Pizza Tower (2023)
Game Description:
In the 2023 video game "Pizza Tower," players take on the role of Peppino Spaghetti, a frantic and determined pizza chef on a mission to save his pizzeria from destruction. Inspired by classics like Wario Land and Earthworm Jim, this 2D platformer features vibrant hand-drawn animations and a dynamic soundtrack. Peppino must ascend the treacherous floors of the Pizza Tower, utilizing his unique abilities such as charging, super jumping, and dashing to overcome obstacles and enemies. Along the way, he must collect keys, rescue the Toppins folks, and rack up points to progress. With its fast-paced gameplay and quirky humor, "Pizza Tower" offers a nostalgic yet fresh experience for platformer enthusiasts.
Game Details
Platforms:
Nintendo Switch
Genres:
Platform, Adventure, Indie
Game Mode(s):
Player Perspective(s):
Developer:
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Publisher:
ESRB Age Rating Summary:
Pizza Tower is rated T for Teen by the ESRB with Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Language, Mild Blood, and Use of Tobacco. This is an action platformer in which players assume the role of a pizza chef trying to destroy a tower to save his restaurant. From a side-scrolling perspective, players zoom through the tower, rescue trapped pizza ingredients, and use attacks (e.g., grabs, throws, dashes) to defeat fantastical enemies (e.g., goblins, roasted chicken, potato farmers, pickles). Defeated enemies get thrown off screen and/or disappear amid cartoon stars. One western-themed boss battle requires players to use a gun to defeat enemies. Injured or dead characters are sometimes depicted amid stylized pools of blood/red sauce. A handful of recurring characters can be seen smoking cigars or pipes. A sewer-themed level (called "Oh Sh*t!") depicts drooping feces with flatulence sound effects.
Content Warnings:
Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Language, Mild Blood, Use of Tobacco
Interactive Elements:
In-Game Purchases:
Parental Notes
While many parents praise the gameplay experience, they caution that Pizza Tower may not be suitable for younger kids. The game features mild and infrequent profanity, with some levels containing crude humor, such as flatulence sound effects and drooping feces. The violence is comical and cartoonish, with enemies disappearing amid stars or being thrown off-screen. However, some scenes depict stylized pools of blood or red sauce. A few characters are shown smoking, and one level involves using a gun in a boss battle. Parents often recommend this game for teens 13 and older due to these elements.
Why Your Kid Might Like Pizza Tower
In "Pizza Tower," the fast-paced gameplay and quirky humor resonate with teens who enjoy a mix of nostalgia and fresh experiences. The vibrant hand-drawn animations and dynamic soundtrack create an engaging atmosphere that keeps players entertained. Teens appreciate the challenge of navigating the treacherous floors of the Pizza Tower, using Peppino's unique abilities like charging, super jumping, and dashing to overcome obstacles and enemies. The game's inspiration from classics like Wario Land and Earthworm Jim adds a layer of familiarity that appeals to those who enjoy retro-style platformers.
The game's humor and eccentric characters, such as Peppino and the Toppins folks, provide a lighthearted and entertaining experience. Teens enjoy the satisfaction of collecting keys, rescuing characters, and racking up points to progress through the levels. The combination of fast-paced action and strategic gameplay keeps players engaged for hours. While "Pizza Tower" may not be for everyone, those who appreciate its unique style and challenging levels find it a rewarding and enjoyable experience.