Poinpy is a vertically scrolling roguelike platform video game developed by Ojiro Fumoto (also known as Moppin) and published by Devolver Digital. It was released on June 10, 2022 on iOS and Android devices, exclusively though Netflix Games. The game received positive reviews from critics upon its release, with praise being given towards the gameplay and visuals.
| Poinpy | |
|---|---|
 Offical artwork of Poinpy | |
| Developer(s) | Ojiro Fumoto |
| Publisher(s) | Devolver Digital |
| Artist(s) | Error403 |
| Composer(s) | Calem Bowen |
| Platform(s) | iOS, Android |
| Release | June 10, 2022 |
| Genre(s) | Platform, Roguelike |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Gameplay
editPoinpy stars the title character, a green dinosaur named Poinpy, ascending though various environments and collecting fruits in order to escape a giant blue creature. Poinpy is controlled though the use of the touchscreen, where holding down initiates a jump and allows the player to control its trajectory, and letting go causes him to jump, which can also work in midair. The number of jumps which Poinpy is allowed to initiate is determined by the number of jump orbs he currently has access to. If no jump orbs are present, Poinpy must land before he is allowed to jump again. Landing on the ground recharges all of his jump orbs, and jumping on an enemy or a pot recharges a single jump orb.[1]
Various fruits are scattered throughout each of the worlds. These fruits must be collecting to produce juice in order to feed the creature chasing after Poinpy.[2] The specific list of fruits that the creature wants are indicated though a thought bubble located on the top of the screen, which also indicates how much time is left to collect them. Failing to collect all the fruits before the time runs out will cause the creature to spit fire at Poinpy, costing him to lose a life point.[3]
There are many level themes present in the game, ranging from jungles to underwater areas. Each theme also contains gimmicks to diversify the gameplay and increase your upwards momentum. The game's levels are created through procedural generation, with death sending the player back to the start of the level.[citation needed]
To alleviate the difficulty, permanent upgrades can be unlocked, which can enhance Poinpy's abilities. The fruit collected in levels counts towards a ranking system, allowing you to unlock extra jump orbs, seeds (which can also be obtained by beating puzzle levels and collecting fruit), and accessory slots. Additionally, the seeds which have been collecting can be used in a slot machine to purchase accessories, which grant Poinpy certain abilities such as attracting fruit or jumping higher. [4]
Completing the main story campaign unlocks an endless mode.[5]
Development
editPoinpy was developed by Ojiro Fumoto, as a part of Netflix's partnership with Devolver Digital.[2] Development began as a collaboration between Fumoto and Error403 (a Japanese illustrator), with Fumoto handling the game design and programming and Error403 creating the artwork, animations and the name for the game. Fumoto notes that he had always intended to develop the game for a mobile based subscription service, and currently does not have plans to port the game over to consoles or Steam. Derek Yu (the creator of Spelunky) playtested the game.[6]
The soundtrack was composed by Calum Bowen.[7]
Reception
edit| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| GameSpot | 8/10 |
| Pocket Gamer |   [8] |
| TouchArcade | |
Poinpy received positive reviews from critics upon its release. Shaun Musgrave's review on TouchArcade called the game "compelling and challenging, simple to pick up but with satisfying depth." and made many comparisons to Downwell, another game that Fumoto had developed.[9] Ana Diaz of Polygon described the game as "delirious and smooth as hell." and that "Despite being free...Poinpy is as compelling as some of the best paid mobile games out there."[10] GameSpot's Kyle Hilliard rated the game highly, but criticized the soundtrack for being "more annoying than charming" and for the lack of a high score system.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b Hilliard, Kyle (July 18, 2022). "Poinpy Review - Moving On Up". GameSpot. Archived from the original on August 1, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- ^ a b Dilillo, John (June 10, 2022). "Meet Poinpy, the Star of Netflix's Newest Mobile Game". Netflix. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- ^ Musgrave, Shaun (June 14, 2022). "'Poinpy' Review – Don't Go Down, Head Up Instead". TouchArcade. Archived from the original on August 2, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- ^ Comer, Tim (June 15, 2022). "Poinpy: How To Get More Seeds (The Easy Way)". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on August 2, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- ^ Fumoto, Ojiro (June 10, 2024). "Poinpy". Devolver Digital. Archived from the original on August 2, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- ^ Hilliard, Kyle (July 19, 2022). "You Might Be The Bad Guy In Poinpy According To Its Creator". GameSpot. Archived from the original on August 2, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- ^ Bowen, Calum (August 3, 2022). "Poinpy Original Soundtrack". Bandcamp. Archived from the original on August 2, 2024. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
- ^ Dellosa, Catherine (June 20, 2022). "Poinpy review - "A compelling quest for fruit that's well worth your time"". Pocket Gamer. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- ^ Musgrave, Shaun (June 14, 2022). "'Poinpy' Review – Don't Go Down, Head Up Instead". Touch Arcade. Archived from the original on August 2, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- ^ Diaz, Ana (June 17, 2024). "Netflix subscribers, do yourself a favor and download Poinpy". Polygon. Archived from the original on August 2, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2024.