Whole Food Wars –
Pitting fruits and veggies against meats and cheeses is a new approach against the usual good-versus-evil or hero-saves-princess gameplay in this action puzzle platformer.
Flooding the environment is used for combat and puzzle solving
Organic Panic takes the shooting mechanic of Rocket Riot, the physics based puzzle design of The Splatters, and the twitch based trial-and-error level design mechanic of Super Meat Boy into a unique hybrid experience all its own. Some stages might be completed the on the first trial run in just a few seconds whereas some spots require strategy and skill. The level design remains the high point as the entire game is built around the strengths of each playable character. Whether the kiwi needs to flood a section of the map to drown enemies or fill a ravine, the carrot’s ability to climb almost any surface, or the cherry’s ability to shoot through the environment, each stage depicts something new during the ten hour campaign. Although the stage design varies upon each stage, the overall goal does not; the player must constantly collect blue orbs, a purple gem, and reach the end goal to earn the coveted gold star. With lack of secrets and unlockables, completing each stage with a gold ranking takes some serious dedication. There is no time limit, however, so pacing is left to the player.
The story is presented through a series of poorly explained comic panels and gameplay takes some time to learn. But the simple control scheme makes it easy for the player to understand the game’s mechanics after completing just a few stages but the lack of control options is a little limiting. I wish the Cherry’s shooting ability, for example, was mapped to the right trigger or even the second analog stick instead of the face button but isn’t really the end of the world. Sometimes combat can be a little unfair as well. The kiwi’s ability to drown enemies works as a puzzle mechanic but using brute force to defeat enemies with the cherry’s ranged shot can unfairly end in occasional death. It isn’t perfect as there are some frustrating moments.
Each fruit has different abilities
Organic Panic isn’t a bad game but lacks that certain something to make it a must download. Although each stage is different, the collectathon format gets tedious without a constant carrot dangling in front of the player. There are some multiplayer options, leaderboards and of course Achievements to unlock, but the lack of replayability and unlockables hold back the entire experience. Players that have exhausted Super Meat Boy and are completionists, Organic Panic could be a healthy download. Others will be looking for more fiber in their diet.
Not As Good As: a bacon double cheese burger
Better Than: blowing your entire paycheck at Whole Foods
Also Try: gluten
By: Zachary Gasiorowski, Editor in Chief myGamer.com
Twitter: @ZackGaz