you play “Push the button” where you must avoid the deathtraps whilst filling up the timers by standing on the buttons. In co-op mode you work together and each have different coloured buttons to stand on. In versus its one button and whoever is stood on it when the timer is full gets a point.
Self Made Miracle have exceeded with the graphics; the colours they have used are spot on. It’s almost as though they have pixelated an entire 1920’s circus or perhaps spent hours watching episodes of the cult TV show Carnivàle. The music in Penarium is also very much in keeping with the overall feel of the game. It’s a repetitive looping carnival tune that will stick in your head long after you’ve finished playing.
As for the trophies it’s an all bronze affair with twenty one of them on offer. In a game where you need to avoid getting killed is seems odd that four of these trophies are for dying a certain number of times, but you shouldn’t have any trouble. I died over 250 times before I’d gotten halfway through the campaign levels. Other trophies are for completing the campaign mode, smashing barrels, collecting cards and having a set amount of coins in your wallet. A little word to the wise – you might want to get all the coin trophies out of the way before purchasing cards.
Conclusion
Penarium is an exhilarating rollercoaster ride stuffed into a circus setting. It sucks you in from the very beginning. The gameplay is so easy to pick up and once you’ve tried it you will struggle to put it back down. Whether you are trying to beat your highscore and top the leaderboards in arcade mode, complete the 30 campaign challenge or delve into the different multiplayer modes it’s just so addictive. The fact that the deathtraps rotate every time you collect five barrels means that Penarium will always feel fresh and you will never tire of seeing Willy perish.
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