Glucose Overdose

Speedruns are not a new concept in video games, especially since platformers have such a long history. However, developers have gotten better at designing them, not to mention the fact that they are getting more and more complicated every time. Thus, only the most hardcore players are able to tackle some of these games, and even they have to really let go of the anger before that.

Glucose Overdose is a 2D platformer in which your only goal is to make it to the end of each level alive, while dodging all sorts of traps along the way. Your only special power is the ability to jump and sprint over short distances, although the latter must be used in moderation because it also causes you to explode. Other than that, it’s all about good hand-to-eye coordination and fast reflexes.

There’s no story to worry about, although there’s no need for one when you consider the game’s premise. Hence, it would appear that you can consume glucose in order to increase your speed and power, but just like with the real thing, too much of it can cause a lot of harm. No names are given and no purpose for your journey, but it obviously doesn’t matter.

Perhaps the most challenging thing about the game is that you can never rest and think about what to do next. Everything forces you to move quickly in order to avoid falling platforms and the spikes that fall from the ceiling. Naturally, it takes you a couple of tries until you understand what your pattern should be, and it’s a given that you’ll die a lot before that happens.

As for the graphics, the retro style goes well with the theme of the game, but it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. It can be tiring for your eyes over long periods of time, mainly because all those lines start to cause optical illusions after a point. The music is alert and pretty decent as well, although nothing very memorable, unfortunately.

In the end, Glucose Overdose has the potential to keep you engaged over the course of the few levels it features, especially if you enjoy speedruns and hardcore platformers. On the other hand, it’s obviously not suited for everyone.