The Adventures of Pip from TicToc Games is a 2D platformer where you will use your evolve and devolve abilities to traverse terrain and solve puzzles as you attempt to save the Pixel Kingdom.
As Pip, you have three forms from which to use to overcome the Skeleton Queen, save Princess Adeline and the Pixel Kingdom. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. You start out as the 1 pixel form, where you are essentially a block that is able to fit into small areas and crevasses to move along. The second evolution is Agile Pip – an 8-bit version who can sprint and wall-jump. The final evolution is Strong Pip, who has a sword that can cut down walls, enemies, etc. as well as push blocks to reach new heights.
What I really loved about playing The Adventures of Pip was just how intuitive the controls were. Granted, this is coming from someone who is familiar with 2D side-scrolling platformers, but all the indicators are there. Glowing enemies that tell you it’s time to evolve and colored blocks or the normal designations that it’s time to devolve on the fly.
The art style is fantastic and fits well into the story and aesthetic of the game. The evolutions/devolutions are seamless with just a slight slowdown for dramatic effect. I only played the very first level at PAX South, so I cannot speak to the complexity of the later levels, but I am hoping the difficulty does ramp up a bit later on. I did not get to listen to the soundtrack as I played Pip, but with Jake Kaufman (Double Dragon Neon, Shovel Knight) on the team, this is easily the aspect I’m most excited to experience.
The Adventures of Pip is slated for a May 2015 release on Steam (PC/MAC), WiiU, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PS4. If you’re into the 2D side-scrolling, platforming action, Pip seems to be shaping up nicely and I’m looking forward to checking it out this summer.