Rran
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Tadpole Treble
Developed by: BitFinity
Platforms: Steam and Wii U
Release Date: May 6th, 2016 (Steam); Spring 2016 (Wii U)
Kickstarter amount raised: $34,250 of $30,000 goal
Matthew Taranto (the Brawl in the Family guy) decided he was tired of drawing Kirby and set to work on his very own game, Tadpole Treble. Kickstarted in late 2013, BitFinitys first game is all about guiding a tadpole to safety through the perils of the games own soundtrack. Its described as a music/action game with an emphasis on arcade-style scoring. Fans of BitF should feel right at home, because while the game doesnt star Waluigi, all the art, music, and sense of humor are straight from Tarantos playbook, and there are a few lyrical songs as well.
The main campaign involves guiding protagonist Baton back to her home in Tadpole Pond. The playfield is a musical staff that stretches infinitely across a river, and you shift Baton up and down the field to guide her away from danger and into the good stuff. Since the obstacles are determined by the music, each stage has its own theme song and story to it. Every third stage features a showdown against a boss creature that would be terrifying to your average tadpole (so, like, medium-sized turtles and stuff).
This mode allows players to craft their own songs, and then play through them as a stage. Very Mario Paint-ish in execution, although this has some modern amenities like being able to make sharps and flats. Share levels with friends with QR Codes, so they can play your version of Through the Fire and Flames.
- Leaderboards: Keeps track of both highest and lowest scores. Apparently its difficult to get the extreme on either side.
- Bestiary: Look at river creatures and maybe learn a thing or two.
- Music Player: Unlock stage songs by getting the highest ranks.
- Developer Commentaries: Irreverent and entertaining bickering between Matthew and his brother. Unlocked by getting the lowest ranks.
- Concerto Mode: An endurance mode.
Steam page
Trailer
While Tadpole Treble is in early access, BitFinity has said this was just to add in Steam achievements and cloud saving, and the game itself is done. Should be releasing on Wii U soon too, with extra GamePad touching for Composition Mode.
Reviews:
DarkZero 9/10 If you love music, (and who doesnt?) you would be doing yourself a great disservice by not checking this game out.
the authentic gamer: 8/10 While not totally reinventing the wheel, Tadpole Treble is a refreshing entry into a genre that needs a breath of fresh air.