When you bring a platformer to a Nintendo system, the first and foremost thing that should be on your mind is that you’re diving into an eShop that Mario built. Even disregarding the more modern Mario 3D platformers, there’s no question that Miyamoto’s mustachioed plumber has pretty well written the book on how the genre is done, setting the bar incredibly high for others to reach for. The thing is, in this generation, precision platformers like Super Meat Boy and Celeste have also shown a new bar to reach for, asking a lot from gamers but giving back plenty in return.

What I love about BZZZT is that it feels roughly somewhere in between the old and new styles, while even throwing in some surprises to sweeten the pot as well. Starting out, you’re taken through the paces of multiple training levels. The developers absolutely do an outstanding job of preparing you for what’s to come, and you’ll immediately appreciate the crisp and accurate controls… which is a good thing, because you’ll absolutely need them along the way. What I also then appreciate is the feeling that the difficulty curve is quite reasonable for the most part, undoubtedly pushing you, but feeling about as gentle in doing it as you could imagine based on where the game wants to go.

One area where I then think the game reaches even further to distinguish itself is with all of the little hidden areas, and routes that you’ll stumble on from time to time. In particular, if you enjoy trying to speedrun levels and tune your time to be as quick as possible, it’s often these hidden spots that will help you get there, and I just appreciate the care and effort to help reward people who try to be thorough and find everything they can along the way. Then additionally throw in a little genre-defying action, breaking things up with some further unexpected thrills, and the game really feels like it’s setting itself apart, even among some very distinguished competition.

While perhaps it lacks the added layer of storytelling and messages of Celeste, or the crazy hidden levels and unlockable characters of Super Meat Boy, there’s no question that BZZZT manages to execute on that same level. While many platformers seem to aim for being challenging, far too many stumble where their controls are concerned, with half of the difficulty tied to fighting with your joystick and buttons. This is a title that instead leaves the only blame for failure squarely on your shoulders, while being so well-made that it will likely continue to keep you coming back for more.