In this World’s political climate, there have been some unsettling events depending on your beliefs. However, that does not stop the discrimination between what is pushed on Steam. In Trump Tariff, you take the role of “Trump” gathering “Tariffs”. Let’s see how it goes in our review of the Trump Tariff.
Trump Tariff
GENRES: Adventure, Indie
PUBLISHER: Valkeala Software
DEVELOPER: Valkeala Software, Tero Lunkka
RELEASE DATE: Feb 21st, 2025
*Disclosure: I received a free review copy of this product from https://www.keymailer.co*
Intro:
Trump Tariff is an offbeat, tongue-in-cheek 3D platformer that doesn’t take itself too seriously. You step into the shoes of President Holanka Trump from the surreal realm of Neverland. Your mission? Collect hidden country flags (or “tariffs”, see what was done there?) across six distinct worlds representing Canada, Mexico, Ukraine, China, the EU, and Finland.
There is not much more to the story beyond that. However, Trump Tariff is more about the gameplay rather than an actual story.
Gameplay:
The gameplay in the Trump Tariff is simple, yet engaging. Each level challenges you not only to explore creatively designed maps but also to dodge an assortment of hazards. These range from spinning saws and whirring chainsaws to unpredictable bombs. While a hit sends you back to the start, the frustration is part of the charm, pushing you to perfect your run and master the traps. There is no checkpoint system, so this game requires practice and perfect timing.
Controls are tight and responsive, making the tricky trap navigation both challenging and satisfying. Although the game’s mechanics might feel a bit retro or even simplistic compared to AAA titles, its accessible design ensures that casual gamers and platformer aficionados can enjoy the quick, replayable levels. Get out there and find those tariffs.
Presentation:
Visually, the game leans into its satirical concept with a quirky, colorful art style that perfectly complements its political humor. The environments differ noticeably from one country to another, lending each level its personality despite the underlying platforming formula.
The upbeat soundtrack and quirky sound effects add another layer of fun, enhancing the fast-paced, arcade feel of the experience. Each location has a different music track attached to it, which is supposed to somewhat represent the location.
Wrap-up/Conclusion:
At its core, Trump Tariff is a playful commentary on modern political and economic issues, reimagined as a lighthearted adventure. It doesn’t aim for deep narrative complexity, but rather for a few good laughs and some nostalgic platforming thrills. It can provide a moment of reprieve playing the game, but that is about it. It has some challenges, but once mastered, you will be taking Trump through each location as a master.
Until next time, mgs2master2 out!
Score – 7/10 – If you’re in the mood for a quirky, politically charged platformer with plenty of traps to dodge and flags to collect, Trump Tariff delivers a fun, if occasionally frustrating, indie experience that’s as entertaining as it is irreverent. If platformers are not your thing, you can avoid this one. Much better Platformers and adventure games exist.