SuperTux Review Summary

Combines a powerful level editor and engaging varied levels as a Mario alternative but suffers from unfair difficulty, unfinished feel, and poor controls.

Powerful built-in level editor: The level editor is a standout feature, praised for its creative freedom and endless possibilities. Users highlight it as a spectacular tool for creating custom levels.

Engaging and varied levels: The game offers many levels with diverse difficulty and thoughtful design. Players appreciate the classic structure and the variety of challenges across different stages.

Better alternative to Mario: Many users consider this game superior to Super Mario and Mario Maker, calling it a great free replacement. It is praised as a fantastic alternative that stands on its own.

Cross-platform support: The game runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it widely accessible. Cross-platform availability is a major advantage for users on different operating systems.

Beautiful graphics and music: The graphics and music are described as beautiful, fabulous, and high-quality. The combination of visual and audio design creates an immersive experience.

High difficulty and unfair levels: Many players report that levels are too hard, unintuitive, frustrating, or extremely unfair, with specific mentions of dark levels and difficulty spikes in world 2 and 3.

Game feels incomplete and unfinished: Several players describe the game as incomplete, unfinished, with no proper ending and still in early access after many years, lacking content like worlds and final reward.

Poor controls and physics: Players criticize clunky controls, unresponsive ladder grabs, short crouch slide, limited movement options like no B-dash, and issues with physics like slipping on ice.

Bugs, glitches, and softlocks: Various technical issues are reported: bugs on new OSes, softlocks during levels (e.g., A Maze in the Sky), freezing when skipping cutscenes, and general glitchiness.

Steam version is outdated: Multiple reviews highlight that the Steam version is not updated, lacking the latest stable update (0.7.0) and other recent changes, causing dissatisfaction.

Mario-like 2D platformer: The game is described as a classic 2D platformer strongly reminiscent of Super Mario, with side-scrolling, jump'n'run gameplay, and similar mechanics such as collecting coins and power-ups. Many players note its Mario-like style while also mentioning its own unique twists.

Classic Mario style gameplay: The game is repeatedly compared to classic Mario titles like Mario 2 and Mario 3, with similar level design, power-ups, and enemies. This nostalgic appeal is a strong draw.

Level editor included: The game features a built-in level editor that allows players to create custom levels. This is a frequently highlighted feature, encouraging community content creation.

Power-ups and abilities: Players can collect power-ups such as fire flowers and ice balls, which allow shooting projectiles. Size increases and special abilities like ground pound and wall jumps add variety to the platforming.

Free and open-source: The game is free to play and open source, available on multiple platforms including Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X. This makes it accessible to a wide audience without cost barriers.

Linux build is broken: The native Linux version is outdated and does not function properly, requiring users to rely on Proton as a workaround.

Plays great on Steam Deck: Despite the Linux issues, the game runs well on Steam Deck, providing a positive experience for handheld gamers.

Needs compatibility tweak on Deck: Some users report that a compatibility adjustment is necessary for the game to function properly on Steam Deck.

Forest levels not optimized: Performance issues are noted specifically in forest levels, suggesting areas of the game are poorly optimized.

Recommended for platformer fans: Many reviews recommend this game specifically to fans of 2D side-scrolling platformers, especially those who enjoy Mario-style games and retro platformers. It is considered a good choice for players seeking an engaging and positive platforming experience.

General recommendation for everyone: Several reviewers broadly recommend the game to all players, stating it is worth trying or giving a shot. This indicates a generally positive reception with wide appeal.

Value for being free: Multiple reviews highlight that the game is free, making it an easy recommendation. Players see no reason not to try it due to the lack of cost, and some specifically recommend it for this reason.

Technical issues with Steam version: A review advises ignoring the Steam version because it is outdated and unmaintained, instead recommending downloading version 7.0 from the project repository. This suggests a major problem with the official distribution.

Good for casual or short sessions: Some reviews note that the game is ideal for short play sessions and is suitable for newcomers to the genre. It is seen as a pleasant pastime that does not require a deep commitment.

Nostalgic Linux Veteran: Replays familiar levels for nostalgic satisfaction, appreciates improvements but may critique complexity; often revisits childhood memories. Motivation: Nostalgia for early open-source gaming on Linux and preserving childhood memories. Stance: buy.

Newcomer Platformer Fan: Plays through levels casually, enjoys colorful visuals and cheerful music; may experiment with the level editor. Motivation: Fun, accessible 2D platforming reminiscent of classic Mario games. Stance: buy.

Steam Deck: SuperTux is a classic Linux native platformer with mixed Steam Deck compatibility. While many users enjoy it without issues, others report the need to switch to the Windows version via Proton due to an outdated native build. Tinkering with compatibility settings is often required for a smooth experience.

Linux and Proton: SuperTux is a native Linux classic with excellent compatibility. The Steam version ships as an AppImage, which may require setting the launch option APPIMAGE_EXTRACT_AND_RUN=1. Some users also report success running the Windows build via Proton as an alternative. Beyond this minor tweak, the game runs reliably on Linux with no showstopper issues. Overall, it is a well-supported native game for the platform.

Need more levels: Players are requesting new levels to be added to the game. The feedback is straightforward: they have completed existing content and are waiting for updates.