Turnip Mountain Review

I’m not one for ball-busting and frustration-inducing games. However, here I am looking at Turnip Mountain. It is a game about precision, patience, and Hulk smash-inducing madness. I had to stifle many screams and choice words as I failed repeatedly. It is a game that’ll drive you crazy even when you are successful.

This maddening platform climber was developed by Luke Sanderson. It is a single-player and couch cooperative experience. The latter option demands good communication and a strong bond with the other player. Furthermore, it is guaranteed to cause arguments as each person controls one climbing arm. I tried this approach, and I wanted to punch a wall, so don’t say that you haven’t been warned. The single-player mode isn’t much better either. However, it is great fun and getting to the top of the mountain is super rewarding.

Turnip Mountain tells no story.

The platform genre is renowned for interesting plots and fascinating characters. Unfortunately, Turnip Mountain has neither. Instead, it focuses on its core mechanics, harsh gameplay, and exploration to keep you interested.

As you explore each world, new mechanics are introduced. This drip-fed design was fantastic as the learning curve never felt overwhelming. Moreover, it allows you to get used to each element before another is introduced. Although this isn’t perfect for younger or impatient gamers, it makes things feel fair even when you are pulling your hair out.

Physics-based ideas.

The core concept for this game is simple. Look at the path in front of you and get climbing. The turnip hero has 2 gangly arms to climb over specific surfaces. As you move, you must overcome obstacles, hold on for dear life, and hope not to fall to your demise.

The further you progress, the harder things become. Finding secrets is par for the course, and grabbing colour palette collectables or coins to buy new hats adds some depth. However, it is the physics-based elements that test your resolve. Momentum and accuracy are key layers that must be mastered. You’ll roll, bounce, and fly to overcome gaps. Additionally, you must activate switches, form new paths, and avoid obstacles if you wish to succeed. If you can achieve all of this, you will reach the top of the mountain, and the hellish action begins again in a new world.

Turnip Mountain has a dated appearance.

If you remember the Game Boy era, Turnip Mountain will feel familiar. The basic pixelated imagery is awash with refined colours. Moreover, the animation is simple, smooth, and effective. However, if you prefer modern visuals or an eye-catching design, the simplicity will not be appealing. The audio has a pleasant chiptune nature. This offers an upbeat experience that is fun but lacking in depth. Each element works, but sadly, it isn’t memorable.

The controls are smooth even if the physics-based approach drives you mad. Grabbing static surfaces was a joy, but when you add in moving platforms, switches, and huge gaps, your skills are tested. Replay value is limited unless you love a challenge. Finding every collectable and gathering every coin will push the greatest of players. However, it is the speedrun layer that pushes you all the way. It is brutal, unfair, but oddly rewarding!

Turnip Mountain is a good but tough experience.

If you love testing games that are cruel but rewarding, Turnip Mountain will be the game for you. Despite its tough action, I enjoyed the challenge and finding alternative routes. Additionally, finding every collectable and making it to the summit was fantastic. Accordingly, it is niche, but fun, and I recommend grabbing a copy from the Xbox Store!