Tanglewood
Release Date: August 14, 2018
Arcade, platformers, puzzle elements, 2D, crowdfunding, indie games, singleplayer
OpenCritic
TANGLEWOOD is a two-dimensional platform game inspired by classic Sega console game, in which we direct the fate of a fox-like creature looking for a way home.
TANGLEWOOD is a two-dimensional platform game with pixel-art graphic design. The game was created by Big Evil Corporation and published on PC as well as a physical version in the form of cartridges for the Sega Mega Drive / Genesis after a successfull Kickstarter campaign.
Plot
In TANGLEWOOD players assume the role of a fox-like creature named Nymn representing the species called Djunn who live underground and only lean outdoors during the day.
One day the protagonist got lost and lost sight of his herd. Players' task is to survive the night alone and find their way home; the world after dark is a dangerous place full of predators, traps, and many other obstacles.
Mechanics
TANGLEWOOD is a classic platformer inspired by such classics as The Lion King or Another World.
The game is divided into eight chapters giving a total of 28 levels to complete. These differ from each other in terms of enemies and difficulties in the form of puzzles. Moreover, the type of enemies encountered is influenced by the day and night cycle.
The world in TANGLEWOOD is home to many neutral creatures, with whom players can interact and help them return to their nests, for which one receives a special reward and the opportunity to use their skills and colors. Apart from the standard range of skills available in platform games, such as movement and jumping, Nymn must use an environment in which colours play an important role. Each creature and plant has its own specific colour and has a positive effect on everything that bears the same colour. Adapting to the color of a creature or plant allows the player to receive help from it a given object - for example, by unlocking the possibility of turning green, players encourage the vines blocking the way to let them go.
Technical aspects
TANGLEWOOD is a 16-bit game fully programmed using the original language and tools from the 1990s. The music layer befits typical Mega Drive games and was composed by Nathan Stanley, known under the pseudonym freezedream.
Last updated on May 6, 2019
Videos and Screens
[1:16] Tanglewood trailer #1
Indie Ranger: 4.5 / 5 by Travis LeFevre
Even with the restrictive hardware used to make this game, Tanglewood prevails in its overall presentation. Having Nymn run through the forest, hop from branch-to-branch and push boulders feels smooth and enjoyable, while chase sequences are filled with a rushed atmosphere to get the hell away from your pursuer.
GameGrin: 9 / 10 by Gary Sheppard
Overall, whilst Tanglewood has a few minor niggles, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as a must-have title on either the Mega Drive or Steam. It's cute, colourful and great fun. It's also a great achievement and testament to the dedication Big Evil Corp have put into authenticity.
VideoGamer: 7 / 10 by Joshua Wise
Tanglewood presents you with a beautiful world to platform and puzzle through, and delivers a potent rush of nostalgia, but it's merit is tied inseparably to its hardware, and risks gimmickry.
Tanglewood Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Developer: Big Evil Corporation
Publisher: Big Evil Corporation
Age restrictions: none
Tanglewood System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Dual Core 1.8 GHz, 1 GB RAM, graphic card Intel HD or better, 50 MB HDD, Windows 7