Mr. Karoshi Review

Mr. Karoshi is an addictive puzzle platformer on the iOS marketplace.  Instead of the usual platforming experience, the aim of the game here is to kill the protagonist.  The depressed Japanese office worker longs to die and you must help him do so, by any means necessary.  Whether it is by throwing him onto spikes or setting up and intricate electrical circuit, you will kill him off and once you do the explosion of gore is strangely satisfying.


Karoshi's controls are simple and straight forward.  While they may not be intuitive for people who are not used to pressing virtual buttons, the standard iOS gamer should have no issue here.  During each level you must use these controls to direct Karoshi to interact with his surroundings, pushing boxes, firing guns and flipping switches.

The game contains fifty levels and each one looks superb on the iPod, with the games cute pixely retro charm.  The games graphics and sounds, go hand in hand with the games theme.  While the premise is dark it is also humorous and does not take itself seriously.  It is far removed from sleeping pills, or a rusty razor blade in a bath tub.  Along with these fifty levels there is also a bonus unlockable mini game.


The beauty of this game for myself personally, was the way in which some levels have multiple end-game scenarios and there are a number of ways to end Karoshi's bland and stressful existence.


Mr. Karoshi has a lot of charm and is unique in terms of what the iOS market place has to offer.  It is a must by, especially if you are a fan of puzzle games.


See the interview with the games creator, Jesse Venbrux here.


A unique and darkly humorous, puzzle platformer - 5/5