I'll never forget the first time I saw that golden trophy icon flash across my screen – 'Platforming Prodigy'. It Takes Two had already given me emotional whiplash with its heartfelt story of Cody and May's crumbling marriage, transformed into a surreal adventure when their daughter's wish turned them into dolls. But nothing prepared me for this. As a trophy hunter, I knew this was the ultimate test. The game labels it plainly: this is the game's most challenging trophy. And let me tell you, that warning isn't marketing hype. It's a brutal, controller-throwing, expletive-screaming gauntlet set in the most deceptively cheerful location: the Cuckoo Clock world. This is where relationships are truly tested, pixel by pixel.
Reloading at the Gates of Time
My partner and I had finished the main story ages ago, but this trophy haunted us. To even attempt it, you gotta reload the 'Gates of Time' checkpoint. Such a peaceful spot! All those charming clockwork mechanisms ticking away while minigames hide in every corner. But we weren't here for fun. We were trophy hunting. I scanned the rooftops, remembering how this area felt during our first playthrough – full of wonder, not frustration. Now? Pure focus. Every ledge mattered. Every jump counted. We ignored the adorable distractions because the real beast was waiting: the Helltower.
Finding That Damn Sign
Where is this nightmare tower? Took us forever! Then it clicked – behind the Bomb Run minigame. We scaled those rooftops like frantic squirrels, bird's-eye-view style. And there it was: that mocking sign. Just sitting there. Innocent. Deadly. The visual burned into my retinas:
Helltower. The name alone sent shivers. We dropped down, boots hitting dirt with way too much dramatic tension. At the base? Two innocent-looking buttons. Arrows pointed at them like some sick joke. "Ready?" I yelled to my coop partner. "Slam on three! One... two... NOW!" We stomped simultaneously. The ground rumbled. Gears groaned. And up it rose – this twisted monstrosity of spinning platforms and cruel angles. My palms were already sweaty.
Synchronized Stomping to Raise Hell
Getting the tower to appear requires perfect coordination:
-
Both players MUST hit buttons at exactly the same time
-
No hesitation – even a microsecond delay fails
-
Communicate clearly – countdowns work best
We failed twice before nailing it. That metallic clunk when both buttons depress? Pure satisfaction. The tower emerging felt like a boss intro sequence – except WE had to climb IT.
The Ascent: Where Controllers Go to Die
Let's be crystal clear: never attempt this with both players climbing simultaneously. It's suicide. One person climbs. The other watches. And prays. The tower's design is diabolical:
| Level | Platform Behavior | Danger Level |
|---|---|---|
| Lower | Slow rotations | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Middle | Retracting ledges | ★★★☆☆ |
| Upper | Spinning walls | ★★★★★ |
First few levels? Manageable. Just jump as platforms rotate toward each other. But higher up? Chaos. Platforms vanish if you hesitate. Others tilt violently. We fell. Oh god, we fell so much. Each tumble meant restarting from the BOTTOM. After the tenth fall, I developed a twitch in my left eye.
Then came the wall-jump section near the peak. Rotating walls. Narrow gaps. Timing so precise it felt cruel. My strategy:
-
Wait for walls to align
-
Jump ONCE per rotation cycle
-
STICK to the wall like glue
-
Breathe (optional)
Rushing meant falling. Greed meant falling. Blinking? Probably falling. When I finally grabbed that cannon ledge, I nearly cried.
Secret Shortcut Savior
After two hours of failure, we discovered the shortcut. Absolute game-changer! Behind the tower stands a building. Climb its roof. See that rope swing? Time your leap:
-
Swing momentum carries you
-
Aim for second tower section
-
Saves 60+ seconds per attempt
That swing became our salvation. Still brutal, but cutting out the first half? Hallelujah!
The Sweetest Cannons on Earth
When my fingers finally gripped those cannons at the summit, I unleashed every ounce of pent-up rage into firing them. KA-BOOM! Trophy unlocked. That glorious ding echoed through our headsets. We screamed. We laughed. We collapsed mentally. That climb mirrored Cody and May's journey – frustrating, painful, but ultimately triumphant. The game's toughest challenge conquered. Proof that cooperation can overcome anything... even spinning pixelated hellscapes. Years later, that trophy still gleams brightest in my collection. A monument to perseverance. And maybe mild insanity.
Leave a Comment