Tunche

Tunche looks more like a Saturday morning cartoon than it does a game. But you know what? There's nothing wrong with that. Creating an original game that triggers that sort of nostalgia is an accomplishment in itself. But under the surface, there is an actual game to play, and it doesn't look like your average side-scrolling platformer.

The whole theme and presentation of Tunche have the appeal of a game on a mission. The hand-drawn graphics show a level of dedication to this offering that's more than just a casual game to stick into the market. There's a certain allure outside of the standard platforming mechanics, and we'd like to uncover it - and of course, see if it conjures some standout gameplay.

Rainforest on Me

You would have guessed by mentioning 'hand-drawn artwork' that Tunche has a heartfelt theme behind it. The characters and environments are based around tribal folklore in the Amazon rainforests - and definitely offer something different into the platforming mix. The narrative is based around that concept without giving anything away and really brought to life using the human-rendered visuals.

Outside of the unique artwork, you will find a pretty standard platformer with roguelike elements. The animations are fluid, making the combat all the more satisfying, and progression takes the form of level completion. The mechanics won't wow any player too much. But the game's pace and its increasing difficulty create the focal point to continue playing.

You'll find many challenging enemies to overcome in these various Amazonian worlds. They will require channeled strategies to overcome them, which will maintain player attention throughout. If that didn't bind you to Tuche, there's a charming enough tale behind the game that doesn't falter throughout the playthrough.

Tuche does feel very familiar in a variety of respects. However, there's nothing present that would hinder players from enjoying the game. It's a platformer with clear objectives, vision, beautiful visuals, and immersive gameplay. By no means is it the thrill of the century, but the developers stuck with the tried and tested formula, knowing what works and what doesn't.

It's Amazon!

The familiarity aspect of the game comes from Cuphead. The hand-drawn graphics, strategic combat, and challenging gameplay are similar in almost every respect. Though what strikes hot is the Amazonian gameplay theme. There aren't too many games that go into the depth of the folklore behind this demographic. Anybody who would complain about Tuche's similarity with Cuphead would at least find interest in that.

Pros:

• Hand-drawn worlds are remarkable
• Combat is engaging
• There's a good sense of fluidity throughout the game

Cons:

• No thrills in gameplay given its similarities to other games
• The difficulty might frustrate some players