TumbleSeed Reviews
Based on an old mechanical coin-op game, this is a quaint, challenging puzzler that works especially well on the Nintendo Switch
Each run has its own unique feel that continues to keep the game incredibly fresh, whether it's your tenth or hundredth run. While it's a shame there's no way to submit a score offline, the rest of the game shines so bright it's easy to overlook. If you're looking for a challenging, but insanely satisfying roguelike, look no further.
All in all, Tumbleseed is a game that is a bit hard to describe, but it's certainly very fun! It's one of those “easy to learn but hard to master” type of releases that has a lot to offer. It, unfortunately, does not include a Platinum trophy, but the balance of trophies is good for hunters. It features colorful graphics with a great degree of polish, flawless gameplay and no bugs or glitches – at least not during my time with the game! It's quirky control scheme, story and character definitel caught my attention from the start and made me greatly enjoy this PlayStation 4 release. Kudos to the aeiowu team. After playing this gem, I look forward to seeing what they work on next!
The Switch has been blessed very early on with what is now beginning to take shape as a diverse collection of rogue-likes. While it opened with the well-known Isaac, bringing the rogue shooter to the table, it then veered off into the strategic lane-based challenge of Has-Been Heroes. Tumbleseed goes completely off the board and brings its own unique vision to what a rogue-like can be with an adventure game of sorts, though in general the game feels very much like its own thing and is difficult to put in any known box. I was enthusiastic about the possibilities it could have from the moment it was first shown and having sunk many hours into the game now I have to say I'm thoroughly impressed with the result and, especially at its very reasonable price point, would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a challenge for their mind and reflexes.
TumbleSeed is unlike anything that you have ever played before and exemplified the experiences that we all want to see on the Nintendo eShop. The game's creative spirit is as brave as the heroic seed that inhabits it, with an addictive loop that promises to keep you forever tumbling.
A strange premise, and inspiration, but the end result is almost impossible to put down, despite the sky-high difficulty.
TumbleSeed is a game that I don't think I'll ever completely finish, but it's damn impressive for those that dare to stomach its difficulty. If you're the kind of person looking for a mostly skill based game that is brutally challenging, yet very entertaining, then TumbleSeed is for you. More casual players will want to save their money and sanity for games a bit more accessible to them. Honestly, the biggest mistake here is that the developers haven't offered multiple difficulties, which will surely limit the potential player base.
TumbleSeed had the potential to really be this year's Spelunky or Isaac with its amazing visuals and music design but it throws far too much at the player early on making it a tad more frustrating than fun.
If TumbleSeed intrigues you at all, I would recommend picking it up. The game is as unique and engaging to play as it looks, just be aware of the steep difficulty curve you will most likely run into once you get more serious about passing the starting area. Games this original don't come around to often, but its always a treat when they do.
All told, Tumbleseed is a game that will certainly divide opinion. The absurdly high difficulty demands that you put up or shut up; if you don't take the time to be patient and focus on improving your skills in controlling the seed, you will not find much enjoyment here. However, if you're willing to stick it out and put in the time required to 'git gud', you'll find a deeply rewarding game with nearly unlimited replayability between the daily challenges and the constant tease of getting a better score. If you consider yourself a skilled and patient gamer, give Tumbleseed a shot. If not, perhaps something else might be a better choice.
In other words, slow your roll, Tumbleseed.
Final Thoughts Tumbleseed is a unique release based on a great idea and is very fun to play. The visuals and the gameplay are very polished, and the procedurally generated levels will keep you playing for many hours. I recommend this one to gamers looking for a unique experience on PlayStation 4 since Tumbleseed certainly delivers!
TumbleSeed turned out really good and interesting game, the developers showed their opinion on this genre, bringing something of their own, they have not forgotten about the classical mechanics inherent to Roguelike games. If you are going to pass the game on PS4 or PC, then feel free to remove one point from the final evaluation due to the absence of the above-described vibration of the HD and portable mode.
Review in Russian | Read full review
TumbleSeed was not kind to me at any point while reviewing it. It doesn’t seem like an especially long game, but given its nuance and demanding skillset, is a game you’ll be returning to often. It’s frustrating, beautiful, and unforgiving. There’s a good game here, but I feel it’s upfront difficulty is going to be off-putting for many. But by not playing TumbleSeed, you’re missing out on what is otherwise a unique roguelike that doesn’t shy away from its difficulty, but embraces it to the fullest and tasks you with a challenge you’ll want to overcome each time you play it.
Overall, Tumbleseed offers a ton of content for it’s asking price. It is a fun, challenging and rewarding roguelike that is best played in short bursts and is fun to come back to.
Tumbleseed is smart and charming and really challenging. Almost too challenging.
Review in Italian | Read full review
TumbleSeed starts off simple enough, but in classic roguelike fashion it quickly becomes a tricky, demanding (literal) balancing act with a variety of buffs and obstacles. Fans of light, arcadey titles should check it out
Tumbleseed is a beautiful and original roguelike with simple, fresh and unique gameplay mechanics. Its smart design gave us a deep experience full of variety and one of the most difficult game of this year for sure. Maybe some difficult spikes feel unfair but if you have a lot of practice and tons of patience you could dominate it.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
TumbleSeed's summit might be worth it, if you can stick through the climb