The roots of all our problems

4.4 / 5

13,935 plays

platform

Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

4.4/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 13,935

Mobile Support: No

About The roots of all our problems

Dive into a mesmerizing indie platformer experience with The Roots of All Our Problems, a game that brilliantly blends soulful storytelling with stunning hand-drawn visuals. Take control of a whimsical helicopter seed on a quest to find the perfect place to grow roots—a journey that mirrors humanity’s own search for truth, purpose, and belonging.

Set against beautiful, ink-brushed backdrops masterfully colored with aquarelles, your adventure comes to life on every page. Each scan and brushstroke has been lovingly digitized, giving the game a unique traditional art aesthetic rarely seen in browser games. The cold press paper textures flicker with authenticity, while moody hues shift with the narrative’s emotional highs and lows.

But this is more than visual poetry. As you guide your delicate seed through intricate platforming challenges, you'll confront both the literal and philosophical obstacles that stand in your way. Navigate windswept caverns, ascend tangled thickets, and unravel the subtle clues left by the game’s enigmatic narrator. The medium difficulty strikes a perfect balance—accessible for casual players, yet layered with secrets and advanced mechanics that challenge even the most seasoned platform veterans.

Beneath the surface, The Roots of All Our Problems invites players to reflect on the blurred line between truth and deception, urging you to decide what to accept or question on your seed’s journey. Each accomplishment feels personal, every leap and gliding descent resonating with the game’s evocative themes. Updates keep the experience fresh, with new story branches and gameplay tweaks based on community feedback since its Global Game Jam origins.

Playable directly in your HTML5-compatible browser and completely free on itch.io, this indie gem is a must-try for fans of narrative games, visually driven platformers, and anyone seeking a fresh take on what it means to grow. Plant yourself in this artful story and let your roots find their way!

How to Play

Begin your journey as a helicopter seed by launching The Roots of All Our Problems in your preferred desktop browser via itch.io. The game is designed for keyboard play; use the arrow keys (or WASD) to move your seed left and right, and press the spacebar or 'Z' key to jump. To glide and harness the seed’s helicopter-like descent, hold the jump key mid-air, allowing you to navigate tricky gaps and control your landings with precision.

Your primary goal is to traverse each handcrafted level, dodging hazards and uncovering story elements hidden throughout the environment. Interact with narrative objects by pressing the up arrow (or 'W'), revealing snippets of the mysterious story. The game’s platforming sections require strategic timing and mastery of momentum—experiment with jump heights and glide times to reach elusive platforms or bypass swirling updrafts.

As you progress, listen closely for audio cues signaling story triggers or hidden paths. Pay attention to environmental details; not every truth is obvious, and some paths are unlocked only after interpreting clues scattered across the level. Remember, there are no time limits—explore at your own pace, immerse yourself in the art, and connect the narrative threads at your leisure.

For beginners, it’s best to focus on mastering movement and gliding while gradually experimenting with more challenging navigation as your confidence grows. Take breaks to enjoy the visuals, and don’t hesitate to revisit earlier levels for missed secrets and new interpretations of the story.

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Use short jumps combined with glides to maximize aerial control on tricky platforms.
Revisit earlier zones; new narrative elements may appear after certain milestones.
Listen for subtle sound effects—they often hint at hidden passages or story triggers.
Pause and closely study the backgrounds; visual cues often indicate secret routes.
Don’t rush—sometimes staying grounded and exploring pays off more than risky leaps.
Try various glide timings to master descent in windy sections and avoid hazards.
Interact with every object possible; the full story reveals itself to the most curious explorers.

Game Features

Stunning hand-drawn visuals created with ink and aquarelle watercolors.
Deep, philosophical narrative exploring truths and lies of humanity.
Challenging, physics-driven platforming with unique 'helicopter seed' mechanics.
Free to play in-browser—no downloads or installations required.
Atmospheric soundtrack and audio cues enhancing immersion.
Regular updates and community-driven enhancements since its Game Jam debut.
Secret paths, hidden objects, and alternate endings for replay value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play The Roots of All Our Problems on mobile devices?

No, the game is currently optimized for desktop browsers only and does not support mobile compatibility due to control and graphic requirements.

Are there any checkpoints or save features?

Yes, the game autosaves at key progress points within levels, ensuring you can continue from recent milestones without losing your journey.

Is The Roots of All Our Problems really free?

Absolutely! The game is free to play directly on itch.io. Optional donations support the developer, but full gameplay is accessible at no cost.

Do I need to download anything to play?

No downloads are required. The game runs in your desktop web browser via HTML5 technology—just click 'Play' on the itch.io page and begin.

How often does the game receive updates or new content?

The creators regularly update the game with new story elements, bug fixes, and improvements based on community feedback, so check back often for fresh content!