Trover Saves the Universe is a single-player action platformer and comedy adventure developed by Squanch Games for the PlayStation 4. The story follows a player character from the Chairorpian race who sits in a chair while holding a controller and directs a reluctant purple monster named Trover through a series of bizarre worlds to rescue kidnapped dogs and stop Glorkon from destroying the universe with their life essence.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on directing Trover from a second-person view as he navigates levels filled with platforming sections, combat encounters, and environmental puzzles. The player issues commands for movement, jumping, and attacks while the chair interface displays health and power information. Progress unlocks upgrades to the chair itself, including the ability to pick up and throw objects or levitate across three height levels. Trover gains new combat options through Power Babies collected in levels, such as double jumps and stronger attacks. The experience mixes direct control of Trover with puzzle solving and occasional morally questionable choices that affect dialogue and outcomes. The game supports both standard television display and PlayStation VR, with seamless switching between the two at any time, though VR requires separate hardware.
Game Modes
Trover Saves the Universe offers only a single-player campaign structured around five major levels at launch. Players advance through linear stages that combine platforming challenges, enemy encounters against Glorkon clones and local inhabitants, and puzzle elements that require using upgraded abilities. There are no separate multiplayer options or additional modes beyond the main story progression. The campaign emphasizes exploration for collectibles like green Power Babies that expand health capacity and red ones that restore health during play.
Story and Characters
The narrative revolves around the partnership between the seated Chairorpian protagonist and Trover, whose constant complaints and commentary drive much of the humor. Justin Roiland provides voices for many characters, contributing to the game's irreverent tone. Glorkon serves as the central antagonist whose actions set the plot in motion. The story unfolds across varied planets and settings that highlight awkward situations and escalating absurdity as the player upgrades abilities and confronts new threats.
Technical Features on PS4
The PlayStation 4 version includes DUALSHOCK 4 vibration support and runs in resolutions up to 1080p. It functions on both standard PS4 systems and PS4 Pro without requiring an internet connection for the base experience, though network features may apply to other aspects of the PlayStation ecosystem. The title carries an ESRB Mature rating due to blood and gore, drug references, mature humor, strong language, and violence.
Is It Worth Playing?
Trover Saves the Universe suits players who enjoy comedy-driven action platformers with strong voice performances and optional VR integration. The single-player campaign delivers consistent humor alongside straightforward platforming and combat that evolves through upgrades. Reviews have described it as one of the funniest games in its style, though some note that the gameplay remains relatively contained and serves primarily as a vehicle for the dialogue and situations. Those who appreciate the creator's prior work in similar comedic projects often find the experience rewarding, while players seeking deep mechanics or multiplayer elements may find it limited. The game remains available as a complete package on PS4 with no ongoing seasonal content or major post-launch updates reported.
