Mutant Mudds was one of my favorite Nintendo 3DS eShop games and one of the few times I struggled to fully 100% a game. When a new game subtitled ''Super Challenge'' was announced, I was both terrified and excited. How could this be made any trickier and keep that fair balance? While I tried it a little bit at MIX in June 2015, I had the time to sit down and play it at my own leisure at Gamescom. What helped is that I was playing it now on the handheld as I saw it only on a console before!

Mutant Mudds Super Challenge picks up where the original left off. It assumes that you fully played the first game and understand all the tricks it tried to pull. You will have to walk, jump, shoot and hover across a variety of platforming challenges and survive these to the best of your abilities. There is a heart system in place to give you room for error, but hitting spikes is an instant kill. If you managed to hit a checkpoint recently, this isn't much of an issue. They are few and far between though and you will often have to work your way back up from the beginning.

Unlike the original where there were more spots to regroup yourself, there is a rush to keep constantly going. Many of the platforms aren't exactly safe and obstacles are littered with Mudds everywhere. The first screen of the game makes that very clear and you will need to be on your toes. This is the most important if you want to make an effort to fully complete a level, as the gems are more hidden and put in devious spots. After a few deaths, I honestly tried to actively avoid them, but this was to no avail. They are shiny and Renegade Kid will just keep pushing them right in front of your face.

Another thing that makes Super Challenge tricky is the placement of the spikes. You will have to jump with absolute precision to make it across and one small mistake can cost you dearly. I wouldn't call them unfair, but they require a learning curve that isn't suited for beginners. Naturally, there is already a game for them and that is the original Mutant Mudds. It makes the move of Renegade Kid so admirable. While it iterates on the previous game, this new adventure is made for a select number of people and they will get a kick out of it. I will say though that I did fail constantly and I’m not ashamed to admit that!

Mutant Mudds Super Challenge looks and sounds like it should. There is still the layers mechanic, which gives you various plains to explore and uncover. It remains the most at home on the Nintendo 3DS, as those 3D effects really make that idea tick. What helps is that Super Challenge just looks nice on the system and brings a crisp look to whoever wants it. The soundtrack contains remixed tunes from the original and those give everything a brand new outlook.

Mutant Mudds Super Challenge seems like a fine game for lovers of the original. The ride will bring some harsh levels to the table and doing perfect movements is incredibly important. One mistake can send you a long way back, so keeping focus is of absolute importance. We only got a first tease of what we can expect and I would welcome more.