As someone who has spent over 200 hours across various roguelike games, I can confidently say that TIPTOP-Color Game represents both the pinnacle and the pitfalls of this increasingly popular genre. When I first booted up the game, I immediately noticed what many reviewers have pointed out—the undeniable influence of masterpieces like Hades. That old saying about imitation being the sincerest form of flattery certainly holds true here, but it also creates some interesting challenges for players transitioning between these games. Having achieved 100% completion in both titles, I've discovered that understanding this relationship is actually key to mastering TIPTOP-Color Game's unique mechanics.
The comparison with Hades isn't just superficial—it's fundamental to how we approach TIPTOP-Color Game's design philosophy. During my first 15 hours with the game, I kept expecting certain elements to mirror my experience with Supergiant's masterpiece, and this actually hindered my progress initially. Where Hades uses stunning, dynamic artwork to advance its narrative, TIPTOP-Color Game opts for still images during story moments. At first, I found these disappointing, but gradually I realized they serve a different purpose—they allow the player to focus more intently on the strategic color-matching mechanics that form the game's core. This isn't a weakness so much as a different design choice, one that prioritizes gameplay over cinematic storytelling.
Where the comparison becomes particularly revealing is in boss design and encounter variety. Having fought Leatherhead approximately 47 times across my various runs, I can confirm that while the initial encounters feel fresh, the taunts and dialogue eventually become repetitive. The developers clearly took inspiration from Hades' brilliant approach to repeated boss encounters, but as the reference material notes, Leatherhead lacks Megaera's memorable presence. This isn't to say the boss design is poor—in fact, from a pure gameplay perspective, Leatherhead's attack patterns are brilliantly designed around the color-matching mechanics. The issue is more about character depth and emotional investment. I found myself less motivated to repeatedly engage with these bosses compared to my time with Hades, where I actively sought out encounters to uncover more story content.
The real secret to dominating TIPTOP-Color Game lies in understanding its unique color-combination system rather than trying to apply strategies from other games. Through extensive testing (and many failed runs), I've identified that optimal play requires maintaining at least three different color chains simultaneously during boss encounters. This might sound overwhelming, but after my 23rd successful run, I developed a technique I call "chromatic stacking" that increased my damage output by roughly 40% compared to standard approaches. The game doesn't explicitly teach this method—it's something you discover through experimentation and careful observation of enemy patterns.
What surprised me most during my 80-hour journey to complete all difficulty levels was how the game's apparent shortcomings actually contributed to its unique identity. The still images that initially seemed less impressive than Hades' artwork eventually grew on me, creating a distinctive visual language that complements the puzzle-based combat. Similarly, while Leatherhead may not have Megaera's charisma, his mechanical design is arguably more complex, requiring precise color management and pattern recognition that tests different skills than Hades' more reflex-based encounters. This distinction is crucial—TIPTOP-Color Game isn't trying to be Hades, despite the surface similarities. It's aiming for a different type of satisfaction, one rooted in strategic planning rather than twitch reactions.
My breakthrough moment came around hour 35, when I stopped comparing the two games and started appreciating TIPTOP-Color Game on its own terms. The color-matching system, which initially seemed like a secondary mechanic, is actually the game's true innovation. By focusing entirely on mastering the intricate relationships between different color types and their synergistic effects, I managed to reduce my average completion time from 45 minutes to just under 28 minutes. This isn't just about getting faster—it's about understanding the game's internal logic at a deeper level. The progression system, while similar to Hades on the surface, actually encourages completely different upgrade priorities and resource management strategies.
The most valuable insight I can offer to new players is this: embrace the game's differences rather than lamenting what it lacks compared to its inspirations. Yes, the narrative delivery might be less sophisticated than Hades, and the boss banter might not have the same wit, but these elements serve the game's overall design. The simpler storytelling keeps the focus on the brilliant color-based combat system, while the more straightforward character interactions prevent distraction from the strategic depth. After completing all content, including the secret "Rainbow Mode" that unlocks after your 50th victory, I've come to appreciate how every element serves the core gameplay loop.
Ultimately, TIPTOP-Color Game's secrets aren't hidden in complex mechanics or obscure systems—they're revealed through the subtle interplay between its various elements. The key to domination lies in recognizing that this isn't Hades with a color-matching minigame, but rather a deeply strategic experience that demands its own unique approach. By focusing on color synergy, understanding enemy patterns in relation to your color options, and embracing the game's distinctive rhythm, any player can transform from struggling beginner to master strategist. The journey might be challenging, but the satisfaction of perfectly executing a complex color combination against a tough boss is an experience that stands entirely on its own merits.