Spud's Quest (2014)

**Spud's Quest (2014)** is a charming adventure game for Windows that serves as a heartfelt homage to the golden age of gaming, drawing clear inspiration from genre titans like the Dizzy, Zelda, and Metroid series. Players step into the shoes of Spud, accompanied by his friend Prince Charming, on a grand quest to unearth four ancient elemental essences—the only hope for lifting a curse upon the royal family. The game masterfully blends a rich fantasy world with intricate puzzles and hidden secrets, featuring five "brain-taxing" temples and dungeons, enhanced by classic Metroidvania-style power-ups that encourage exploration and reward curiosity. Its authentic retro appeal garnered significant praise, with The Oliver Twins, creators of Dizzy, expressing amazement at the faithful emulation of their style, and Markus Perrson (Notch) commending its unique take on classic influences. This title earns its place among the "Best games by Mouldy Toof Studios" not just for its critical acclaim—described as "a love letter to the best of the retro metroidvanias" and "a truly joyful experience"—but also due to its profound connection to the studio's origins. Spud's Quest was the creation of Chris Davis, the visionary game developer who would later found Mouldy Toof Studios and go on to achieve widespread recognition with games like *The Escapists*. Though released before the formal establishment of Mouldy Toof Studios, *Spud's Quest* stands as a pivotal early work, showcasing the distinctive game design philosophy, creative talent, and dedication to engaging gameplay that would become hallmarks of the studio. It represents a foundational piece of its creator's legacy, demonstrating the independent brilliance that ultimately blossomed into Mouldy Toof Studios.