Plonky

Run-through of the game

You guide Plonky, a wobbly ragdoll figure, through obstacle courses. The body does not move like a normal platformer hero: limbs swing, momentum carries, and a jump that looks safe can end in a spike.

Along the way you push, pull and lift objects, swing on ropes, ride carts and use blocks and switches to open the route. Hazards named on Poki include saws, explosives, crushers and spikes, so most rooms are puzzles of positioning as much as jumping.

The goal in each course is the finish. Move with the arrow keys or A and D, jump with W, Up or Space, and climb down with S or Down. On touch screens the same actions are available through on-screen controls.

Buttons, keys, taps

Four tricks that help

1. No.1Look at the whole room first and find the switch, the rope or the block before you move.
2. No.2Let momentum do part of the work; short steps give you more control near hazards.
3. No.3If an object is in your way, try pushing or pulling it before looking for another route.
4. No.4Stop on safe ground to plan the next jump instead of chaining jumps in a hurry.

Best fit

Players who enjoy physics puzzles and do not mind a character that behaves a little unpredictably.

Load and limits

• The ragdoll movement can feel loose at first, and retries are part of the game.
• It runs on Poki, which shows ads, and these can break up a concentrated attempt.
• Fine jumps may be harder on a touch screen than with a keyboard.

Next to it in the pile

• Drift BossTiming-based and quick to restart, with only one input
• Prismo ColoringA calm counterpoint if the obstacles get frustrating

Questions about Plonky