Toto Temple Deluxe Review

Toto Temple Deluxe is an enhanced version of Toto Temple a little game that you’d be forgiven for not having played. Simultaneously release on PS4, Xbox One, Wii U, and Steam, Toto Temple Deluxe is a fast-paced, local-multiplayer king-of-the-hill style game in which players must steal an egg-laying goat from their friends and try to keep it on their own head for as long as possible.

Released for Ouya in December 2014 by Juicy Beast Studio, Toto Temple deluxe is their first release on major home consoles. Before this, they were Flash games developers and their early days weren’t exactly profitable. Their first release, Gobtron, earned just $50 while their second release, the demo version of a game called Dale & Peakot, netted them $400. The full version of Dale & Peakot sold for $25,000 and was their first success.

Toto Temple deluxe is extremely simple and easy to jump into. The aim of the game is very simple; you have to catch a goat at the center of the stage and hold on as along as possible to gain points. The people playing with you have to try and crash into you and take the goat. You can acquire various boosts like lasers, bombs and even a floating head, which will help you to steal the goat. There is also a defensive mechanic of shielding at the perfect time to send a little shockwave to stun incoming opponents.

The game is very fast paced and matches can be very close in score until the last-minute. As time goes on in any level, specific platforms will rise and fall, providing a chance for the goat carrier to out maneuver their pursuers. Maneuvering around the arenas is effortless but some timing skills come in handy if you want to dash with precision.

The game also has another mode called “Bomb.” This is where you have to catch an explosive goat and keep hold of it until just before it explodes. The idea is to blow up your enemies by getting close enough to them. I really enjoyed this mode a lot and it adds another interesting twist to the game mechanics. Both of these game modes can be played with up to 3 other friends locally or with bots, but playing with my friends or family was more fun as it’s about the interaction.

Target Challenge mode is where you attempt to get high scores by breaking targets. This mode doesn’t feature the classic goat, but was still entertaining enough. There are 8 different arenas that are all slightly different, which keeps the gameplay fresh enough. Toto Temple Deluxe allows you to play against computer-controlled enemies as well as challenge yourself in timed target-smashing challenges for each arena.

The game is really vibrant and colorful and I really liked the style of the game- especially the characters and movement. Gameplay is smooth and precise which is key due to the fast paced nature of the game. The color schemes for each stage stand out, which helps make each map seem much different visually.

The game has lots of unlockables, which are fun to try and get to. These often make references to other games like Nidhogg. There are 45 characters you can unlock which I thought was really awesome. Also the music in the game is really well done. Every stage has its own soundtrack, which are all equally interesting. The sound effects match the games style and design.

If you like multiplayer games and have friends to play with then Toto Temple Deluxe is a great title for the PS4. It feels similar to games like Towerfall, which is another great game. The game is essentially a ‘King of the hill’ style game that will keep you on your toes. If you tend to play on your own then this may not be the game for you as the multiplayer is what this game is about and nails really well.

Toto Temple Deluxe is extremely easy to pick up and jump into so it’s a good title to introduce others who may not be so used to gaming to. I would certainly recommend this game if you fancy something fast paced, chaotic and a little crazy!

REVIEW CODE: A complimentary Sony Playstation 4 code was provided to Brash Games for this review. Please send all review code enquiries to editor@brashgames.co.uk.