Somebody concisely described Straima as Super Meat Boy on LSD, but I think it's also more than that.
It's an aesthetic fever-dream, but it's functionally very similar to other platformers: You navigate a map for each of the 5 worlds (not unlike a classic Super Mario map), unlocking paths by beating levels; there are also multiple ways to reach the boss at the end of each world without completing every level. There are even roaming "enemies" on each of the world maps, and you'll be forced into a mini-game if you cross paths with one of them.
Don't be fooled by the initial levels (which are deceptively easy)--before its end, Straima ramps up the difficulty with harder enemies, obstacles, and novel level design. Fortunately, you'll unlock additional items and abilities as you get further into the game, so if you find yourself hitting a "brick wall" on a particular level, you can usually try different strategies in overcoming a tough map. Additionally, the game never reaches the extreme difficulties of, say, Super Meat Boy's harder zones.
Regardless, the fundamental goal always remains the same every level: Stomp the ♥♥♥♥ out of every "pinky" (a little pink glob) in sight. Sometimes that will be done in a room with low-gravity. Sometimes that will be done in a dark maze filled with traps. Sometimes that might even be done while being chased by enemies who freeze as long as you look at them. But the objective will [i]always[/i] focus on destroying those helpless, weird little globs.
Items include consumables that allow you to "clear" a level without actually beating it (useful for particularly troublesome maps); abilities include the option of temporarily turning invisible, destroying all projectiles around you, and melting through solid floors. Not all of these items and abilities are created equal, however, and several of them will likely sit in your menus, untouched.
Mechanically, Straima definitely sits on the slower, floatier side of platformers. Whereas a game like Super Meat Boy has tight, responsive controls, the player moves ponderously in Straima. I suppose it gives it that "slowly trying to run away in a nightmare" feeling, but I still wish the game was more responsive.
Overall, Straima seems to be a solid option for somebody who likes platformers, but still wants something a little novel. A little strange. It's not a perfect game by any means, but at its price point (and especially if it's on sale), fans of platformers will likely find some enjoyment in its ~100 increasingly weird levels.
[b]PROS:[/b]
+ Excellent difficulty curve, with a fair number of options to help players progress (like taking an alternative path on the world map, or using limited consumable items to clear levels) with minimal frustation
+ Consumable items and optional abilities give you more options on how to approach a level...although they're not all equally useful
+ The implementation of both Co-op [i]and[/i] Level Editor features are not something you often see in these types of games
[b]CONS:[/b]
- I got used to the player physics, but I never really [i]liked[/i] them--they're too floaty and lethargic, like I'm swimming through the air.
- This game has one of the worst, clunkiest "wall jump" maneuvers of any platformer I've played in recent years; it's a liability more than an asset, and I wish it worked more similarly to games like DYE or Super Meat Boy
