Woodle Tree Adventures Deluxe Review (PS4)
Introduction
If you enjoy classic 3-D platforming games, then Woodle Tree Adventures Deluxe is worth adding to your cart. Developed by Fabio Ferrara, and published by Chubby Pixel, Woodle Tree Adventures Deluxe is full of cute characters and bright colors. Larger than the original game, this deluxe version includes a few extra levels. While it’s a small game, it creates a world that can easily expand for future releases. It is basically a modern take on a 1990’s style of gaming. View the video below to see just exactly what I mean.
Released on Jul 26, 2019, Woodle Tree Adventures Deluxe is now available on PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. It is currently on the PlayStation Store for $4.99.
If you’re a retro gamer like myself, you will probably see hints of influences from popular gaming classics spread throughout the worlds in this game. As a result, while this game is new, it somehow still emits nostalgic vibes. This is certainly not the only thing Woodle Tree Adventures Deluxe has to offer, but it’s definitely a top reason to buy it. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into the details.
Story
The story in this game is rather simple. You start off talking to a big tree who refers to you as his little son. From here, he tells you that your purpose is to bring water to the world. In order to do so, he says you must collect things called fairy tears. He then gives you an example of one, shows you to your home, and well, that’s about it. There are no more cutscenes until the game is complete. I will say that part of me does wonder if the father tree was influenced by the Great Deku Tree from The Legend of Zelda series, but this is not the time nor the place for fan lore.
The story and dialogue.
Playing as a small personified tree, it is your job to collect fairy tears and berries throughout each level. You destroy enemies with a leaf you carry around with you while scavenging the world for your desired items. Each time you complete a level, you unlock another, but only if you have enough items. Destroying enemies is not required, but they do get in the way sometimes. Some enemies are stationary, and others, well, let’s just say they’re a bit angrier. You must collect all three fairy tears to complete each level. Berries are not required, however, but advised since you will need them to unlock new levels.
Gameplay
Mechanics
The mechanics in this game are far better than I originally expected. The controls are very smooth. In fact, in terms of stability, I find them pretty forgiving. There is a lot of climbing in this game, so, the developers could have made falling much easier than they did. Luckily, they pretty much nailed the controls in this case. The only major complaint I have is that sometimes, like many other games, running and jumping together is a no-go. If you don’t come to a complete stop, you may zoom right off the edge instead of jumping to the next platform. It’s comical, sure, but after several times of dying, it gets a little annoying.
Sitting high
Camera
This is one aspect that I both love and hate in this game. The camera angles are almost always perfect, except for when they’re not. I know this sounds confusing, so let me explain. What I mean is that for the most part, I am very impressed by how well the camera functions. It automatically adjusts to whatever scene and situation you’re in. However, every now and then, it glitches out. This leaves you uncertain on where you’re even at. Further, it glitched out upon re-spawning in one level, leading me to restart the console twice. I essentially had to figure out a way to not die during that part of the level. Otherwise, I’d have to start the level all over again.
Cool Features
A major plus in Woodle Tree Adventures Deluxe is that you unlock new leaves and a headband after collecting so many berries. Each new leaf gives you a stronger enemy strike. Even cuter, the leaves are all different colors! I like these features because they add to the aesthetic appeal while enhancing your attack abilities. Not only that, but your house doubles as a hub world. Each time you unlock a new level, it appears in or outside of your home.
Gameplay and fun!
Graphics and Music
Graphics
I can honestly say that this game has its own unique graphical style. While the textures are simple, the developers also find a way to make them pop. The colors are vibrant whether the level is during the day or the night. The enemies are either as adorable as the main character, or incredibly creepy, which I find amusing. I did not encounter any glitches within the graphics themselves. Everything looks smooth and polished.
This little Woodle
Sound
In addition to the graphics, the music is catchy and fitting. It definitely feels like something that belongs in a video game, and I mean that in a good way. Moreover, both the visual appeal and the audio feel unique. The game doesn’t feel like a knock off of Super Mario or any other popular 3-D platforming game. The sound effects are also cute and admittedly, a little different than I expected. When collecting berries, you hear what sounds like a musical instrument playing. The pitches change each time you pick up a berry, which is a pretty neat addition.
