Velocity Noodle

Velocity Noodle (VN) is a stylish speedrunner where it’s all about completing the 48 levels within a set amount of time. You can ignore the timer and just finish a level normally, but then you’re going to miss out in terms of being taught how to utilise the mechanics. The timer forces you to get creative, and in turn, you learn how awesome the game becomes when you’re running around at full speed. I’m not normally the speedrunner type but I do enjoy the arcade nature and the learning curve when the games are accessible enough to a wider audience. VN is great about that, the times you need mostly feel right. There are some where you have to push yourself to the limit but it’s still friendly overall. The achievements are also excellent, they’re basically getting 48 gold times and finding all the chopsticks. There are 32 additional hard levels after completing the main levels, but they’re optional and luckily not required for the achievements. I’m guessing that these 32 levels are meant to please the hardcore speedrunners which is fine by me when they’re not tied to the achievements.
In terms of flaws, there are a few minor ones that don’t detract too much from the game. Firstly, the UI when selecting the levels could have been better. There is a lot of info to show you all kind of stats along with the total gold trophies you have earned. But the text is too small to quickly check which levels you have completed 100%. A golden colour on the level numbers themselves would have added so much to the game. The slide mechanic is awkward to pull off with a controller. You have to press down d-pad and square (x for Xbox) or the left trigger. Now this game is all about speed and slide only works while you’re already moving. It feels pretty bad on default, I’m surprised about it. But luckily you can remap the controls thanks to steam. I combined the 2 buttons on the right trigger and it works wonderfully. This last flaw might be just me but there were moments where the game behaved weirdly in unexpected ways. Like you’re suddenly doing a high jump or the game’s speed doesn’t keep up with my movements. Like there is some awkwardness that I can’t explain sometimes but it might be just me not understanding the nuances that come with speedrunning and how the mechanics are built around that.
It took me over 11 hours to get 100% on all the main 48 levels along with the achievements. I didn’t play the 32 hard levels aside from trying the first one. I don’t know, I just feel satisfied and done with the game. I recommend VN if you’re interested in mastering levels, especially from a casual speedrunner perspective. €13 is an okay price when it’s sold normally, it feels just right perhaps. But definitely consider it when you see it on sale or bundled with other games.

Steam User 3

Reviewed last year

Fun IL based platformer, none of the games challenges (collectible, speedrun times, and hitless levels) are too hard but it's a fun and chill experience overall. No real complaints besides the game could probably be a bit cheaper, but it goes on sale for fairly cheap so that takes care of that.
Steam User 1

Reviewed last year

Velocity Noodle (VN) is a stylish speedrunner where it’s all about completing the 48 levels within a set amount of time. You can ignore the timer and just finish a level normally, but then you’re going to miss out in terms of being taught how to utilise the mechanics. The timer forces you to get creative, and in turn, you learn how awesome the game becomes when you’re running around at full speed. I’m not normally the speedrunner type but I do enjoy the arcade nature and the learning curve when the games are accessible enough to a wider audience. VN is great about that, the times you need mostly feel right. There are some where you have to push yourself to the limit but it’s still friendly overall. The achievements are also excellent, they’re basically getting 48 gold times and finding all the chopsticks. There are 32 additional hard levels after completing the main levels, but they’re optional and luckily not required for the achievements. I’m guessing that these 32 levels are meant to please the hardcore speedrunners which is fine by me when they’re not tied to the achievements.
In terms of flaws, there are a few minor ones that don’t detract too much from the game. Firstly, the UI when selecting the levels could have been better. There is a lot of info to show you all kind of stats along with the total gold trophies you have earned. But the text is too small to quickly check which levels you have completed 100%. A golden colour on the level numbers themselves would have added so much to the game. The slide mechanic is awkward to pull off with a controller. You have to press down d-pad and square (x for Xbox) or the left trigger. Now this game is all about speed and slide only works while you’re already moving. It feels pretty bad on default, I’m surprised about it. But luckily you can remap the controls thanks to steam. I combined the 2 buttons on the right trigger and it works wonderfully. This last flaw might be just me but there were moments where the game behaved weirdly in unexpected ways. Like you’re suddenly doing a high jump or the game’s speed doesn’t keep up with my movements. Like there is some awkwardness that I can’t explain sometimes but it might be just me not understanding the nuances that come with speedrunning and how the mechanics are built around that.
It took me over 11 hours to get 100% on all the main 48 levels along with the achievements. I didn’t play the 32 hard levels aside from trying the first one. I don’t know, I just feel satisfied and done with the game. I recommend VN if you’re interested in mastering levels, especially from a casual speedrunner perspective. €13 is an okay price when it’s sold normally, it feels just right perhaps. But definitely consider it when you see it on sale or bundled with other games.

Velocity Noodle

Game Discussion

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Steam User 3

Steam User 1