Electronic Super Joy is a simple yet incredibly challenging experience. Despite its basic appearance, the game is designed for hardcore gamers who prefer a challenge. You control a pixelated character through various levels as you jump from platform to platform, dodging rockets, in an attempt to get to the exit. Timing is key in Electronic Super Joy and determining when and where to jump requires a lot of thought as well as quick maneuvering. The game proves that you don’t need state of the art graphics to provide players with boundless enjoyment. Responsive controls and a dash of quirkiness are all it takes.
Never once did I feel that the controls impeded my progress. Over the years I’ve played a lot of platformers where I’ve encountered issues pertaining to the input. The fact that Electronic Super Joy never wavers is remarkable. It’s all about your skill and reasoning. The fact that you jumped too early from a slippery platform and ended up falling into the abyss is on you. You can’t blame the controls. The checkpoints are rather forgiving so hopefully you won’t rage too much.
The graphics, while simple, offer a lot of variety. The stages are rather unique as well. Let’s talk about the graphics first. Electronic Super Joy cleverly uses basic colors to enhance the title. For example, one level might be a standard one bathed in shocking pink. The other might be a black and white level with rotating colors that simulate shadows. This adds an interesting dimension to the gameplay because you might get a little disorientated on where to jump. You have to exercise caution in these situations. Can you believe just by playing with the colors the developers were able to incorporate such complexity into the experience?
Moving onto the stages. You don’t always end up walking horizontally from one end of the map to the other. Sometimes you go up, sometimes you go down, sometimes you have to take jump pads all over the place. There are also some levels where the screen slowly moves ahead adding a time limit. There are also teleportation areas which move you around the map. This adds an interesting aspect to the game as in some levels you have to figure out the correct order so that you can reach the exit. It’s like a maze. If you don’t, you keep on returning to the beginning and have to try again.
It’s fair to say that Electronic Super Joy is supremely addictive. It’s not frustrating like 1001 Spikes or Super Meat Boy on Xbox One. With this game there’s always the sense that you can do it the next time. It walks a fine line between being difficult but fair. It never puts you in a situation where you just want to give up like some other similar experiences.
For those wondering about the number of levels in the game, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many different worlds to explore. Each world has fifteen stages. There are also bonus levels which will keep you busy for hours. Additionally, if you want to experience even more of what the game has to offer, you can download an expansion. I would’ve liked to see this included in the base game rather than being a separate purchase.
Electronic Super Joy also features some rather odd humor. While I’m a little fuzzy on the story, I’m pretty sure my main objective was to retrieve my bottom from a wizard. Yes, you read that right. There is another Micro-Hell level which involves you trying to get even with Micro-Satan for flatulating on your dog. Yes, you read that right as well. The dialogues that pop up when you approach other characters are also very funny. It’s a treat to read them.
The only little issue I had with the game was the sound. While the main soundtrack is very edgy and will have you tapping your foot, the sound effects when you reach a checkpoint are very sexualized and odd. There really isn’t a need for them in my opinion and make it awkward to play with others.
The closest comparison I can draw when it comes to the gameplay of Electronic Super Joy is with Super Mario Land on Nintendo Game Boy. That game had a lot of replay value. Initially you would play through the game cautiously until you figured out how the levels were arranged. Then you tried to speedrun your way through them. The same principle applies here. Initially you play carefully and figure out the layout of the level. Then you should come back and attempt to do it as quickly as possible. There’s also a star to collect in each I believe so be on the lookout for them.
Summary
Overall, Electronic Super Joy is a phenomenal experience. As I said before, the game proves that you don’t need state of the art graphics to provide players with enjoyment. Focus on the humor and controls and people will be pleased. I couldn’t put this game down once I started playing. If you’re in the market for a rather hardcore platforming experience that will invoke a sense of nostalgia for gaming’s classics, be sure to check this title out. I can’t recommend it enough despite the minor issues discussed above. It’s just great.
Asher is a games journalist, former News Writer (Gaming) at Windows Central. They contributed 1110 articles to ICXM between 2015–2017, focused on opinion pieces, game reviews, Windows and PC, and Xbox news: wrote over 1,100 ICXM pieces on Xbox news, hardware reviews, and platform commentary before joining Future plc’s Windows Central in 2017.