In almost a decade of flash based games, good platform games have been few and far between. Toast of War is a new platformer from, newcomer, Common Studios. It really brings some good things to the table…. but does it bring a balanced breakfast?

There is an opening story, but I kind of zoned it out and skipped it because there was a lot of reading, and I just wanted to play the game, so I’m still not sure what the actual story here is, but that didn’t seem to hamper my enjoyment.

The first thing any player will notice about the game is the quirky art style.  It’s hard to tell if it’s good or bad, but I’m leaning towards good.  The main character is a walking piece of toast who has to battle though legions of butter-themed baddies. All the artwork is hand drawn, and the levels are very well designed, something you don’t often see in an indie flash game (or actual levels at all for that matter).

The sounds in the game could be a bit better.  There’s not many effects when you hit something, or jump, etc…   but the basic sounds seem to be in place.  The game uses a variety of quirky music which fits the look of the game quite well, but some of the loops get really annoying, especially during the boss battles.

As with any title, the gameplay is really what can make or break the deal.  Toast has some pretty good mechanics for a flash game, but at times doesn’t feel as smooth as one may be accustomed to. Running and jumping feel pretty natural, but many of the weapons seems a bit off in their collision ranges.

The enemies aren’t too large in variety, but the levels are short enough that you don’t get too tired smashing and shooting the same brick of butter over and over.

The game remains fun throughout each level until you get to the bosses.  These guys are very easy to beat, you simply hide in a hole and pop up to attack when you get an opening.  While the lack of challenge isn’t terribly bad, the fact the bosses take longer to beat then all the levels combined is as painful as watching someone get their teeth pulled, then having the teeth painted and watching them dry while they sit on a pile of dirt which is slowly growing grass, which you also have to watch…..

I really wanted to get into this game, but by the time I got half way done with the 2nd boss… I just got sick of jumping and shooting and hearing the damn music loop for the 100th time.  This serious lack of play balance was, sadly, enough to ruin the otherwise enjoyable experience.

Since the game launched, the developers have made several big updates and fixes, so perhaps by the time you read this they will have done something to make the boss fights more fun.

For now, it looks like it’s dry toast for breakfast…

[ Butter your Toast ]