There have been many titles that have been inspired by Nintendo’s seminal seriesThe Legend of Zeldaover the years, so much so that it has almost become a genre in and of itself. With recent games likeTunicwearing theirZeldainspiration on their sleeves, fans of Link and his many video game outings have a lot of additional content to experience through similar titles. However, there are some games withZeldaties that are a little less apparent, like Snoozy Kazoo’s vegetable-based adventureTurnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion.
At first, it doesn’t seem like a game calledTurnip Boy Commits Tax Evasionwould have much in common with the fantasy-themed sword and shield romps that aretheZeldagames. A sentient vegetable embarking on a life of crime might not be immediately reminiscent of Link’s adventures, but there is plenty aboutTurnip Boy Commits Tax Evasionthat would pleaseZeldafans. Now thatTurnip Boy Commits Tax Evasionhas made its way onto Microsoft’s industry-leading subscription service Xbox Game Pass, it is the perfect time for players to try this charmingly ridiculous and engaging game.

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Pixel Art And Puzzles
Name aside, once players get intoTurnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion,theZeldainspirations get a little more apparent. Its retro pixel design and sweetly simplistic aesthetic serve as strong reminders of games like thenineties classicThe Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Pastand its gameplay consisting of boss battles, puzzles, and some low-stakes adventuring around colorful environments feels quintessentiallyZelda-like. Players take on the role of a defiant turnip named, unsurprisingly, Turnip Boy, as they avoid taxes, get booted from their home, and are sent on a quest to repay the overly-powerful Mayor Onion.
Turnip Boy can then cause havoc around the vegetable and fruit-inhabited community, ripping up tax documents and committing petty crimes if players so wish. The kooky cast of characters provides some ofTurnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion’s quirkier moments, and the ability to collect a variety of hats to adorn the player’s vegetable wrongdoer is a cute bonus. Gamers can harvest their own quest-aiding tools as well, as they complete tasks, take on bosses, and solves puzzles inTurnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion’s straightforward but entertaining gameplay. It may seem simple, but evoking other beloved franchises likeZeldahelps to add a level of nostalgia to the 2021 title, and the multiple endings on offer bring a surprising depth to the game.

Why It’s Worth Checking Out
High-octane AAA action games are all well and good, but sometimes players need a more sedate gaming experience. Xbox Game Pass is perfect for a blend of both, with plenty of diverse titles on offer depending on what gamers are in the mood for.Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasionmay not be the most complex puzzle gameor have a kind of guns blazing sensibility when it comes to its action, but it’s still an enjoyable experience with its fair share of humor. Its back-to-basics gameplay still manages to provide a fun and frolicking journey as players uncover the extent of the corruption in the vegetable-controlled society, with a story that is as surprisingly deep as it is nonsensical.
One of the worst things is when a game far outstays its welcome. Many a great title has been compromised by its drawn-out length, butTurnip Boy Commits Tax Evasionavoids this by having on average a completion time of around two to three hours. While some players may rightly complain that this is much too short, the game doesn’t represent a long commitment and could be conquered in an afternoon. This seems like a no-brainer for players looking to fill a bit of time with something undeniably enjoyable and could be a palate cleanser in between more serious and gritty gaming experiences.Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasionis silly, witty, and embraces its irreverence at every turn. Its formula of puzzle-solving and exploration isso reminiscent of aZeldatitlethat it may not be breaking any boundaries, but it’s a fun few hours regardless.
Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasionis out now on PC, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One