Are you ready to take on a fast-paced 2D platformer that combines pizza-themed levels, quirky characters, and addictive gameplay? Pizza Tower, the latest indie game quickly gaining popularity on Steam with a 98% “Overwhelmingly Positive” user review rating. Inspired by the Wario Land series, this game is a unique twist on the classic platformer genre, and it’s not hard to see why so many gamers are hooked.
As a longtime fan of platformers, I couldn’t resist diving into Pizza Tower to see if it lives up to the hype. From its endearing visual style to its inventive level design, we’ll discuss what makes Pizza Tower stand out. Whether you’re a fan of pizza, platformers, or just looking for a new game to try, Pizza Tower is a must-play that shouldn’t be missed!
The magic that once was
From 2008 to 2011, the gaming world was gifted with a slew of masterpieces that breathed new life into the 2D realm. Castle Crashers, Super Meat Boy, Braid, Shadow Complex, and Spelunky were just a few of the titles that took our breath away with their diversity and outstanding critical acclaim.
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These games were a refreshing change from the norm, rekindling our passion for the art of gaming. However, as time passed, many developers followed a set of guidelines, resulting in a decline in creativity and quality. Sadly, after over a decade of 2D indie games, the magic that once made them so special has been lost in the shuffle.
The Heroic Italian Chef on a Mission
Pizza Tower embarks on a mission of epic proportions, without even realizing it. They’ve got their game face on and are ready to knock your socks off with their latest creation. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Wario Land video game franchise, Pizza Tower is taking things to the next level with its own spicy twist. Meet Peppino Spaghetti, the surprisingly agile and powerful Italian with a receding hairline.
His beloved pizzeria is in grave danger and he’ll stop at nothing to save it from the clutches of a heartless corporation. The only way to save his business is to infiltrate the massive and imposing Pizza Tower, taking on all opposition and leaving no stone unturned. With Peppino at the helm, you’ll be in for an unforgettable adventure filled with pizza, action, and loads of fun.
Need for Speed?
The game is a true test of skill and patience, requiring more than just a basic tutorial to truly appreciate its unique mechanics. As you move from left to right, it feels like guiding an oiled sausage across a granite table, but somehow you’re able to control it with precision. With a few seconds of movement in one direction, you’ll pick up speed, but quick changes in direction allow you to maneuver through tight spaces.
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At high speeds, obstacles shatter before you, but one wrong move and you’ll come crashing down, losing all momentum. To accelerate even faster, you can jump and press down to plummet toward the ground, or gracefully collapse like a diver into a pool.
And if you build up enough speed, you’ll be able to launch yourself to incredible heights by “docking” onto surfaces and vaulting upwards. But beware, once you hit a certain velocity, you’ll be able to scale walls and leap off them in a dazzling display of skill.
Unleashing Peppino’s Formidable Fury
Incorporating adversaries into the mix truly expand our range of abilities. As Peppino charges ahead, nothing can stand in our way (well, except for the occasional obstacle), as our foes crumble into mere morsels in our path. But why stop at just dodging and trampling them?
Let’s take a page from the fighter’s playbook and grab those pesky enemies, slamming them into the ground, hurling them toward their comrades, or even taunting them into submission. The sheer number of moves at Peppino’s disposal can be overwhelming, yet before we know it, we’ll be effortlessly stringing them together like a finely tuned instrument.
Like melted cheese
The idea of fluidity in Pizza Tower is inescapable, and it’s sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who plays it. The game’s seamless connection between each action is nothing short of mesmerizing.
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From the unique animations to the flawless execution, every move flows into the next, allowing us to weave through levels with the utmost precision and speed. Unlike other speed-based games like Sonic or Freedom Force, where your success relies solely on your ability to move fast, Pizza Tower introduces a unique combo meter that adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the game.
Time is of the essence
Pizza Tower is not your average game, where you can just stroll through levels and expect to come out on top. No, this game demands a level of skill and precision. In fact, to get the highest award possible, the coveted “P” rank, you must maintain your combo from start to finish, while also grabbing all the secrets, defeating all the enemies, and completing all the challenges.
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But don’t let it fool you, this isn’t some boring grind. Every about 5 seconds, you must eliminate an enemy to keep your combo going, and collecting objects will give you an extra second. But be careful, if an enemy hits you, you’ll lose about 2 seconds. It’s a delicate dance that requires expert choreography, where not a single move can be wasted.
Unique Perspective
Without a doubt, a fantastic movement system alone cannot carry a game. However, Pizza Tower goes above and beyond by offering twenty levels that are nothing short of extraordinary. And we’re not just saying that for the sake of it. Each level boasts its own distinct identity, making for an unforgettable experience.
The levels all follow a similar structure where players must progress in one direction and then return in the opposite direction, but this time with a time constraint.
This simple yet brilliant premise grants players the freedom to leisurely explore the level on their first run, discovering hidden secrets, and delighting in the excellent animations and unique mechanics of each level. But when the countdown begins, it’s time to put the pedal to the metal and execute what you’ve learned to beat the clock or risk starting from square one.
Where Wild Transformations Meet Meticulous Planning
In this fascinating world of McPig, you’re in for a wild ride as you experiment with different transformations and tools at every level. Each level brings something new to the table – whether it’s breathing fire like a dragon or becoming a knight in shining armor. And trust us, there are plenty more surprises in store that we don’t want to spoil just yet.
But McPig doesn’t just transform you into a knight – oh no. The transformation process is a spectacle in itself, with Peppino approaching a sword on a rock, pulling it out with lightning striking him, and then reappearing fully clad in armor with a sword.
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The armor isn’t just for show either – when you stumble, you’ll bounce comically while remaining fully protected. And when you attack, you’ll wield your sword with the same finesse as Uncle Scrooge’s cane in Duck Tales.
That’s not all – at times, you’ll even embody the adorable Gustavo, riding his trusty rat as you make your way through the levels. Each transformation and character comes with its own unique movements and animations, all seamlessly chainable to make for a truly immersive experience.
Don’t be fooled – the developer created each transformation and character with clear and concise thinking, even though it may all seem like madness. They meticulously planned every transformation and tool, ensuring that you have the time of your life, despite their seemingly weird nature.
Artfully Cheesy: Why Pizza Tower’s Unique Style Takes the Slice
Pizza Tower’s art style is like a hot slice of pizza – some people love it, while others find it controversial. However, take a closer look and you’ll see that it’s not just a sloppy, rushed design. In fact, the style is intentionally consistent throughout the game, giving it a unique and cheesy charm that elevates it to a whole new level of artistry.
From the very start of the game, the animations and characters are delightfully quirky and imaginative. Each character in the level selection zones has its own personality, making them stand out in its own unique way. And the enemies? They’re like something out of a Nintendo classic, with their caricatured shapes and memorable designs.
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Sure, some players may wish for more enemy variety, but let’s not forget that every enemy in Pizza Tower serves a purpose – to challenge the player and keep the combos flowing. So, even though the art style may not be for everyone, there’s no denying that it’s a deliberate and well-executed choice that adds to the overall enjoyment of the game.
Breaking the Mold
Enter Peppino Spaghetti, the animated character who’s breaking all the rules. In a world where 2D games have become known for their minimalist animation and emotionless characters, Peppino stands out from the crowd. He’s a character with a personality that shines through every pixel on the screen.
Each action he takes is accompanied by a hilarious reaction – his eyes bulge out of their sockets, his mouth emits flames, and his suplexes are as graceful. When he runs, his feet create a whirlpool effect that would make the Roadrunner envious.
Peppino is a feast for the eyes, with every frame used to its full potential, making him a memorable presence in our minds. And if you think of pizza, you can’t help but think of Peppino – he’s become synonymous with the delicious Italian dish.
Get a Slice of the Action
The game reaches its peak when you face off against the final bosses in the battle levels – a visual spectacle that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The animation is so lifelike that you’ll feel like you’re right there in the action alongside Peppino and his rival.
The battles are reminiscent of the intense Cuphead levels, with each boss being expertly crafted and animated to provide a challenge that will keep you coming back for more.
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We won’t spoil the surprise by revealing too much about the bosses, but rest assured that you’ll be in for a treat. These encounters offer just the right amount of difficulty – enough to keep you engaged and challenged, but not so much that you’ll be tearing your hair out in frustration.
Overall, the battle levels are a fantastic addition to the game, providing a new level of excitement and variety that will keep you hooked for hours on end.
Let’s give the levels a bit more oomph, shall we?
Currently, they’re lacking that certain je ne sais quoi. Sure, they do the job of outlining the level, but they’re a tad plain. The blocks are often one-dimensional, sporting only a solitary color.
The designers may have made this design choice to ensure that the gameplay could be easily digested by players as the protagonist whizzes by at a blistering three screens per second. Nonetheless, we can’t help but feel that the levels could benefit from a bit more pizzazz.
The Musical Magic of Mr. Sauceman
As we near the end of this text, we simply cannot forget to give proper recognition to the incredible soundtrack of the game. It’s the brainchild of the talented Ronan de Castel, also known as the musical genius “Mr. Sauceman”. Every time we play, the tunes that accompany us as we sprint through each level and race against the clock tend to stay with us, popping up unexpectedly in our heads and refusing to leave.
THE SOUNDTRACK TO PIZZA TOWER IS OUT ON STEAM AND BANDCAMP! CHECK IT OUT:https://t.co/zngTtSiVfO
— Mr. Sauceman (@Mister_Sauceman) February 1, 2023
The music is like the game’s graphics – complex and seemingly random at first, but it gradually builds into a beautifully orchestrated masterpiece with guitar riffs and several layers that are sure to take your breath away. It’s not uncommon for players to pause in the middle of a level just to listen to the catchy tunes.
Some of the game’s songs have even become wildly popular in gaming culture, surpassing the popularity of the game itself. It’s well-deserved, and we’re eagerly anticipating the next Mr. Sauceman soundtrack just as much as we’re looking forward to the next McPig game.
