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Roly Poly Feed Me Tanked Up

Feed Me is a platform game released by Nitrome on July 31st, 2006[1]. The player plays as a venus fly trap who is trying to escape a greenhouse. It is Nitrome's fifth released game.

Controls[]

  • PC Mouse Left Click Click and hold mouse - Bite in clicked direction.

Levels[]

Each level consists of the player using the mouse to move the venus fly trap along the level while avoiding obstacles to an exit door at the end. There are also three watering cans in each level that can be collected for bonus points.

Level select screen[]

Feed Me level select

The level select screen

The level select screen of the game is portrayed like a map. It appears as the inside of a greenhouse with a trail running through it, and 15 white dots along the trail. Each dot represents a level, and displays information about the given level when clicked on, such as the name and number of watering cans the player has collected in the level. Clicking the "play" button will enter the level that is currently selected.

1 - Entrance Hall[]

This is the first level of the game. There are a lot of signs that can help the venus fly trap on how to move through the level, as well as how to play the game. This level contains only flies and thorns. The maximum neck length is 150.

To complete the level, the player should eat the fly, then follow the targets on the floor, and then eat the two flies, and collect the first Watering Can. Climb on the ceiling until it ends, then go up the wall.

Now go back on the ceiling, but move a little left of the first target on the second ceiling to find Watering Can two. Now, after getting back on ground, eat all of the flies. Finally climb the ceiling after getting the Watering Can to continue to the next level.

Click [show] to see this video


2 - Plum Run[]

Structures that appear in this level include purple trees with purple fruits, and two platforms. There are flies, bees and thorns. The maximum neck length is 130.

To pass the level, at the start, the venus fly trap should eat the two flies and the watering can. Move on the ceiling for a while, then stop over the fly, but stay on the ceiling. Now, when the platform comes, drop onto it. Eat the fly, and use the increased neck length to reach a watering can.

Now, on the lower level, bees are introduced and should be eaten, along with a fly. Grab on to the bottom of the platform, and move to the end. Before this, on either side, the venus fly trap may stretch out over the thorns to get the last 500-point watering can in this level.

Click [show] to see this video


3 - Dragonfly Alley[]

This level contains big mushrooms and a bush at the end of the level that makes big green melons. There are dragonflies, thorns and melons. The maximum neck length is 120.

This level has two rows; the bottom row has mud and dragonflies, and the top has melons. The watering cans are in indents in the ceiling. First of all, try to eat all the dragonflies that the venus fly trap can reach, then try to get the watering cans with the better neck length (the mud will make getting the watering cans difficult).

The player should now climb up by biting in the walls, then go up so the melons do not hurt the venus fly trap. When the venus fly trap is near the thorns, fall and move quickly, because another melon will appear.

Click [show] to see this video


4 - Orange Orchard[]

In this level appears some orange trees and bushes. There are bugs and thorns. The maximum neck length is 115.

Get the first watering can and go into the hole for the second. Eat all the bugs and then continue right. Get across the spikes by grabbing all of the small platforms and then dropping down. Try to land on the platform by grabbing the wall, then eat the last Watering Can. Grab across the lower parts of the platforms to get to the door.

Click [show] to see this video


5 - Pineapple Factory[]

In this level appears bushes, giant carrots and small carrots. There are snails, flies, bees and thorns. The maximum neck length is 120.

In the first part of the level, conveyor belts are introduced. After eating the snail, the player can go through a false wall to get a Watering Can. Proceed up and then eat the snail, followed by some climbing and fly eating. The player must then eat the watering can, although if he doesn't want to fall, he can miss it, as all watering cans are optional.

Climb the ceiling and eat the bee, and get the watering can if it is found to be safe. Proceed on the ceiling and climb onto the conveyor belt. After a little resisting, climb the wall and get to the door.

Click [show] to see this video

6 - Beetroot Juice[]

In this level there are big plants, mud, and some tomato plants. There are bugs, tomatoes, spiders, thorns and caterpillars. The maximum neck length is 165.

The player will start on mud near a tomato plant and a bug. They must pass the tomato plant and eat the bug, and climb the wall if he wants a watering can. The player will then fall and must eat the bug, and the newly introduced spiders (when calm) to proceed. The player can collect the watering can by the same means as above, or skip it.

On the lowest part of the level, the player must grab the ceiling to pass above the thorns, and then drop down, slide on the mud, and proceed on the next non-thorny ceiling passing the thorns, the player can eat five bugs and a Watering Can, then climb up a floor the player must grab the ceiling and cross the spikes, then ascend to the next floor, go back on the ground, and eat the caterpillar.

For the last part, the player must climb as high as he can go, and stop as the spider comes, then keep climbing. Then he must just drop, avoid the thorns, and finally exit through the door.

Click [show] to see this video

7 - The Pit[]

Small fat cacti, large thin cacti and lots of vines appear in this level. The walls are rocks, so they cannot be climbed. In this level the screen can only move vertically, not horizontally. Flies only appear on this level, and the maximum neck length is 125.

At the bottom, the player can eat the flies and watering can. As the walls cannot be climbed, the player must use the vines to get to the top. The player must shift vines as they get close, but they can risk of falling to get the other two watering cans, as well as three more flies. At the last vine, the player must cling to the little notch near the exit's ceiling, then move off when ready.

Click [show] to see this video

8 - Tulip Dome[]

Normal bushes, large bushes, short bushes and purple and blue tulips appear in this level. There are stalactites that the player can climb for to avoid the thorns, rock walls and a platform. Spiders, thorns, bugs, caterpillars and bees appear in this level. The maximum neck length is 130.

At the start there is a watering can and a spider. Eat both, then cross the spikes on the ceiling, drop down, eat the bug, and fall. Now the player should cross over on the bottom of the platform, climb onto the ceiling, get the watering can if wanted, and drop onto the platform. The player must then climb the wall/ceiling and get the last watering can, followed by getting to the top and, finally, leaving.

Click [show] to see this video


9 - Melon Kong[]

This is the ninth level of the game and in it are very tall palm trees, tall palm trees and melon bushes. There are thorns, bugs, and melons. The maximum neck length is 120.

In this level, the player must dodge melons in four rows, by clinging to the ceiling's deeper parts as they come. The corners are hard, but if the player is fast, they can drop down, get a watering can, and come back up. All three watering cans are obtained this way.

Click [show] to see this video

10 - Flower Power[]

Very tall flowers, tall flowers and platforms appear in this level. flies, bees, woodlice, butterflies, spiders, hoppers and thorns appear in this level. The maximum neck length is 175. In this level there are a lot of types of bugs.

To start, drop down on both platforms, then, cling to the wall and then the bottom of the second platform to ensure a safe landing. The player can then either go up a perilous climb for a watering can, or skip it and fall. Drop on the ground to meet a new bug, the woodlouse. cling to the ceilings as it rolls, or it will hurt the plant. Proceed right, until a wall appears. Climb it, making sure to change sides so the Plant is always on or above solid ground.

At the top, the player can either go up for a Watering Can or hurry to the end by going on the bottom. After a large drop, the player can choose whether or not to get that last Watering Can. This one is really dangerous too, so if the plant is low on health, don't try this. Drop down between the thorns and then eat the butterfly, followed by clinging to the bottom of the platform then to the ceiling. Then, finish on the ceiling or floor to the exit.

Click [show] to see this video


11 - Tomato Nursery[]

20?cb=20120317190109 Incomplete section. You can help by adding missing info. Needed: Proper walkthrough without the glitch, as the glitch is a bit hard to perform.
In this level there are mud areas, some bushes, a lot of bugs, a lot of tomato plants, and thorns. The maximum neck length is 135.

The fastest and safest way is to use a glitch to get right to the end by eating all the bugs, going back to the start, and constantly grabbing the ceiling and upper wall until the plant is at the end. But if the player wants to get the watering cans, he must cross the thorn patches on the ceiling while dodging tomatoes, and then get to the second floor. The watering cans are simply encountered on the path to the end.

Click [show] to see this video


12 - Transporter Room[]

Appearing in this level are big sunflowers, a small sunflower, and conveyor belts. There are flies and thorns. The maximum neck length is 120.

Eat the fly and the watering can, then cross above the spikes on the ceiling, fall, and then eat the second watering can. Proceed over the backwards conveyor belt on the ceiling, then take a shortcut and drop down, endure about three hearts of damage, and then drop onto the conveyor belt, eat the watering can, and leave.

Click [show] to see this video
This video contains audio that is not part of the original game soundtrack.


13 - Cactus Climb[]

Appearing in this level is a big green cactus, a vine, and platforms. There are caterpillars, thorns, and bees. The maximum neck length is 110.

Climb on the bottom of the first reach-able platform, then grab the other two and drop on the one with a caterpillar. Eat the caterpillar, then climb to the top of the wall and either drop down and eat the Watering Can in mid-air, or just cling to the moving platform at top and skip it.

Drop onto the stairs and go down for a watering can or skip it and go for the vine at the top. Grab the vine and ride it to the top, Then grab the Watering Can, and drop onto the platform and ride it. Finally, grab the ledge, go into the little nook, and then go through the door.

Click [show] to see this video

14 - Thorney Pavilion[]

In this level appear rock walls, small and tall trees. There are bugs, thorns, dragonflies, butterflies. The maximun neck length is 160.

Start by dropping down and eating as many bugs as possible and the watering can. grab the right wall and climb up, and grab the ceiling, and then drop down, grab the platform from the bottom.

Then ascend the steps to a wall, and climb it all the way up for watering can #2. Continue on the bottom of platforms and make it to the door, with the option of getting the last Watering Can.

Click [show] to see this video
This video contains audio that is not part of the original game soundtrack.


15 - Rose Enclosure[]

In this level appear tall blue tulips, platforms and a lot of thorns. There are butterflies, thorns.

Eat the butterfly and then drop onto the platform, and grab the optional watering can. When the platform reaches the part where a watering can is in sight, then risk 2-3 hearts of damage and drop through the thorns, get the last watering can, (skip the second) and wait on the left side for a left-moving platform, and, finally, go through the door to the end of the last level.

Click [show] to see this video


Ending[]

Penguin 1

This navigational box contains a spoiler. Click [show] to open the box.

The Feed Me! ending
In the ending, an image is shown of the venus fly trap in an open doorway, still in the greenhouse, silhouetted against the sunset as well as some other plants and a green sign nearby that reads "outside world". Words above read, in green text, "well done!" with words in white text below it reading "you have completed all of the levels and escaped the greenhouse!".

Hazards[]

Hazards are portrayed as different plants, and each one will deal one heart of damage to the player on touch.

  • Thorns - They are very common and can be found on walls, floors, and ceilings.
  • Melons - They spawn from a bush and roll in one direction. They break when they hit thorns or the Venus Fly Trap.
  • Tomatoes - They fall from the ceiling and hurt the player if they touch them.

Bugs[]

Bugs are found around the levels and can be eaten to increase the venus fly trap's neck length. They each stay in one area, but have different movement patterns.

  • Flies- Fly in a circle.
  • Bees- Temporarily attack if they see the Venus Fly Trap.
  • Hoppers- Hop back and forth.
  • Ladybugs- Fly around in the air and occasionally land on the ground.
  • Snails- Slowly crawl back and forth on the ground.
  • Caterpillars- Crawl on the ground at a normal pace.
  • Butterflies- Fly in one place.
  • Spiders- Quickly descend and ascend a string of web. They are harmful to the player if touched while declining.
  • Dragonflies- Fly back and forth.
  • Woodlouse- Will randomly get angry and roll at the player.

Glitches[]

  • When encountering the small, disjointed set of platforms in Orange Orchard (level 4), the Venus flytrap can attach to a platform, then aim for the top right corner of the platform below. This causes the flytrap to become embedded in the ground. It may remain stuck there for the duration of the level or its body will fall through the platform to the next open area with a ceiling of thorns.
  • Sometimes the camera will stop tracking the fly trap, causing it to go off the screen, but allowing the player to still retain control of it.
  • In the The Pit (level 7), the fly trap can sometimes ride the vines up through the stone walls.
  • Sometimes when the player attaches to a surface quickly while falling, the fly trap's pot will swing to where the head is supposed to be, while the head is seen clamped onto nothing.
  • In the level select screen, locked levels can be clicked and will appear as if they were playable. However, if the mouse is hovered over after this the little circles turn dark again.
  • Sometimes tomatoes will become displaced, and spawn on the ground and fall off the level or break and spawn while already falling in mid-air.

Gallery[]

Development[]

Feed Me's core game mechanic drew inspiration from Mat Annal after wondering how a venus flytrap would work if it was incorporated as the main character of a game.[2] In retrospect, Nitrome found that the neck extending function of the venus fly trap did not add much to the game[3]. The game went into development, initially being called Miracle Grow, but was eventually renamed to avoid potential conflicts with a similarly named trademark of a garden product.[4]. The game's final name, Feed Me, was based off the musical Little Shop of Horrors[5].

A pre-release page for the game with the URL http://www.nitrome.com/games/miraclegrow was present on the Nitrome site on July 2, 2006. This URL was supposedly used to showcase the game to Miniclip.[6]

Lee Nicklen, the game's composer, composed the game's music in July 2006[7].

Trivia[]

  • The name and gameplay of level 9 is similar to that of the old arcade video game, Donkey Kong.
  • If the player completes the last level on the same Adobe Flash build a second time, the ending will not display.

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Nitrome.com October 4th 2006 - News: 31-07-06 - Feed Me [Date is written in Day/Month/Year format]
  2. gotoAndPlay: Spotlight: Nitrome: Q: What are the games that influenced you the most in your work?
    [Mat Annal] A: ...Feed Me was purely based on seeing a Venus Fly Trap in a garden centre and wondering how it would work if it were the main character in a game., 27 Jun 07, retrieved 21 May 15.
  3. Touch Arcade: Super Feed Me (Nitrome) → post by Nitrome: There are also a few parts that are different between the games [Feed Me and Super Feed Me] ....for example we decided to ditch the idea of extending the reach of the neck through eating insects as we didn't think it added much to the original game., 11 Mar 10, retrieved 22 May 15.
  4. Game Developer's Blog - Nitrome: Play Iridescent! → comment by Nitrome: Miracle Grow was originally what Feed Me was called, Miniclip were worried the name might have problems with trademark for a well known garden product so we changed the name., 23 May 2015, retrieved 23 May 2015.
  5. Nitrome on Twitter: [1], 15 May 15, retrieved 17 May 15.
  6. Game Developer's Blog - Nitrome: Play Iridescent! → comment by Nitrome: ...it's a reasonable assumption that we used the page to show the game to Miniclip, 24 May 2015, retrieved 26 May 2015.
  7. Kayotix: Feed Me, retrieved 15 Feb 18.
  8. http://www.nitrome.com/games/miraclegrow/ on the Wayback Machine (archived 2 July 06 )


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