this has apparently been out for a few months, but i just found it. there’s a sadistic sense of humor in super boink-o-doink’s design that i find absolutely great. the game ridicules you for succumbing to its vicious level design, not only by keeping a running count of your “failures” but by sticking bored-looking characters in the status bar who only take interest when you die, turning and snickering as the protagonist’s death animation plays out.

i like how deceptive the choice of the super mario bros. 2 theme is here. it’s a kind of running gag as the game proves itself again and again to be utterly unlike that friendly, primary-colored platformer.

the game uses what i am provisionally calling a “non-double jump”, which is a fresh change.