Trover Saves the Universe is an action-adventure platformer created by Squanch Games with creative involvement from Justin Roiland, the co-creator of Rick and Morty. The Nintendo Switch version delivers the complete single-player experience through a second-person perspective where the player directs a purple alien companion named Trover across multiple planets.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on issuing commands to Trover from the safety of a floating chair. Players guide Trover through platforming sections that require precise jumps, runs, and attacks while collecting items scattered throughout each environment. Upgrades to the chair expand capabilities over time, including the power to pick up and throw objects or levitate across three distinct height levels. Combat options unlock gradually, allowing Trover to handle enemies with new abilities as progress continues. The game features five major levels that blend exploration with light puzzle elements tied to the chair mechanics.
Progression feels deliberate rather than rushed. Each level introduces new chair functions that build on previous ones, encouraging players to revisit areas for missed collectibles. The system keeps focus on directing Trover rather than direct character control, which creates a unique rhythm during longer sessions.
Game Modes
The primary mode is the single-player campaign that follows the main story across the five levels. Two pieces of free downloadable content expand the package with additional objectives in Important Cosmic Jobs and a separate Jopo Mode that alters gameplay structure for fresh challenges. No multiplayer options exist, keeping the focus entirely on solo play and humor-driven progression.
The Humor and Presentation
Dialogue drives much of the experience, with extensive voice work that emphasizes absurd situations and crude observations. The tone stays consistent with irreverent sci-fi comedy, using environmental interactions and character reactions to deliver jokes. Visuals remain colorful and stylized, supporting the platforming without overwhelming the Switch hardware in handheld or docked play.
Sound design reinforces the chair-based perspective through clear audio cues for commands and environmental feedback. The overall presentation prioritizes accessibility across TV, tabletop, and handheld modes on the Nintendo Switch.
Is It Worth Playing?
Players who enjoy short, humor-focused platformers with unconventional control schemes will find the campaign engaging from start to finish. The experience runs at a comfortable length without unnecessary padding, and the chair upgrades provide steady mechanical progression. Reception has been generally positive, with praise centered on the voice performances and the way the second-person mechanics integrate with platforming and combat. Those seeking deep multiplayer systems or ongoing seasonal content may want to look elsewhere, but the complete package suits fans of comedic adventures and light action-platform gameplay. The Nintendo Switch port preserves the core features while adding portable convenience.
