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Troddlers
(I suppose we are all greedy vicious bastards at heart...)
//introduction
Those who haven't heard of this game should at least have heard of Lemming or Chu Chu Rocket. I first heard this game's name whilst speaking to some random bloke on a plane. He described it as Lemmings where the little critters must be killed instead of saved. Apparently, you had no control over the little guys, instead manipulating the scenery. I was later to learn that - like many other random blokes I have met since - he was only partially correct.
//rules and toys
Indeed, you don't actually control the little mindless wanderers (or 'Troddlers' as they're called). Instead, you control a larger guy with the ability to jump, remove and add blocks and push boulders. Troddlers can walk up walls and along ceilings and this further distances it from Lemmings - obviously its inspiration.
Two colours of Troddlers exist. One race must be led to the exit, whilst the other must be killed. Before each level, you are presented with a set of objectives, which may ask you to save or kill a certain number of the correct race of Troddlers or collect a certain number of red, blue or green crystals.
Crystals may either already be present on-screen or you may need to create them yourself using boulders. Dropping one boulder onto another creates green crystals, whilst dropping a boulder onto a troddler or enemy creature will generate red or blue crystals respectively.
//various blocks
The moving of blocks becomes the main element of the game and multiple types of blocks are introduced throughout the game.
To pick up or put down a block, a button must be held down whilst you use the d-pad to move a cursor into one of the tiles next to the guy you control. Then, whilst holding down the d-pad, the button must be released.
Later types of blocks include bombs (which explode when a troddler steps on it), ice blocks (which troddlers can fall off of) and springs (which allow troddlers to fall from a great height without dying). This all - combined with the level design and the fact that each level is only one screen - makes for some genuine puzzles.
//2-player modes
As well as the 1-player mode (which involves progressing through about 99 levels on your own) there are also both a 2-player cooperative mode and a 2-player versus mode.
//other options
There is also a training mode - a series of easy levels designed to introduce you to the game's main elements - and you are able to turn the music, sfx or both off.
//sound
The music is repeated for many levels before changing. Sound effects are appropriate and seem to be of a comic - almost terminally joyful - nature. Some sound effects bring to mind the noises from Lemmings.
//graphics
The graphics are also of a comic nature. Again, the style brings Lemmings to the forefront of the mind. However, it also fits in with my jaded prejudiced view of what Amiga graphics stereotypically look like.
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how far I got: Got to level 87 on 1-player mode then got really badly stuck.
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rating : 4
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Whilst I don't want to make a habit of starting reviews with a comparison, it really is unavoidable in this instance. They have similar (if largely different) gameplay elements. Many people will have played Lemmings or Lemmings 2. It's only fair to tell you all how troddlers holds up in comparison.
Well, I always liked the idea of Lemmings, but found that whilst playing it I soon seemed to become bored. Troddlers on the other hand kept me entertained for many hours - right until level 87 where I'm currently stuck.
To be fair, Troddlers has a lot more variation in its levels. Levels which require you to kill an enemy race of Troddlers play differently to ones where you are asked to save your own race. Then there are a few levels in which you simply need to collect some jewels. Sometimes these will already be on the screen and the level might be reminiscent of something out of the original Donkey Kong. At other times you'll just have a few boulders on the screen with which to make your own jewels.
I also like the fact that all the levels are single-screen affairs. It just seems far more appropriate to a puzzle game and means that each level seems far more focused.
I also like the fact that you are asked to control a character, rather than give little critters abilities. The element of platform action brings something to the game and gives it its own unique angle. Whilst Krusty's Super Fun House does operate in a similar way, the large levels mean that each section must be walked around a couple of times to get the idea of where you're going. By contrast, the single-screen nature of Troddlers means that the focus can be shifted from sight-seeing to a test of mental and general games-playing ability.
I like the 2-player options. Not only is there an option for versus play (which would obviously need players of similar skill to be much fun), but there is also a 2-player cooperative mode which is great for showing someone else the game or just having a friendly laugh.
Some may be irritated by the controls for the first few minutes. To add or remove a block, a button must be held down, the d-pad held to position a cursor which appears and (whilst the d-pad is being held in position) the button must be released. It can seem a little confusing at first, but you soon get the hang of it, making it almost second nature. I really couldn't think of any system that would work better.
Most of the levels should be completed within a couple of attempts (after pausing to have a think about your strategy). Whilst this makes for satisfying progress with little frustration, it also means that the game won't last you as long as some other games. Also, since a large amount of the satisfaction is to be gained in simply working out how to navigate each level, the game isn't really as enjoyable to replay as some other games.
Having said that, when you've got a game this fun, who really cares how long it lasts?
Overall, I'd have to recommend it to anyone who's into puzzlers or platformers (or - preferably - both). Whilst the lifespan is arguably a bit short, the game is both unique and fun.
The game becomes more enjoyable after you are introduced to the basics and the game becomes a bit more challenging. The presence of both a versus and co-operative 2-player mode encourages you to show the game to your friends, which leads to more fun.
It's not an epic by any means, but most folk will surely enjoy such a wonderful little gem.
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