Super Dassalo Land (2024)
a FREE platform game by ‘Gumpy Function’ & Team for Game Boy Color
Written for BrewOtaku #004 by Usman A. Khan
How often do stand-up comedians get their own game, where they — and their dog — star in a whirlwind of an adventure? ‘Super Dassalo Land’ takes Australian comedian Tommy Dassalo from the comedy stage to the Game Boy Color in a journey that’s nothing short of hilarious. When the mischievous phantom Jiko traps Tommy inside his notebook, it’s up to him and his dog Kewpie to explore three unique worlds, gathering material for his upcoming special ‘Scam Artist’.
“Kewpie’s Got a Brand New Bag”
This game is a fine nod to the golden age of handheld gaming, packed with humour and surprisingly deep gameplay mechanics. The game’s three visually distinct worlds, inspired by Dassalo’s stand-up routines, are a treat for both the eyes and the funny bone. From garlic bulbs to sentient pokies machines, the enemies are super quirky and complement the game’s offbeat humour. The gameplay is really straightforward, with Tommy wielding a microphone whip and performing ground pounds and wall jumps to defeat Jiko’s minions. In specific, the wall-jump mechanic adds a layer of complexity that keeps the platforming fresh. Hidden collectibles and the challenge of achieving an S-Rank in each level provide plenty of replay value. The ‘Final Totals’ screen comes in very handy.
The catchy soundtrack is composed by ‘Sloopy Goop’. The final boss evokes memories of ‘Cuphead’ battles, offering a satisfying conclusion to the adventure.
Conclusion
Super Dassalo Land not only serves as a prequel to Dassalo’s stand-up special, but also stands on its own as an enjoyable platformer. Whether you’re a fan of bald heart-throb comedian Tommy Dassalo or just a sucker for quirky platformers, this game packs laughs galore.
