Wooden Sen'Sey

"Simple platform fun."

Developer: Upper Byte
Publisher: Upper Byte 
Platform(s): PC
Genre: Platform
Release Date: August 24, 2012
 

 

Indie developer Upper Byte has set a release date for their platform game Wooden Sen'SeY. Arriving next week, this oriental adventure featuring a racially insensitive depiction of the eastern lands sends us on a quest for saké? Our hero arms themselves with some extendable axes, dons a rice hat and squinty eyes and off they go. It’s all in good fun, one would assume. If anything, it does serve the childlike theme well, as characters are little icons that resemble Duplo figurines with their simplified look.

 

You just tell us this level doesn't look amazing to play.

 

Roaming around through the varied levels certainly yields a pleasant atmosphere. The wooden theme recurs through landscapes, mines and paper houses that reveal the silhouettes hiding behind the walls. Together with a decent amount of crisp details, the cel-shaded textures combined with the cutesy characters form a soothing environment to run and jump through. Special credit goes to the different soundtracks that capture the essence of each differing stage in a unique way.

As magical as this cartoony universe is though, there is still the matter of collecting sake. It’s not completely clear if that’s the only goal in Wooden Sen’Sey, but if it is, it’s a thin ploy to keep players going. Luckily, levels progressively charm with their added features and clever designs. Other approaches also offer a change of pace, as our character hops into a sub for an underwater level or needs to use his special skills to overcome platforms. The axe weapons also serve as a way to hook onto certain scenery and swing forth. By adding moving targets and environments to this mechanic, a different cadence is made that requires a bit more finesse to grapple.

 

You know that TMNT level? This is not that.

 

Most of this will work as intended and thus Wooden Sen’Sey will carry its weight adequately; stringing players along its variety of fresh challenges. However, there is one important element that is trickier to the touch: One of the main features in the game is a downward attack that harms foes and at the same time propels the character higher than a regular jump. This is oft used for higher platforms or enemies that need this powerful stomp to access their vulnerability. The issue here is that the attack demands fine precision for its execution, which can land the player in frustrating situations with both enemies and platform sections. In general, movement is not as refined with a keyboard as it is with a controller. Given the game also adds time as a factor for completion, playing with a keyboard is much less desirable, even customized to one’s most natural setting. A controller will have a smoother transition and makes gameplay swift and enjoyable.

 

2D silhouettes are the new 8bit.

 

With a shallow drive and a few control issues, it’s not certain whether or not Wooden Sen’Sey will excel. However, it already shows great care for its core gameplay, as well as an inspiring atmosphere. That alone might allure fans of the genre and perhaps rake in a few curious bystanders. Though a controller is advised, using this method will certainly offer gamers hours of simple platform fun.

 

Daav Valentaten, NoobFeed. (@Daavpuke)