block size as well as resembling shapes much like the Tetriminoes found in Tetris. This blocks seem limitless and can be placed almost anywhere on the screen where there is a ground for them to fall onto. You will HAVE to use these blocks to make it through the levels, as they form the stairs and bridges where you would simple not be able to cross.

The other mode in the game is platforming mode, which is just as it sounds, you move properly and move and jump around the level. Switching between the two modes can become very hectic at times however, as you will have to place several blocks before moving on which takes up valuable time allowing the screen to overtake you and kill you. Switching between the modes also resets the block you have assigned, which is invaluable at later levels, as only certain blocks will help you proceed.

The levels are rather straightforward in the beginning, having a straight run to the exit door at the other side, though as the levels progress you will find yourself going up and down as well as backwards to find your way through the maze-like structures you traverse to get the keys and bones scattered through the levels. Besides the key and Bones found in the level there are also direction changing icons that make the screen scroll in the opposite direction, aiding in or being crucial to completing the levels.

 

Overall Thoughts and Feelings

Every level has a different background associated with it, possibly trying to show the progress LTM is making on his journey, we are treated to views of seaside’s, light towers, roads, towns and even snow covered environments. The pictures are stylised in a way that make them look as if they have been stitched, giving the game a unique look, if a bit blurry at times. The levels themselves are rather plain, the platforms you fumble around on being of mostly a singular colour and design for each level.

The sound and music within the game feels very sluggish, and doesn’t instil much of the energy I would have expected from a platformer. The music uses a lot of percussion and synth like sounds to make a simple track but overall the soundtrack just feels like a background thought and to make it so that the level isn’t completely silent. The game also lacks a lot of sound, the only sound occurring when you select options or obtain a pickup in the game, making it feel as if LTM has pillows for feet… which would fit his squidgy character design.

I will give LTM a 2/5, it’s a commendable attempt at trying to create a new and interesting platformer but the overall package leaves a lot to be desired. The game itself feels very empty and rather boring at times, leaving only the trial and error for players who love to learn the ins and outs of levels. Though I have to throw the game a bone as it is the first I’ve seen to incorporate the Tetris aspect and it isn’t designed horrible, it’s delivery just needs a lot of work.

Disclaimer:All scores given within our reviews are based on the artist’s personal opinion; this should in no way impede your decision to purchase the game.