Pompom

Pompom is a great game that reminds me of super Mario world, Kirby, and earthbound. I first wanted to play this game with my controller, and soon found out that, it would be very difficult, so I unfortunately had to turn off my controller, and switch to mouse in order to play this game properly. The gameplay is pretty frustrating sometimes, especially on the first world you get. I find myself having to place platforms in specific spots in order to play the level kind of properly, say, the wrecking ball levels. Tough it is my fault because I do not want to enable 3rd chance mode. I find it kind of funny and cool how there is smoothing in this game. kind of like how emulators or whatever do. it also moves in pixels which makes it better!

Pompom is a charming and inventive puzzle-platformer that immediately sets itself apart by asking the player to rethink what it means to “control” a character. Developed by TOMO CAMP and published by PID Games alongside Dear Villagers, the game stars a small but determined hamster on a spacefaring rescue mission. Rather than directly guiding Pompom’s movements, the player acts as an unseen helper who manipulates the environment itself, shaping safe paths and solving spatial challenges so that the hero can continue forward on his own. This single design decision defines the entire experience and gives the game a distinctive identity within the crowded platformer genre. The story is lighthearted but effective, framing the adventure with emotional clarity and playful energy. After a mysterious cosmic event, Pompom’s human companion is kidnapped by a gang of cartoonishly villainous space pirates led by Captain Cat. What follows is a journey across strange planets and hazardous landscapes, driven by Pompom’s unwavering determination. The narrative never overstays its welcome, but it provides just enough motivation to contextualize the escalating challenges and give each new world a sense of purpose. Pompom himself is full of personality, and his expressive animations help sell both his bravery and his vulnerability as he charges ahead regardless of danger. Gameplay revolves around placing and activating tools to guide Pompom safely to the goal. Each level provides a limited set of objects—such as platforms, springs, cannons, umbrellas, or ropes—that must be positioned thoughtfully to counteract hazards, enemies, and terrain obstacles. Because Pompom moves automatically once a level begins, players must anticipate his behavior and react quickly when things go wrong. This creates a constant tension between planning and improvisation, especially in later stages where timing becomes critical and mistakes can send Pompom straight into danger. The puzzle design steadily grows more complex, layering mechanics in a way that feels challenging but rarely unfair. Level variety is one of the game’s strongest aspects. Each world introduces new environmental themes and gameplay twists that prevent the experience from becoming repetitive. Some stages emphasize precision timing, while others focus on spatial reasoning or managing multiple moving elements at once. The game does an excellent job of teaching through experimentation, allowing players to fail safely and understand mechanics intuitively rather than through lengthy explanations. Optional challenges and collectibles add extra depth for players who want to fully master each stage, offering replay value beyond simple completion. Visually, Pompom embraces a colorful pixel-art style inspired by classic 16-bit games, but it avoids feeling derivative by pairing that nostalgia with modern animation polish and expressive character design. Environments are bright, readable, and full of small details that reinforce the playful tone. Clear visual language ensures that hazards, interactive elements, and safe surfaces are easy to identify at a glance—an essential quality in a game where quick decisions matter. The soundtrack complements this aesthetic perfectly, delivering upbeat and adventurous tracks that enhance the sense of momentum and discovery without overwhelming the action. The indirect control scheme is both the game’s greatest strength and its biggest potential source of frustration. Watching Pompom march forward while you scramble to adjust the environment can feel stressful, especially during more demanding sequences. However, this tension is intentional and central to the experience. Success feels especially satisfying because it comes from understanding systems and anticipating outcomes rather than executing precise inputs. Players who enjoy puzzle-driven design and unconventional mechanics will likely find this approach refreshing, while those who prefer direct control may need…

I really wanted to like this game but ugh. Levels need more playtesting honestly. I should NOT have spent around 45 minutes on a level in the first world.