I’m new to the Mutant Mudds games. There are two of them now, and they’re available on PC, Wii U, 3DS and PSN, though through unique means. We received a code to check out Mutant Mudds Super Challenge on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS (the only platforms it’s currently selling on) from Renegade Kid’s own Jools Watsham just the other week.
I immediately asked Watsham if he recommended I play the original before diving into this sequel of sorts. His response, “I think at least playing the first couple of levels of the original Mutant Mudds would serve you well.”
He wasn’t wrong. I fired up Mutant Mudds Super Challenge without touching the original game just to see if the Super Challenge part of the name was simply a marketing exaggeration. It wasn’t. Not at all. The death counter cackled at me as it rolled up towards 20 before I even cleared the first stage.
Right, back to the original I went. I played through more than half of Mutant Mudds before I tried to tackle Mutant Mudds Super Challenge. I really, really enjoyed that game. Having listened to its soundtrack years ago after getting a recommendation from a friend, it was great to have an excuse to really sink my teeth into the title.
The game is pretty simply designed, though it throws some really nice perspective tricks at players. This is a 2D sidescroller where your character, Max, can jump, jump-float and shoot. Max can also hop back and forth to deeper layers in a stage by jumping on these clearly marked panels. This adds some interesting depth and environmental puzzles to the game, and it works quite well.
Right, so, Mutant Mudds Super Challenge? While I’m by no means a veteran when it comes to the original, as you so obviously know by now, I did just put in plenty of time with it. Turning back to the tougher sequel meant that I was able to beat the first stage in only seven deaths.
Bully for me.
I appreciate what Watsham has designed here. He’s crafted almost a love letter to those who liked Mutant Mudds, want more and dig the indie gaming scene.
Mutant Mudds Super Challenge is deviously difficult it times. It’s absurdly frustrating, though not in a way that’s entirely unfair. I liken its challenge to Renegade Kid’s other recent title, Xeodrifter. It’s tough, but it’s fair. I’m okay with dying in the same spot again and again because I can clearly see how I’ve goofed up, and it’s on me to adjust and tackle the area appropriately.
I will say, though, that the environments themselves did get a touch overwhelming at times. Mutant Mudds was often a crowded game. That is, each level is densely packed with things to collect, alternate exits and multiple layers.
Mutant Mudds Super Challenge feels just as dense, if not more so, and it arrives with an even more obscene level of difficulty. It can be a bit of a bear to play thanks to its density. There’s so much to collect and do in such a very tight package.
As for the bit of the love letter that’s for fans of indie games? Watsham has gone and hid all sorts of characters for players to collect and play as. Seeking them out is fun, and being able to play as the likes of Commander Video is wonderful.
I’ve not beaten Mutant Mudds Super Challenge yet. However, I like it enough that it’s staying on my 3DS as a game I’ll tackle in small increments in between other titles. I’ll boot it up, crack at its challenging stages and walk away, satisfied.
I dig that.
Mutant Mudds Super Challenge is out now on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. It supports cross-buy, too. Check it out if you dig tough little games.
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