Originally homebrew NES games, Gruniozerca Trilogy is a trio of puzzle action games starring a little black guinea pig named Grunio.  It’s available on most current consoles and PC, but reviewed on Switch here.

The first game is super simple and reminds me of Pyoro from WarioWare.  You move Grunio back and forth on the bottom screen, trying to catch carrots falling from above.  But each carrot is a different color and can only be caught for points if your nose is the same color.  You change your color by pressing a button.  If you miss too many carrots, it’s Game Over.

The second game is a 2-D puzzle platformer where you are in a room and must collect a key and unlock a door.  There is also a bonus carrot for you to nab for an extra challenge as well.  Grunio can only jump one square high, but luckily there are tools in each stage for you to use.  You can do things like place blocks so you can jump higher, or break blocks with a hammer.

The third game is viewed in an overhead perspective and you must make Grunio hop on each block and reach a goal.  Some blocks will break after you hop on them, and some take multiple hops to break.  There are also blocks that can only be hopped on in a certain direction and more, so you must plan your path carefully.  If you mess up too many times, another guinea pig will show you the solution, but you still must do it yourself afterwards.

My only problems with these games is that since they were originally homebrew NES games, they didn’t have save files and you must use passwords to continue your progress.  And more explanation how to play would’ve been nice, too.  But otherwise, these are fairly decent action puzzle games that I certainly would’ve rented back in the day.

Kid Factor:

Nothing violent or objectionable here.  If you mess up, Grunio just falls on its bum.  Reading skill is helpful for some of the text, but not necessary just to play.  Gruniozerca Trilogy is rated E for Everyone.

Tags: Game Reviews