Ophelia Payne

Sometimes you come across a game that is somehow both nostalgic and new, and it’s a must-play. Hopefully that game is everything you think it will be, and you’ll be happy and want to tell the world about it. I’m here to tell you that Teeto, from Eat Pant Games and Super Rare Originals, is everything I wanted it to be, and maybe more. So much more that I’ve had access to it for about 6 weeks and have finally found a way to try to put my feelings about it out there.

Teeto is a wholesome 3D adventure platformer collect-athon where you play as a blue blob test subject named Teeto, accompanied by their energetic bunny companion named Nory. Your mission is to stop a shadow corruption from taking over the world and recover Nory’s lost experimental “Michaels”.  While the story isn’t revolutionary, the gameplay is exceptional and where the game really shines. 

Like any great platformer, you will jump across platforms, slide down slopes, use vines to swing over open spaces, etc. You’ll collect a variety of items to use while figuring out how to progress through levels, as well as the previously mentioned Michaels and a material known as Vionite. At the beginning of each level, you are shown how many Vionite and Michaels are in each level, in case you are a completionist and don’t want to come back to the level later. The great thing to know is that you can pop back into the levels once you complete them, in case you want to find everything available, or even if you need to pick up a few extra Vionite that you might need to open up the later acts. 

The mechanic that makes Teeto stand out from a standard platformer is the shape-shifting ability. Teeto can absorb the essence of, and become, a variety of items throughout the world. In doing this, Teeto can take on whatever powers they have as well. If you become a flower, you will have a vine to use like a grappling hook to swing; a boulder will help you have a heavier jump; a shrub helps you be stealthier; a magnet helps you position metal objects, etc.

There is a nice variety of levels, including linear levels with side paths, interconnected zones, and even large open areas. Each level has its own feel. Some levels even feature shifting perspectives for chase sequences or classic side-scrolling platforming.

Finding Michels was the real joy in Teeto. Somehow the developers managed to turn yet another thing to collect into something that brought a smile to my face each time I located a new one. I had a lot of fun trying to guess each of their names before I picked them up. Some were obvious, others funny, some were downright clever. I will not spoil some of those. In your hub island section, be sure to visit the island where they all hang out after you find them. Pure joy. Oh, and if you absorb the power of the comfy chair and pick up a Michael, the Michael will sit on the chair along with Nory (who normally resides in your backpack).

Besides the Michaels and Vionites, you’ll also collect a massive number of stars in each act. These stars are used to unlock costumes in the main hub. There are dozens to choose from, and I’m sure there will be many you like. Find your favourite or switch outfits frequently. My favourite was the unicorn, or the luchador, or the punk…well, you get the idea.

Each act also ends with a boss battle, each with its own unique style and new ways to beat them. Some more difficult than others, but that’s part of the joy of this genre.

Graphically, Teeto is stunning. Its bright colours make each environment jump off the screen. Icy peaks, vast forests and beautiful beaches all looked fantastic.  I did struggle with some motion sickness, which isn’t unusual for me in this style of game, but between the time I played the demo in June and this recent playthrough, the devs seemingly have changed a few settings, and once I adjusted some a little further, I had very little issue with it. One thing I have learned over time is when to take a break, so if you struggle, I hope you know your line as well.

The audio, specifically the voice acting, was perfect. The line delivery and some very clever dialogue all brought a smile to my face. It straddled the fine line between family-friendly and adult tongue-in-cheek gags well. Teeto might have some of my favourite voice acting in any game I’ve played this year. I looked forward to each new character I met.

While learning more about the game before it launched, I found out that the real-life couple behind Eat Pant Games tapped into a lot of personal experience/connections while making the game. Their daughter is the voice of a sassy berry (and the baby Michaels). Nory is based on her favourite toy as well.  Other young family members (nephews) chose and voiced their own characters (sensible worms). It’s truly as chaotic as you think it might be. I also simply must mention that they got engaged (via a custom in-game level), and I honestly think it’s one of the cutest, most unique and romantic things. A version of this engagement level is in the game, and I was so happy once I found it.

Speaking of couples, you can play the game with a co-op partner should you choose to, but it is split-screen local co-op only. I find this to be a little bit of a miss, and while I love that couch co-op is coming back to games (it’s perfect for couples and family members to play together), I primarily play co-op games with people online and would love it if Teeto had an online option. 

Teeto is a decent length, with a nice variety of levels and mechanics. The gameplay is pure nostalgia platforming to me, and if you’re a fan of Mario or Banjo games, this is an easy recommendation from me.

Until next time…be good to yourself and be good to each other.

**Special thanks to Eat Pant Games for the review code**