This week, Shaun Prescott, an Australian editor, delves into the gaming landscape, sharing his experiences with the latest offerings in the action platformer genre. Among his current pursuits is the much-anticipated Super Meat Boy 3D, alongside a new title from the creators of Chasm, and another project shrouded in secrecy.
Reflecting on his journey, Shaun recalls how Super Meat Boy reignited his passion for action platformers back in 2010. The decision to purchase a secondhand Xbox 360 was driven by a desire to experience the game, which stood out amidst a sea of cinematic shooters that dominated the gaming scene at the time. It served as a reminder that the true essence of gaming lies in the ability to execute extraordinary feats through skillful play, rather than relying solely on visual spectacle.
Over the years, the classic 2D platformer has evolved, and while Super Meat Boy remains a beloved title, it has become less central to Shaun’s gaming thoughts. His brief encounter with Super Meat Boy Forever did not resonate, as he found himself disenchanted with the autorunner format. As for Super Meat Boy 3D, while it offers moments of enjoyment, it has yet to capture his heart.
Exploring the Aesthetic
In contrast to its predecessor, Super Meat Boy 3D presents a more ambiguous visual landscape. The levels, though themed—ranging from lush green worlds to high-tech environments and fiery lava realms—often lack a cohesive narrative. Shaun likens them to user-generated challenge maps from games like Quake or Garry’s Mod, designed primarily for skill enhancement rather than immersive storytelling.
He expresses concern over the game’s color palette, describing it as one of the least appealing combinations he has encountered in recent times. This sentiment echoes his observations while browsing through Steam’s extensive catalog of lesser-known titles, where he stumbled upon Dragon Age: The Veilguard, a game with an art style that feels discordant for a niche masocore platformer.
Despite these visual shortcomings, Team Meat has succeeded in translating the precise gameplay mechanics of the original Super Meat Boy into a three-dimensional format. Shaun notes that the character retains the same tactile feel, although certain levels veer into trial-and-error territory, particularly when rapid directional changes are necessary. He highlights a specific boss encounter that exemplifies this frustration, alongside a peculiar design choice: the default 45-degree snapping feature, which he advises players to disable for a smoother experience.
While Super Meat Boy 3D maintains a solid gameplay foundation, Shaun finds his interest waning as he progresses through the levels. The thematic diversity that once captivated him now feels less significant, leading to a sense of detachment from the game’s world. For dedicated completionists, the game remains a competent entry in the action platformer genre, yet its aesthetic choices leave much to be desired, falling short of the engaging visual experience that players might hope for.
