You don't control Pompom the hamster’s movements, you control everything else. Lay down blocks, springs, cannons, umbrellas, use whips and alter the world, creating a safe path for Pompom to defeat the evil Captain Cat.
At the core of the gameplay, players do not directly control the main character, a hamster named Pompom. Instead, players must manipulate the environment by placing various interactive objects and obstacles to create a safe path for Pompom to navigate. This includes strategically positioning platforms, springs, cannons, umbrellas, whips, and other elements to guide the constantly moving hamster through each level.
One of the standout aspects is the sheer variety of new gameplay mechanics introduced in each level. Reviews highlight that nearly every stage presents players with a fresh gimmick or interactive element to learn and incorporate into their strategies. These range from utilizing flying fish, arrow traps, vengeful spirits, piranhas, and a multitude of other obstacles and hazards. This constant influx of new ideas forces players to continuously adapt their approach, keeping the gameplay feeling fresh and engaging.
While manipulating the environment to assist the hamster can be enjoyable, the game is widely regarded as quite challenging. Players must think quickly and execute precise timing and placement of objects to successfully navigate each level. The difficulty ramps up significantly, especially for those aiming to 100% complete stages by collecting all the coins and carrots. Reviews indicate this challenge can lead to feelings of frustration for some, but also a deep sense of satisfaction when overcoming the demanding puzzles.
To help balance the game's challenge, the developer includes options to adjust the difficulty. Players can enable features like a "3rd Chance" that provides more leniency, or a "Speed Run" mode that gives greater control and time to strategize. Reviews suggest these customization options allow players to tailor the experience to their own skill level and preferences, making the game more accessible.
In addition to the core puzzle-platforming, the game encourages exploration by scattering various collectibles throughout each level. Gathering all the coins and carrots in a stage is cited as providing an additional layer of challenge and replay value for completionist-minded players. The process of discovering the optimal paths and techniques to collect all the items is described as deeply satisfying.