Petey Pedro UnBEETable Adventure
Petey Pedro UnBEETable Adventure is a 2D platformer that has recently been released on Steam. Taking inspiration from the platformers in the 80s and 90s, Petey Pedro delivers a solid first impression with its unusual premise, tight controls and vibrant pixel art style. I got to try out the demo on Steam and have some RAD thoughts to share.
Always Brush Your Teeth
The setting of the game is an interesting one. It follows young Petey, who behaves just like most boys his age. Eating sweets and neglecting to practice good oral hygiene. Since Petey’s mum appears to be struggling to handle things, it seems higher powers have decided to intervene.
Petey is sucked into a portal, turned into a beetroot and has to find his way out of an unusual fantasy land, where he is being attacked by all the sweet treaties he once adored. One can’t help but wonder if this game was developed by a parent who themselves struggled to get their kids to brush their teeth. Either way, it’s one way to put a young person on the path to good dental hygiene. The opening cutscene is presented in the game’s pixel art style with no dialogue. Within a few short minutes, it delivers the premise before heading straight into the action, much like a retro game from the era it takes inspiration from. I don’t think I’ll ever look at sweets the same way again.
RAD Platforming
The gameplay in Petey Pedro UnBEETable Adventure is a simple pick-up-and-play 2D platformer. It is a familiar design where you run, jump, and bounce on enemy heads to defeat them. In the four levels I played, extra mechanics were added, like flipping switches and picking up these cloud-like creatures you could place on the ground and bounce on. The game moves at a fairly fast pace, but not overwhelmingly. It certainly feels like something that would have been released in the era it takes inspiration from.
Controls are tight and responsive. I attempted to play with both the controller and keyboard and found both setups comfortable to use. The goal of each level is simply to find your way to the exit. But along your journey, you can collect several coins and secret items. Collecting coins over time will allow you to unlock new spectacles which grant you special power ups. If you fancy replaying the level, the game also encourages you to complete it quickly. Controls are very easy to get used to. If you need assistance, a helpful character gives you some tips along your journey, making this welcome to players new to the genre.
UpBEET and Positive
As mentioned, the graphics are the familiar art style many indie developers adopt today. Petey Pedro UnBEETable Adventure goes for a very colourful and vibrant design that quickly put me in a good mood. I really like Petey’s beetroot sprite design. Even though the poor boy is in a terrifying world, he sure looks happy. Even the soundtrack is incredibly upbeat and positive. Despite the game’s nightmare premise, it was a lot of fun exploring the levels filled with enemies inspired by sweet treats, including spikey candy canes and deadly ice cream. Most impressive to me was a platformer finally putting an alternative spin on the buzzsaw and making it a spiky cookie.
The demo provides only four levels, but I liked what I played. Petey Pedro UnBEETable Adventure looks to be a RAD time for platforming fans. The final game promises over 55 levels, including boss fights. It might be great to share with the young ones, especially if you want them to brush their teeth. If you decide to pick the game up, the developer also promises free seasonal updates as a thank-you for supporting them. So be sure to check it out and wishlist the game as that always helps the developer out.
Petey Pedro UnBEETable Adventure has been released on the 7th of December, 2023, on Steam. A free demo is available if you want to check out the game.