Teslagrad

Genre: Puzzle-Platformer

Players: 1

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Re-Review:

(Note: This game saw a remake on Nintendo Switch in the form of Teslagrad Remastered. This version of the game also appears in Teslagrad Power Pack Edition, along with Teslagrad 2.)

Teslagrad is a Puzzle-Platformer with interconnected level design much like a Metroidvania, though it isn’t quite a Metroidvania as the game’s design is fairly linear. In this game, you play as a young boy who is hunted by the forces of a murderous dictator and finds himself exploring a strange mechanical tower.

There are a few things this game gets really right. Firstly, it has a great look, with well-animated cartoony visuals and some really nice use of color – this game looks fantastic, and between the expressive characters, interesting environment details and other surprises strewn throughout the game, you gradually get a good feel for this game’s story, even though the characters don’t speak and there’s no narration.

Also, this game has some extremely clever puzzles, and some really unique abilities that pair with each other in interesting ways. Not to spoil it, but suffice it to say with “Tesla” in the title, this game delivers some really unique technological upgrades for your character.

There are a few flaws in this game as well. It feels like taunting fans of Metroidvanias to create such a fascinating interconnected world you might want to explore, but making it something you can’t really explore. Also, given how linear the game is, it’s frustrating that it doesn’t do a better job indicating where you’re supposed to be going. And this game also has some massive difficulty spikes – there are definitely points in this game where you will die countless times.

Teslagrad is almost a truly great game. There’s a lot of beauty here, a lot of creativity and originality… but it falls short of that greatness in part due to some frustration in the overall world design and some nasty difficulty spikes. However, it’s still a fantastic Puzzle-Platformer and fans of the genre should definitely give it a try.

tl;dr – Teslagrad is a Puzzle-Platformer that puts you in the role of a young boy being hunted by a murderous dictator, finding himself in a tower full of technological marvels. This game has a beautiful presentation and some really creative puzzles. It has a few issues with confusing world design and frustrating difficulty spikes, but overall this is an excellent entry in the genre well worth trying.

Grade: B+

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