I could define Walter Machado as one of my favorite video game developers. He bring us a challenging gameplay, distinctive visual style and top-level music. Trip to Vinelands is the first game of his TTV saga, of which I have played all the installments. I recommend this game to all lovers of dynamic, fast-paced games, and to those who enjoy pixel art graphics with music that injects adrenaline as soon as you hear it.
The gameplay is fast-paced, but you must stop at the beginning of each level and observe your surroundings before moving, or you'll run straight into the brambles. Most of the times I've died were due to rushing, and when I finally reached level 99 and completed the game, it was because I understood that I had to study the environment and memorize the movement of the obstacles. Very challenging.
The graphics, though seemingly simple, are clear and unobstructed. The game alternates between reddish and greenish tones from level to level. The character, a suited figure, is clearly visible—an essential feature in a fast-paced and challenging game like this. The thorny brambles and giant sharp blades are also distinctly visible. Everything will kill you on contact, so you must dodge every obstacle to reach the safe edge of the screen. The style of Walter Machado's games always has a very distinctive visual charm of his own.
The "Trip to Vinelands" game saga collectively tells a story about a mental simulation. The little we are shown is through the menu art, cover, game intro, and ending. Cryptic, but in a way that makes you ponder the identity of the mysterious character we embody.
The music style is fantastic, and it shows that Walter Machado is not only talented as a video game developer and visual artist, but also as a musician. All of his games feature a very dynamic music style that injects adrenaline into you as soon as you hear it.
Steam Deck performance.
Tested on Steam Deck.
The game runs flawlessly, maintaining a stable 60 FPS throughout the experience, with no noticeable drops or technical issues. Load times are swift, and controls feel responsive, making it a great choice for handheld play.
Completion Status: Achieved 100% completion, unlocking all trophies and exploring everything the game has to offer.
Recommended? Yes, but only for those who aren't afraid of tough challenges.
AUTHOR INFORMATION
The gameplay is fast-paced and demands your full attention. Even the slightest mistake will send you back to level 1. The difficulty is truly hardcore—designed only for those who enjoy challenging games that test their precision, reflexes, and patience to the limit.
Unique and highly distinctive graphics in a simple yet charming pixel art style. The character and obstacles are easily identifiable, which is crucial in this type of reflex-based game.
The little that is revealed of the story comes through the game's card art, the intro, and the final scene when you complete all the levels. As it unfolds, our character appears to be trapped in some kind of mental simulation. It's a cryptic and mysterious narrative that expands in later installments of the saga.
The music by Walter Machado sets the tone for the game with a dynamic rhythm, simultaneously activating your adrenaline and turning your gaming session into something that will raise your heart rate, putting your skill to the test.
I really enjoyed it, and I believe it’s a crucial aspect of Walter Machado’s games—this blend of his visual and sound art. It creates an immersive experience that truly enhances the gameplay.
PROS / CONS
- Challenging
- Fast-paced
- Great music
- Simple, yet interesting graphics
- intriguing story
- A bit short
- The color palette is somewhat limited compared to later installments in the saga.
- Perhaps it could benefit from more trophies, such as challenges for completing it fast.
