Today I’m here to review Princess Trouble, the new 2D pixel platformer from indie developer/publisher RedBrickStone Games, released on August 19, 2024. If you’re in the mood for cozy castle‑crawling, tricky puzzles, and a sprinkle of pixel charm, you’re in the right place. I’ve spent plenty of time exploring the mystical castle, hunting keys, and yes, occasionally banging my head against the walls when stuck. Let’s dive in!
Overall Impressions
Princess Trouble immediately caught my eye with its delightful pixel art and fresh movement mechanics. While it’s at heart a platformer, the added puzzles feel satisfying—though sometimes a bit stubborn. The castle itself is the star: a twisting maze of rooms, hidden doors, and mechanical traps that keep you guessing. A few levels demand exact solutions, and one misstep can lock your progress (more on that in the Difficulty section). Compared to Celeste’s Calm Playlist or Fez’s chill puzzle rooms, this title lands squarely in the middle—inviting and cute, yet slightly unforgiving.
Gameplay Mechanics
Movement is at the core, blending classic run‑and‑jump with a strategic double jump, wall slide, and cling‑and‑pivot. Early stages immerse you in fluid freedom—bounce off walls, time leaps over lava, and slide under spiky ceilings. As you master each move, every jump and slide feels purposeful and exhilarating. Later levels layer in key‑based puzzles featuring block manipulation, timed switches, and one‑way gates that require careful sequencing. Cracking these challenges is deeply rewarding, though many hinge on a single trick—miss it, and you’re stuck.
Story and Characters
The story is simple: play a princess caught between worlds, exploring an enchanted castle full of secrets. Dialogue cutscenes and side characters are scarce, but the environment feels alive. You’ll encounter ghostly servants, portrait eyes that follow you, and notes left by a mischievous court jester. It’s light on lore yet heavy on atmosphere—perfect if you prefer environmental storytelling over lengthy text walls. If deep character arcs aren’t essential, you’ll appreciate the cozy sense of adventure.
Visuals and Graphics
The pixel art is a standout. RedBrickStone Games clearly adores the 16‑bit era—each tile features subtle animations, from flickering torches to creeping vines. Muted purples, greys, and mossy greens create a haunted‑but‑inviting vibe. Boss rooms pop with brighter hues, making those encounters feel special. Each zone has its own look: the Royal Halls feel grand but dusty, while the underground dungeons are cramped and eerie. Overall, it’s consistent, charming, and never overstays its welcome.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack is a highlight: mellow chiptune melodies perfectly match each area’s mood. I found myself humming the main overworld theme long after playing. Sound effects are crisp, from the satisfying “clink” of keys to the ominous creak of closing doors. There’s no voice acting, which suits the game’s low‑key style. If anything, I’d welcome a few more ambient tracks to break up repetition, but the audio keeps things cozy throughout.
Difficulty and Replayability
The game ramps steadily, teaching new moves in early levels and combining them in mid‑game rooms. Hidden collectibles and secret areas reward exploration, encouraging completionists to revisit every corner. This progression delivers satisfying challenges without overwhelming newcomers and maintains momentum throughout each stage. However, a couple of super‑tight puzzles feel like traffic jams: miss a timed jump or block placement, and you’re stuck. Adding soft checkpoints or in‑game hints could ease pacing and reduce frustration.
Fun Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
A dedicated team of four indie developers crafted Princess Trouble remotely across three continents. Inspired by hand‑drawn napkin sketches from a late‑night jam session, the castle’s tiles stand out for their detailed charm. This cross‑continental collaboration underscores the power of remote teamwork in creating unique game worlds. RedBrickStone has also teased a free update, possibly including New Game+, slated for later this year. Follow their Twitter channel for the latest news, extra challenges, and post‑launch enhancements.
Final Thoughts
Princess Trouble is a cozy pixel platformer with a charming world, solid controls, and an earworm soundtrack. It stumbles over a couple of rigid puzzle spots, but the overall experience is delightful for those who love exploring at their own pace. I recommend it to casual and mid‑level gamers who don’t mind pausing for a community hint now and then.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Pros
With its gorgeous pixel art and diverse zones, this game instantly captures the eye and keeps players exploring every corner. Moreover, the fluid movement and clever puzzle mechanics blend seamlessly, offering satisfying challenges without slowing the pace. The warm, memorable soundtrack elevates each moment, while the cozy, light story sparks the imagination and fosters a comforting atmosphere that invites you to return again and again.
Cons
Despite its charm, a few levels demand overly strict solutions that can frustrate even seasoned players. Additionally, the absence of a built-in hint system or soft checkpoints means mistakes often mean replaying lengthy sections. Finally, the limited character dialogue leaves little room for deeper narrative engagement, so those craving richer storytelling may find themselves wanting more.
That’s all from me! If you’re ready to get into some princess-y pixel trouble, give this one a try—just pack a little patience for those tricky puzzle rooms. Happy gaming, folks!
