#tumbleseed

TumbleSeed just got friendlier, and cheaper ⊟

The “4 Peaks Update” is now available for the Switch release of TumbleSeed, adding a bunch of changes designed to make the roguelike easier to get into, if not just plain easier. For example, the “4 Peaks” are four new non-random levels, allowing you to make progress and practice with fewer surprises.

Other changes include weekly challenges, unlockable passive “aura” abilities that can be earned and equipped, and a Switch-exclusive two-player battle mode.

And to celebrate the update, the game is on sale for $10. If you considered trying the game before but didn’t, or if you tried it and couldn’t progress, the developers just put a lot of extra work in for you! I'm looking forward to checking it out again.

Hey, I made a website to help tumbleseed streamers sync up their streaming times so they can race on the dailies together. I’m pretty happy with it, and will probably expand it for people to use for any game! Also, I didn’t post about it here but I was the first winner in a competition the tumbleseed devs put on, you can watch the recording of that here:

Don't worry: TumbleSeed advice from its designer ⊟

TumbleSeed, out today, is really dang hard. It’s that Spelunky style of game in which you progress by learning how to play, rather than leveling your character up. You’ll fall into holes, you’ll get destroyed by enemies, you’ll try a new power and get too confident.

I asked designer Greg Wohlwend for tips on getting better at this game. “The core skill of the game is about... not worrying too much,” Wohlwend said. “The game asks you, how chill can you be in the face of certain death? You have all these things chasing you and scaring you and you’re not even close to prepared after playing even 5, 6 hours of the game. Hopefully after a couple of hours you’re getting better at rolling but you’re not even close to the level that you will get after like 5 or 6 hours. 

“But you’ll be better served by taking it slow and maybe sitting still for a second, and  thinking about what you’re going to do before you do it as opposed to just with a twitch reaction." He explained that not only should players slowly consider their path, they should move slowly as well, making small adjustments to their rolling.

Wohlwend also provided wisdom about prudent use of abilities. “Plant check points early and often, don’t be afraid to plant checkpoints. I know it’s sort of like eating your vegetables, but plant your checkpoints. If you’re really struggling to get through the forest, just focus on getting through the forest once and planting checkpoints to do so. Get the crystals, plant checkpoints. Work and church.” Don’t worry about trying to refill hearts or killing a bunch of enemies.

Finally, Wohlwend advised players to put lots of time into learning how to use powers. The game provides test areas for each new power in the shop, and players should spend “a ton of time” in those practice areas. "Just, really get it, then make an informed decision and try to use it. It might help you, it might not, maybe you’re not ready for it.”