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About A Fool's Errand
A Fool's Errand is an indie platformer developed by IORAMA, released on November 20, 2025, for the Playdate handheld. It’s a single-player game centered on climbing an endless, twisting tower filled with shifting traps and grotesque enemies. The core hook is the Playdate’s crank control, which players use to navigate vertical challenges while dodging hazards that escalate in complexity. The tone is dark and claustrophobic, with a focus on tense, precise movement. It’s a minimalist but punishing experience that turns the platform’s unique hardware into a gameplay staple.
Gameplay
Players use the crank to rotate the screen and climb the tower, constantly adjusting their path to avoid sawblades, collapsing floors, and grotesque creatures. Each ascent layer introduces new mechanics like gravity shifts or timed obstacles. Controls are tight but unforgiving, death resets you to the last checkpoint, encouraging memorization of trap patterns. Sessions are short but intense, often ending in frustration or relief. The procedural generation ensures no two climbs feel identical, though the difficulty curve can spike unpredictably. The lack of a pause button adds to the urgency, making every rotation of the crank feel like a bet on survival.
What Players Think
A Fool’s Errand holds an 89% user rating on PlayPile, with 82% completing the first 10 floors. Average playtime is 6.8 hours, though 43% of players report over 15 hours. Community moods are split: 68% label it “thrilling,” while 32% call it “needlessly punishing.” Critics praise its clever use of the crank but note a lack of variety in later floors. One review states, “The best parts feel like solving a puzzle with your hands, but the later floors are just luck.” Achievement completion sits at 78%, with 200+ unlocks tied to survival streaks and hidden items.
PlayPile's Take
This is a niche pick for those who enjoy punishing but rewarding platformers. Priced at $19.99, it’s a low-risk buy if you’re a Playdate owner. The crank controls are brilliant when they work, but the game’s difficulty can feel arbitrary. Skip if you prefer relaxed exploration or linear challenges. For $20, it’s worth a try if you have the patience to master its mechanics.
Game Modes
Single player
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