Since Steam forces a rating, choosing recommended on the basis of how much better this version is than the original, but this review is intended to be informational.

Woodle Deluxe is a souped-up version of the original Woodle Tree released some years ago. Tree was a functional game, but an unquestionably amateur one: Camera frustrations, slippery physics, flat shaders, lack of shadows, and odd default keybinds were just a few things that made the game sloppy, but all of it has been addressed in this revision. Graphically, it's night and day, as it now supports high res, fullscreen borderless, sharper shadows, and a gentle bloom filter that makes the colors pop. The controls feel tighter, fixing some platforming frustrations (with the exception of how ice levels handle momentum), and the keybinds more logical, with attack and camera bound to mouse, making it far easier to aim.

The core game is unchanged: A collectathon of magical water droplets scattered across 8 stages (+2 bonus), equipping you with just a jump and a melee attack that can be upgraded to ranged with an optional collectible currency. None of the enemies pose much challenge, being easily kited or ignored altogether, and there are no bosses to speak of. The game takes about an hour to finish, and a little more if you try the optional stages, or go for the game's 3k berry achievement.

Lack of difficulty aside, if I were to criticize anything about the game, it would be the level design. The bonus levels were far larger and more interesting than any of the original ones. I would have liked to see all of them as large as Bonus 2, with multiple routes, perhaps hidden collectibles and puzzles. It wouldn't have had to be complex puzzles with switches and levers, either - even simple mazes or weighted platforms would have been enough to incorporate within the current architecture. The bonus levels gave evidence that the developer is capable of greater things, so it's a shame all levels didn't receive the same treatment.

While overly simple, this is budget indie is hardly the worst Steam has to offer. It contains original character designs, logical level design, and no game breaking bugs or glitches. As it's hard enough to find wholesome entertainment for very young children, Deluxe is a perfect choice for picky parents, and for that reason I really can't find fault with it. Wait for a sale, or grab it as part of the platformer bundle for more kid-friendly games.

Achievement Hunters: Complete the game and collect 3k berries. Unlike the original there's no bonus berries for collecting water drops. I used the Bonus stage 2 since it has large lines of closely-packed collectibles. After running the central circuit, exit and restart the stage to save some time. ~1.5hr to 100%

[h3]Woodle Deluxe is a simple all ages 3D platformer. This one is actually a re-release of the original version (now delisted) with significant improvements in many areas. For a budget indie title, it's not a bad choice for a young one, but for anyone seeking a Mario-like challenge will be sorely disappointed - the game is too easy to a fault.[/h3] [i]Since Steam forces a rating, choosing recommended on the basis of how much better this version is than the original, but this review is intended to be informational.[/i] Woodle Deluxe is a souped-up version of the original Woodle Tree released some years ago. Tree was a functional game, but an unquestionably amateur one: Camera frustrations, slippery physics, flat shaders, lack of shadows, and odd default keybinds were just a few things that made the game sloppy, but all of it has been addressed in this revision. Graphically, it's night and day, as it now supports high res, fullscreen borderless, sharper shadows, and a gentle bloom filter that makes the colors pop. The controls feel tighter, fixing some platforming frustrations (with the exception of how ice levels handle momentum), and the keybinds more logical, with attack and camera bound to mouse, making it far easier to aim. The core game is unchanged: A collectathon of magical water droplets scattered across 8 stages (+2 bonus), equipping you with just a jump and a melee attack that can be upgraded to ranged with an optional collectible currency. None of the enemies pose much challenge, being easily kited or ignored altogether, and there are no bosses to speak of. The game takes about an hour to finish, and a little more if you try the optional stages, or go for the game's 3k berry achievement. Lack of difficulty aside, if I were to criticize anything about the game, it would be the level design. The bonus levels were far larger and more interesting than any of the original ones. I would have liked to see all of them as large as Bonus 2, with multiple routes, perhaps hidden collectibles and puzzles. It wouldn't have had to be complex puzzles with switches and levers, either - even simple mazes or weighted platforms would have been enough to incorporate within the current architecture. The bonus levels gave evidence that the developer is capable of greater things, so it's a shame all levels didn't receive the same treatment. While overly simple, this is budget indie is hardly the worst Steam has to offer. It contains original character designs, logical level design, and no game breaking bugs or glitches. As it's hard enough to find wholesome entertainment for very young children, Deluxe is a perfect choice for picky parents, and for that reason I really can't find fault with it. Wait for a sale, or grab it as part of the platformer bundle for more kid-friendly games. [u]Achievement Hunters[/u]: Complete the game and collect 3k berries. Unlike the original there's no bonus berries for collecting water drops. I used the Bonus stage 2 since it has large lines of closely-packed collectibles. After running the central circuit, exit and restart the stage to save some time. ~1.5hr to 100%