Cartridge the Tiger

[h1] Few retro-like games are true masterpieces, even though many can be considered classics. However, despite the fact that it is unquestionably not a masterpiece, this is a great and enjoyable waste of time. [/h1] [h1] Additional Info:[/h1] [table] [tr] [th]Content & Replay Value[/th] [th]I acquired almost everything in the game's 10 levels and finished Cartride the Tiger in 2.4 hours, excluding one last achievement[/th] [/tr] [tr] [td]Mode[/td] [td]Single Player Only[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Controller Recommended?[/td] [td]Yes[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Is it worth buying?[/td] [td]Yes[/td] [/tr] [/table] [b]Acknowledgement[/b] [quote]This game was provided for review purposes by the developers. Thank you![/quote] [quote]Follow our Curator page, [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/32732116/] IndieGems[/url], to see more high-quality Indie reviews regularly.[/quote] [h1]In-Depth[/h1] [h3]Story[/h3] Similar to its NES-like friend Mario, Cartridge the Tiger is a side-scrolling platformer. Anyone familiar with the aforementioned older Mario games would recognize the world and story plots that center on saving the Princess from the malevolent Bowser, and Cartridge the Tiger continues this tradition. The only difference is that we aren't saving a princess; everything else is up to you to discover. You must complete each level in the game by going to the end of the level in order to progress through the stages and reach the cartridge, which is the Mario counterpart of the flag pole at the end. Not all levels have such straightforward paths; in others, discovering the hidden entries opens up a previously undiscovered area. Depending on your skill level, this game takes about two hours to complete, but let me tell you: There are some challenging parts. [h3]Gameplay, Feel & Your Own Level[/h3] This is the quintessential ingredient in terms of gameplay. You control Cartridge and sprint, jump and rollbash your way through increasingly difficult levels. The Tiger may leap on enemies, and there are a ton of enemies to confront and smoosh! As usual, this game gives Cartridge many abilities to aid them, such as swapping characters to gain more abilites and boxes you can shake that allows Cartridge to fly for example. This game's controls are somewhat precise and enjoyable, but it's not as perfect as the series it draws inspiration from and takes time getting used to. Getting a feel for Cartridge and even staying above a block requires "getting used to" a bit which is a bit of a bummer. When you die – and you will (especially in the later stages) – it will be because you screwed up or simply don't know the game's mechanic, which can be frustrating. Furthermore, some of the levels are really difficult to find your way, which can cause some additional frustration. As was previously mentioned, shaking gimmicky items was one of the new features added to the game, even if there is a lot of familiarity with Super Mario World that does provide some comfort. The well-known Super Mushroom (which is a cherry here) and other items are nice additions to the power-up lineup. It incorporates other concepts as well, which I truly appreciate, rather than just copying and pasting from Super Mario. Another new feature in the game is Cartridge's ability to jump off walls in specific places or gain speed by sprinting and rolling, which enables him to smash blocks on the ground. I should also point out that it has an in-game level editor and workshop for you to play with and make levels. Although the game is clearly not very popular and lacks user-generated material, it is nonetheless a pleasant addition to play with. [h3]Worldmap & Soundtrack[/h3] Upon booting up the game you’re treated to cheerful music which is not "inspired" from Mario games, and the option to select one of three well-known file saves. After each level the game saves so you can pick up from where you left off should you need to do other things than play video games (though who would do such a thing when its just two hours long). The game starts with an open world map similar to Super Mario World and a few stages, although I strongly advise reading the introductory level signs to become familiar with the controls. After this, you get to pick the level and away you go, with some really enjoyable songs playing in the background. The tune that plays on the store page trailer is my personal favorite. It is awesome to hear Cartridge's own music, and throughout the various stages you come across even more wonderful music tracks, none of which have any connection to Mario games but very recognisable even if you hadn’t played the game before and music that does indeed get stuck in your head after you have finished your play session. Is it mindblowingly good? No, but it definitely does the job, and I started jamming to the songs a few times. [h3]Conclusion[/h3] Few games are true masterpieces, even though many retro-style games can be considered "classics". Although it has certain shortcomings, Cartridge the Tiger is a decent attempt at side-scrolling platforming design. Although it makes a modest and independent attempt at the Super Mario series upon which it is based, and it largely succeeds, it can be difficult for smaller kids because of its occasionally excessively complex level design and harsher latter stages. I enjoyed it, and the majority of the soundtrack is very soothing, but I'm also not a casual gamer. Simply said, I wish there had been more of everything, especially considering how suddenly the story concludes with not a lot of explanation. [h2] Final Verdict: 7.5/10 - Worth it on a discount for mindless platforming fun [/h2]

Good! Better than Call Of Duty.

Mario maker... But waaay better!

I waited a long time for this game to come out while it sat on my watchlist. This review is based on how the game was on the day of release. It runs smooth- and fairly stable so far. Controls are fluid and fun. Very relaxing sound design. Pleasant art style and visuals. Fun mechanics that will no doubt be exploited to oblivion and back by map makers at some point such as the jetpack block (really fun item). =x -MAP MAKER- The map maker seems to have all the tools you need to do some outrageous stuff. I am looking forward to what players eventually come up with. Dev is still building out the game too such as a level browser. What will players build? Nasty hard kaizo levels? YES! Levels made for grandma? sure why not. Levels made for lul's. you better believe it. but... I hope players mod this to make metroidvanias out of it more than anything. I can see it working well here especially since the game is to be moddable. OVERALL- I like it. It's short right now but should be infinitely replayable as people discover it. Highly recommended for fans of mario maker games. And best of all- you can move your tail around for fun with the right analog stick. ~~~~~---~~~~----

I was joyed after stumbling upon this game after searching for a way to play the original Cartridge the Tiger that I had played on Windows phone many moons ago but never got to finish. It is a beautiful and atmospheric game in its graphics and serene tunes but is lacking in content and pre-made levels. I guess the dev wants people to make them but I don't really see that happening. Just add more levels and story and this frown will be turned upside down

Seems like the Dev abandoned this game and ghosted off elsewhere or something.

Great little game with so much endless potential. It plays a lot like classic Super Mario and reminds me a lot of Super Mario Bros 2, the American version where you could carry things. I love all the items you can carry and use to do all sorts of different things. The levels are fun yet challenging and had me shaking my fist at the screen but also feeling accomplished when I figured them out. The level editor isn't my cup of tea but is very well made and with some practice I am sure even I could build some fun challenging levels. The levels that players can build being on Discord is awesome too, I hope more people play this and make new challenging levels to try out. Looking forward to seeing this game evolve!

so far pretty fun. i am curious how to access the workshop though.

Like the good ol' days of playing Mario on my Gameboy!

So far it's fun! It's a bit tricky cause I'm using a new controller but i feel like the tiger has a bit of momentum to his movement which makes the platforming a lil challenging. (it's a good thing just hard to get use to)