Have you ever imagined a carrot as your hero, tasked with saving the universe from the threat of fungi? Well, that’s exactly what you’ll get in the peculiar and whimsical action game, “Smells Like a Mushroom” from Red Limb Studio. Strap in for a wild ride as we dive into this outlandish adventure.
“Smells Like a Mushroom” puts you in the shoes of Carrotado, our brave carrot protagonist. The peaceful expanse of the Milky Way has fallen under siege by malevolent beings known as Magic Mushrooms. Determined to stop their menacing expansion, Carrotado embarks on a cosmic journey to thwart their evil plans before they can obliterate more worlds. The mission takes on an even more personal note after Carrotado loses his wife during the game’s prologue, an experience that doubles as a handy tutorial for newcomers. Whether you fly solo or team up in local co-op, this interstellar quest offers plenty of excitement.
The game offers various difficulty layers to suit your play style, starting with Easy, through Normal, and up to the daunting Hard level. There’s also Nightmare mode, which you’ll have to unlock. Easy mode offers a gentle introduction for those who prefer a more relaxed pace, whereas Normal provides a balanced challenge. If you’re looking for a stiffer test, the Hard level features enemies that are relentless and unforgiving. Unlocking the Nightmare mode won’t be a walk in the park, but it promises a hardcore experience for those who crave it.
As for the controls, they’re intuitive. You move Carrotado using the left stick, shift your viewpoint with the right stick, and run or dash with the shoulder buttons. Interactions are mapped to the Square button, while attacking and jumping are done using the R2 and X buttons, respectively. You can also switch between weapons with the D-Pad, zoom in with L2 for a closer look, and manage your inventory with the Triangle button.
Collecting scrap during your adventures is crucial, as it allows you to enhance your weapons and abilities to face off against these wicked mushrooms. Scraps can also be used to increase your health pool, snag extra lives for a quick respawn, or reduce your attack cooldown. You can even expand your weapon arsenal or unlock brand-new gear for your quest.
If you’re a trophy hunter, “Smells Like a Mushroom” has got you covered with a comprehensive trophy list that includes a Platinum trophy. The journey involves 27 Bronze trophies, 15 Silver ones, and a couple of prestigious Gold trophies. To achieve Platinum status, you’ll need to complete missions on different planets, hunt down special customization items, and uncover secrets hidden in each level. For dedicated adventurers, up to three secrets await on every planet, with trophies awarded for finding each of them. And if you’re in need of a helping hand, there’s a trophy guide available to aid you on your path.
“Smells Like a Mushroom” serves up an odd and enchanting romp through space, where your carrot hero must tackle the fungal threat and keep the universe safe. The game is priced at $24.99 and is available on PlayStation 5, offering both solo and cooperative play for an unforgettable experience.
This review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Red Limb Studio, ensuring a firsthand account of its quirky charm and captivating gameplay.
