Super Pete the Pirate

One might look at a platformer and think that it is fairly simple to design one, especially nowadays with all the helpful tools available for developers. However, achieving the classic look is one thing, but there are many other things that must be taken into consideration as well. The controls must be snappy and responsive, the gameplay fluid and rewarding, and the challenge should be up there as well.

Super Pete the Pirate is a retro platformer in which you get to explore 2D levels, jump over traps and deal with a variety of enemies that try to stop you. You can make use of both ranged and melee attacks, depending on the situation and which ones you are most comfortable with. The whole thing feels very polished and refined, even if the game is still in active development.

The story is not very serious, given the fact that you play the role of a pirate cat by the name of Pete, but at least it keeps you engaged. It all begins when his ship is attacked by other pirates and they steal his favorite hat, which does not sit well at all with Pete. Hence, he manages to track them down to a remote island, which is where the adventure unfolds.

The gameplay is fairly fast-paced and challenging, given the fact that you have to watch out for spikes and various other traps, while also dealing with the enemies that lie ahead. Some of them patrol a certain area and are not very responsive to your presence, while other shoot ranged projectiles you must dodge in order to preserve your health.

Speaking of which, it’s also possible to collect coins and use them at the end of every stage by purchasing ammunition, extra health or additional lives. As for the controls, they are very responsive and enjoyable, not to mention the fact that you can also use a gamepad. The graphics are not particularly impressive, but the background artwork is quite nice for an indie production.

Super Pete the Pirate does not revolutionize the genre, but it brings together the most beloved elements in it, making it difficult to resist if you are a fan of platformers. The basic RPG elements make the whole thing feel a lot more enjoyable.