Splodey is a momentum-based 2D platformer with one major change. You have no jump button and must rely on throwing explosive potions to move yourself. You play a tiny wizard learning to make potions, but each attempt explodes. After many failures, you decide to blow everything up with you. You traverse a tower filled with portals to other worlds filled with their different challenges. Traverse through levels by throwing potions in this fun platformer with some frustrating moments.
Potion School
Splodey is your typical 2D platformer with an emphasis on momentum. What makes Splodey different is there is no jump button. You throw potions to cause explosions that will speed or shoot you up. The goal is to reach the door at the end of each level through any means necessary. You have unlimited potions and live, so take your time. The longer you go, the more complex levels get, with multiple ways to approach them. Test your creativity to see how fast you can complete a level. Your toolset may be limited, but it is enough to traverse each level in numerous ways. As you beat each level, the game will gradually become more challenging, and soon, you’ll find yourself having to master potion throwing. Soon, you’ll open other worlds, each with unique challenges of their own.
Splodey has four core worlds with different challenges. The first world introduces the base mechanics, destructible platforms, and portals for the rest of the game. The second world is a nature theme. It has blocks that can regrow and hurt you, as well as a parachute with glide puzzles. The third world is filled with lava that will kill you. Lava balls, platforms that crumble under you, and wind currents stand in your way. The fourth world is in space and set on the moon. It revolves around gravity puzzles, and it might be my favorite of the bunch. If the descriptions don’t make it clear, each world sets itself apart from the others. The levels feel distinct to their respective worlds and are a visual delight.
Potion Master
Splodey is a 2D platformer through and through. It will test your knowledge and your patience the more you play. The removal of a jump button for momentum-based explosions is a fun change. It lets you approach each level any way you want but also adds a different challenge. You move with the left analog stick and aim potions with the other. You use this to burst your way through, and it works pretty well. I didn’t have an issue with the control scheme but had some problems elsewhere. Potions felt inconsistent at times, and some levels just felt unforgiving. This was only really an issue in the third world, but it did hinder the experience. This was the only world that got me to quit the game, only to start it again a minute later. This world also got some audible reactions from me (apologies to my roommate). While I have problems with some of the levels here, it didn’t stop me from playing and having fun. The anger could only last so long as most levels fell great to beat. Later levels in each world test your skill and make something click while you play. Even the levels I had anger at still felt great to beat, I would even shout (again, apologies to my roommate). I even found myself replaying a good amount of the levels, something else the game succeeds at.
Like most of its contemporaries, Splodey is built to be replayed. If you can beat the posted time for a level, you’ll get a gold coin that can be used to spend on potion colors. Some levels also have collectibles called lost souls that can be turned in for different cosmetics. Next to all that, each world has secret levels for you to find. All of these are hidden in regular levels, so keep those eyes open, or you might miss them. These levels are all a nice challenge, and I’m still trying to find them all. If collecting isn’t for you, well, try to top the leaderboard on each level. I’ve found myself replaying levels for all these reasons. I want to get the best time, I want to find any secrets, and I want to top as many leaderboards as I can. On top of that, the game is still hiding more to do behind a gate I can only open after beating all the hidden levels. The game is fairly short, but I still find myself playing it.
Splodey is presented very well on top of its fun levels. The game has a charming pixel art aesthetic that pops in each level. Each world and level stands out on its own, with fun music to accompany it. It also runs great and is very well optimized which led to my favorite way to play. I played a good amount on Steam Deck and am glad it runs perfectly on it. The game feels perfect for playing on the go; pretty much all my replays have been on Steam Deck. I find myself playing this in random short bursts when I have downtime, and playing it on my handheld is perfect for that. Everything about the game just works on the go, and I can’t recommend playing it like that enough.
Throwing the Potions Out
Splodey is a very well-made game in a nice little package. The game has over 100 levels filled with fun puzzles, distinct mechanics, and challenges. Replacing a jump button for momentum-based explosions is fun, if annoying at times. Some very bothersome levels sadly bring down some of the experience but never ruin it. High replay value keeps me coming back to beat the posted times or unlock the rest of the cosmetics. I still have secrets to find and I’m still trying to open that last door so this will be in my rotation for a while. The game runs great and if you can I can’t recommend playing it portably enough. It’s a fun experience I can recommend to most who love platformers, just be ready for some frustration.
