Tricky Kick

Tricky Kick

Overview & History

Released by Naxat Soft in 1991 exclusively for the PC Engine (TurboGrafx-16) in Japan, Tricky Kick is a delightfully bizarre blend of puzzle-solving and isometric action that flew under the radar of Western audiences. Eschewing the standard falling-block formula popularized by contemporary puzzle titles, this quirky release drops players into a surreal dreamscape where the primary objective is guiding a bizarre, spherical protagonist named Dr. Trick through labyrinthine, gravity-defying grid levels. Its vibrant, pastel-hued aesthetic and jazzy, upbeat soundtrack mask a deceptively punishing difficulty curve that demands precise spatial reasoning and split-second timing. While it never received a North American TurboGrafx-16 release, it remains a cult-classic collector's item among retro enthusiasts for its unique conceptual identity and charmingly weird presentation.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Unlike traditional puzzle games, Tricky Kick operates on an isometric grid where players must manipulate environmental blocks, avoid bizarre roaming enemies, and collect specific keys to unlock the exit portal. Dr. Trick cannot jump high; instead, he relies on pushing, pulling, and stacking various shaped blocks to construct bridges and clear pathways across bottomless chasms. The game features distinct gameplay modes, including a puzzle-focused single-player campaign and a competitive head-to-head mode where players can send cascading garbage blocks to sabotage their opponent's grid. Special power-ups scattered across the stages grant Dr. Trick temporary abilities like block-smashing hammers and speed boosts, adding a frantic layer of real-time strategy to the otherwise methodical puzzle mechanics.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move Dr. Trick across the isometric grid
• Action Keys: Push / Pull blocks and use collected power-ups
• Enter: Start / Pause