"Incompatible game genre fusion" done brilliantly
Toodee and Topdee is a is ultimately a precision platformer game, with unforgiving, but manageable, level design. What makes this game unique are the puzzles you must solve in order to progress to the next level. The concept of this game was to combine two "incompatible genres," in this case a side scrolling precision platformer and a top-down perspective puzzle game, and it was done brilliantly! Toodee plays in a 2D sidescrolling platforming world, while Topdee plays in a 2.5D puzzle world. In this game, these two worlds intersect, and you switch must get both Toodee and Topdee to a portal in order to complete each stage, by switching between them, and changing the game's mechanics. Often times, there are a combination of actions you must perform between both Toodee and Topdee within a very short timeframe, so fast reflexes are required.
Gameplay-wise, this reminds me of that old internet browser flash game, SHIFT. Typically, there is only one legitimate way to solve each level, to my knowledge at least; while the platforming can be unforgiving, it's not tediously difficult - I would describe it as a rewarding challenge. While I haven't completed the game yet, I have not needed to use a guide to figure out the puzzles so far, but I read on some Steam reviews that some other players have needed to use a guide.
I have found the level design to be consistent, yet diverse, and in this regard it's a really well-made game. The art style is charming, perhaps even nostalgic, reminding me heavily of Scribblenauts, and the background music is pleasant and captivating. I have found no notorious bugs while playing, and the game runs great! My only issue would be that the game is very short. The levels are quite short, and there are 5 stages of 20 levels, making for 100 total levels, and each level takes about three minutes to complete, and each world about an hour, so five total.
Despite the short length, this, again, is a unique, well-made, and charming game. Recommended.