I saw some online comments in passing comparing this game to Kero Blaster, and now is as good a time as any to support indie creators so here goes.

Turns out the comparisons are pretty apt: Crowtel (given the Renovations subtitle for its remastered rerelease that adds developer commentary and an extra story campaign starring a frog character) is indeed a platformer with shooting in a cute but prosaic setting, in this case a chaotic, run-down hotel. Crow is the manager, and when the “health inspector cats” show up to assess the business she must traverse the five dangerous floors to clean up the major malfunctions, while attacking sonically by spitting music notes at adorable pixel-art baddies.

Each floor has its own problems: overflowing with dirty clothes thanks to a wilful washing machine, iced over from a broken heating system, or even haunted by ghosts! These complications give each short but sweet level its own identity and hazards, followed by a boss fight that might fix it (one of these takes place while falling down a shrinking lift shaft!). The only change to Crow’s abilities along the way is that she picks up a phone handset at one point which acts as a charge attack. Since the game can be comfortably beaten in one sitting, it doesn’t really need any involved upgrade systems or anything.

After the final confrontation, it’s nice to see the critters you fought along the way helping to restore and clean up the hotel. Then, you unlock “Croaktel” mode, a prequel starring a minor frog character from the main game with three new levels (one being a remixed hotel) and two more bosses. In both these modes there’s some fun chippy ditties to accompany the lovely chunky pixel art, and I was also charmed by the Banjo-Kazooie-esque vocalised sound effects.

The Kero Blaster comparison is what brought this game to my attention in the first place, but directly comparing them can be harsh on Crowtel. It’s simpler and shorter, it’s got a juddery camera and some bugs, and lacks the polish the experienced and fastidious Pixel brings to his work. But that’s ok! Approach this without the baggage of expectation and you’ll find its creator Sink has filled Crowtel with heart and fun ideas. It’s lovely!