Jelly & Toast is a single screened puzzle platformer published by Ratalaika Games. Like most games in their extensive library, this five-dollar digital download is composed of simple visuals and gameplay built around one refined mechanic. Unlike the asymmetrical platforming of Square Brothers in comparison, the two playable heroes have the same movesets, but this doesn’t mean the puzzle solving is any easier.

The first handful of stages are easy enough, but then the stage design quickly becomes head scratching. Often requiring trial and error, the difficulty really heats up around the middle of this 50-stage quest. Unfortunately, a lot of the challenge doesn’t come from navigating the tricky stage design… it comes from glitchy hit detection.

Clearing a stage requires the collection of three items then having both characters reach the goal without taking damage from the numerous hazards and enemies. To do this, players will often need to pick up, throw, push, and stack a series of boxes. However, sometimes the box will auto jump to the platform above the intended target, slide a little too far, or just get stuck against a wall. Instances like these require full restarts through no fault of the player and it is especially frustrating when something like this happens near the final jump. It was common for me to throw a box, but have it get accidentally stuck on the ledge above with no way for me to move it. The crates, the game’s biggest mechanic, usually cause more frustration than fun.

As I was playing through each stage, I never felt satisfied, happy, or accomplished; I only felt frustration and dread due to the tedious design. On top of that, the music and constant sound effects of the rangetop burners only added to my frustration, forcing me to turn off both the music and sound effects, which is only available by quitting back to the main menu (not the pause screen). 

Jelly & Toast has the potential to be one of those co-op games you play with your spouse or child, but the unfair “screw you” crate-based gameplay is a lesson in frustration. Even with the charming, simple visuals, you are better off exploring the other quality titles in Ratalaika’s repertoire.

SCORE: 5/10

By: Zachary Gasiorowski, Editor in Chief myGamer.com

X/Twitter: @ZackGaz

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