Smells Like a Mushroom is a quirky 3D platformer shooter that throws you into the shoes (or rather, spores) of Carrotado, a courageous vegetable on a mission to defend the solar system from a full-scale mushroom menace. What follows is an intergalactic romp across a veggie-fuelled universe where it’s every veg for themself. Will you prevail against this fungal frenzy? Let’s dive in and find out!
A World of Wacky Wonder
The game’s bizarre and humorous plot is immediately apparent, centering around a vegetable protagonist (called Carrotado!) and a full-blown mushroom invasion.
The story unfolds in a dazzlingly colourful and vibrant world, brimming with a strange and humorous narrative. As Carrotado, you’ll embark on a planetary pilgrimage across the solar system, fending off foes and gathering an arsenal of wacky weapons and power-ups along the way.
For those seeking a solo adventure, fear not as Smells Like a Mushroom can indeed be enjoyed alone! For those of you who enjoy a good dose of teamwork, however, then Smells Like a Mushroom also has you covered as it offers delightful split-screen co-op, allowing you to buddy up with a friend and tackle the extraterrestrial onslaught together!
From Spores to Score: Gameplay and Mechanics
Smells Like a Mushroom is a fast-paced platformer that combines shooting with fast-paced action and puzzle-solving elements. Levels are filled with enemies, obstacles, and collectibles and everything happens quickly, but smoothly, with all of the aforementioned elements working well together and being incorporated well.
There is a diverse arsenal of weapons, from standard blasters to more exotic firearms like the “Pickle Blaster” and the “Tomato Cannon.” Players can also utilise a variety of power-ups, such as the “Super Speed” boost and the “Invincibility” shield.
A Mushroomy Masterpiece
Smells Like a Mushroom features a unique yet cartoony and visually arresting art style that complements the quirky atmosphere perfectly, blending 3D models with 2D elements effortlessly.
The environments are imaginative and varied, ranging from lush alien jungles to futuristic space stations. The character designs are quirky, humorous, creative and adorable, with a cast of memorable vegetable heroes and villainous mushroom creatures.
The soundtrack that accompanies Smells Like a Mushroom is suited perfectly to the genre. It is fast-paced with techno overtones and, coupled with the fast-paced action, creates an incredible atmosphere to save the universe to! Sound effects are crisp and satisfying, with each weapon and power-up having its own distinct sound. The music is upbeat and energetic, perfectly complementing the fast-paced action.
How Much Fun(gus) is There to be Had?
While the single-player campaign offers a satisfying experience, Smells Like a Mushroom’s replay value is significantly boosted by its local co-op mode. Teaming up with a friend to tackle challenges and experience the humorous story together adds a new dimension to the gameplay.
Additionally, the diverse arsenal of weapons and power-ups, combined with its challenging platforming sections, encourages experimentation and repeated playthroughs. Whether you’re aiming for a higher score, trying to collect all the hidden collectibles, or simply enjoying the game’s quirky humor, there’s always a reason to come back for more.
Conclusion
Smells Like a Mushroom is a promising new indie title with the potential to charm fans of platformers and shooters alike. Its unique blend of colourful visuals, wacky humour, and vegetable-fuelled action promises a delightful and potentially hilarious adventure. While some repetitive tendencies might emerge, the inclusion of split-screen co-op adds a layer of replayability for those seeking cooperative fun. It also feels surreal tackling armies of vegetable enemies, but in a really good way!
Pros
- Unique and visually arresting art style.
- Light-hearted and humorous narrative.
- Engaging platformer shooter gameplay.
- Split-screen co-op is great fun.
Cons
- Gameplay sometimes becomes repetitive.
- The story could be deeper.