Run and jump, collect coins, confront enemies and avoid traps, open gates and find secret stashes. It's a simple 2D platformer with a twist: You're not a hero from the castle about to slay an evil dragon, you're a goblin cook working for the dragon! It starts slowly but things get complicated.
Players praise the tight, precise feel of the platforming, with controls that allow for the kind of accuracy required in a challenging 2D platformer. Reviewers repeatedly note the controls feel smooth and responsive, highlighting this as a key strength that makes the gameplay enjoyable.
The game starts with relatively simple levels, but the difficulty increases as players progress, with later levels and the "Old School" difficulty mode presenting a tough challenge. Reviewers note the challenge comes from well-designed levels that require precise timing and execution, creating an engaging difficulty curve without becoming overly frustrating.
While the core gameplay loop remains consistent, each of the five worlds introduces new theming and gameplay elements, such as special platforms, to mix up the platforming challenges. Reviewers highlight this variety in level design, which prevents the experience from feeling repetitive and keeps the gameplay fresh.
Successfully navigating the game's challenging levels and progressing through the worlds provides a very satisfying sense of accomplishment, according to reviewers. The ability to save progress and continue later appeals to casual players, while the "Old School" mode, which forces players to restart from the beginning upon death, offers a more hardcore experience for skilled players seeking an extra challenge.
While the gameplay is the primary focus, reviewers also praise the charming, retro-inspired pixel art style and accompanying sound effects, which create an appealing, whimsical atmosphere that complements the gameplay.