New Mega Drive puzzle platformer Tanglewood is out at present on PC too

A brand new Mega Drive sport doesn’t occur daily, however there’s a shocking variety of groups writing new code for retro {hardware} today. Tanglewood is a captivating trying little puzzle-platform journey for the Sega Mega Drive (or the Genesis, in case you’re American), launched simply at present. Originally funded via Kickstarter, it may be performed on actual, unique {hardware} in case you’re prepared to splash out for replica cartridges, nevertheless it’s less expensive in case you simply need the digital PC launch. There’s additionally a demo, available in both PC and emulator-friendly ROM format.

Tanglewood is a cute little sport a few perpetually (and rightfully) anxious trying fox-like critter named Nymn, simply attempting to outlive on their approach again dwelling. Unfortunately, Nymn lives on a really hostile planet, and there’s huge boar-like beasties, burrowing sand-worm-things and lots extra predators wanting a nibble. Nymn isn’t a lot of a fighter, so the main focus is on puzzles and evasion. It all jogs my memory a little bit little bit of the Oddworld collection, with maybe a little bit sprint of Dizzy. So lengthy because it’s not too irritating, it’s thrilling to play a disempowered protagonist in peril.

I do particularly like how Tanglewood leverages the Mega Drive’s restricted color palette. Night scenes are painted in darkish blues and purples, whereas sunsets put extra colors into the background, casting all the pieces else as stark silhouettes. It’s deliberately restricted pixel-art, in fact, nevertheless it does it nicely. Hats off to builders, the sarcastically named Big Evil Corporation, for nailing the look of earlier-generation (and particularly European) Mega Drive video games.

Tanglewood is out now on Steam and Itch (the place you can even discover the demo) for £13/€15/$18. The official site can also be taking orders for a second batch of boxed, bodily cartridges, though they’re a bit steep at £54 every, and gained’t be transport till October.