There have been many titles that have been inspired by Nintendo's seminal series The Legend of Zelda over the years, so much so that it has almost become a genre in and of itself. With recent games like Tunic wearing their Zelda inspiration 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 with Zelda ties that are a little less apparent, like Snoozy Kazoo's vegetable-based adventure Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion.

At first, it doesn't seem like a game called Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion would have much in common with the fantasy-themed sword and shield romps that are the Zelda games. A sentient vegetable embarking on a life of crime might not be immediately reminiscent of Link's adventures, but there is plenty about Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion that would please Zelda fans. Now that Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion has 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.

RELATED: 10 Most Innovative Indie Platformers

Pixel Art And Puzzles

turnip-boy-commits-tax-evasion-gameplay

Name aside, once players get into Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion, the Zelda inspirations get a little more apparent. Its retro pixel design and sweetly simplistic aesthetic serve as strong reminders of games like the nineties classic The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and its gameplay consisting of boss battles, puzzles, and some low-stakes adventuring around colorful environments feels quintessentially Zelda-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 of Turnip 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 in Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion's straightforward but entertaining gameplay. It may seem simple, but evoking other beloved franchises like Zelda helps 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

turnip boy dialogue

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 Evasion may not be the most complex puzzle game or 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, but Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion avoids 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 Evasion is silly, witty, and embraces its irreverence at every turn. Its formula of puzzle-solving and exploration is so reminiscent of a Zelda title that it may not be breaking any boundaries, but it's a fun few hours regardless.

Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is out now on PC, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One

MORE: The Best Games On Xbox Game Pass (April 2022)