Tom Lander: The Exiled King
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About Tom Lander: The Exiled King
Tom Lander: The Exiled King is a chaotic aerial simulator from Heavy Photon, launching June 30, 2026 on PC and Mac. Borrowing from QWOP’s notoriously fiddly mechanics, it tasks you with piloting absurdly unwieldy flying machines through retro-futuristic levels. Expect to juggle deliveries, rescues, and firefighting while avoiding collisions and midair meltdowns. The game leans into its own difficulty, turning basic flight into a white-knuckled gauntlet. It’s a love letter to frustration and triumph, wrapped in a neon-soaked, pixelated shell.
Gameplay
Controls demand pixel-perfect precision, thumbstick nudges can mean the difference between soaring and spiraling into a dumpster. Each mission introduces new complications: dropping cargo mid-dive, battling gravity during rescues, or dodging debris in firefighting runs. Dogfights add frantic shootouts, but the real challenge lies in landing. Sessions average 10, 20 minutes due to frequent crashes, but the satisfaction of a clean touchdown keeps you coming back. The retro-futuristic art style pops, but the physics engine is a merciless teacher.
What Players Think
Critics rate it 88%, praising its “addictive chaos” (4.3/5 user score). Average playtime is 6.2 hours, with 62% completing all missions. 35 achievements track everything from crash landings to perfect deliveries; players unlock 75% on average. Community moods skew chaotic (89%) and fun (92%), though 78% admit it’s stressful. One reviewer wrote, “Controls are a nightmare but addictive.” Another: “Addictive chaos with a retro vibe.” Completion times vary wildly, some finish in 4 hours, others hit 20.
PlayPile's Take
This is a niche pick for fans of punishing simulators and QWOP’s brand of masochistic fun. At $29.99, it’s a short burst of frustration with a weird charm. The 35 achievements add replay, but don’t expect a relaxing flight. If you thrive on near-misses and landing strip meltdowns, it’s worth the investment. Otherwise, pass, your time (and patience) might be better spent elsewhere.
Game Modes
Single player
Achievements
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