TumbleSeed review - A clever, devious roguelike that has you crawling in more ways than one

So, you think you've got a knack for this whole video game lark? Yeah, you might want to keep some of that humility back for when you play TumbleSeed.

Whatever your skill set, you'll likely suck at it, at least at first. But, bit by bit you'll start to realise its charm and its challenge, and start to overcome the smallest of its obstacles.

I can't guarantee it, mind you. I can't guarantee that you'll not want to throw your device against the wall, clench your hands into fists, and do that quiet, fizzy, shouty thing you do when you're angry.

So, if you're not the best at facing a sanity-melting challenge it's been nice having you here, but this one may not be for you.

TumbleSeed is a mix of a game. Part roguelike, part action, and part vertical-scrolling arcade monster, it's not a product for the faint of heart.

Taking its cues from the arcade favourite, Ice Cold Beer (1983), your aim is to help a little seedling navigate a perilous journey to plant itself at the top of a rather dangerous mountain.

Though the game may look bright and colourful, with a very pleasant art style, looks can be deceiving.

The mechanic of balancing your seed on a little bar may seem simple, but twinned with a pathway riddled with potholes, and a large variety of nasty creatures standing in your way, it's quite the opposite.

This game is so hard sometimes it could, and most likely will, make you cry. But when the tears have stopped you're going to come crawling back to try again.

Playing with the Switch controls detached is definitely one of the keys to success here, and you'll find them to be wonderfully responsive.

Easy to learn, hard to master - you know the sort.

The Switch's HD Rumble really shines throughout the game as the feeling of the seed moving along the bar really reverberates at your fingertips.

It can on occasion be quite an aggressive feature, hence why playing with the controllers detached is worth trying out.

During play, the game's challenges and foes seem quite obnoxious at times. However, the rich reward system, ability to collect and implement new seeds (with unique powers), and the chance to upgrade your abilities makes the effort worthwhile.

You've also got to be mindful of how you're spending your crystals. If you sense a fight coming on, you'll need all of the help you can get so manage your resources wisely.

However, it may suffer in terms of longevity in some cases. Its procedurally generated levels give the game variation, for sure, but its mechanic remains the same.

It's a small point and one that won't affect everyone, but it's still worth mentioning.

TumbleSeed is an arcade treat which revamps something we didn't know we were missing.

The game is all about being tactical and taking your time. It's not something you can rush though, that's for sure.

Though it may suffer in how long it can keep the average gamer's attention, it has bag-loads to offer in terms of challenge and is not a title for the weak.