Montaro is a compact, humorous, and intentionally absurd indie runner that fully embraces its status as a light, carefree experience. Developed by JCKSLAP and published by 02GAMES, the game presents itself with no grand ambitions—its goal is simply to offer players a few minutes of silly entertainment wrapped in retro pixel art. At the center of it all is Montaro, an energetic Shiba Inu racing through a series of side-scrolling streets filled with cats, obstacles, hazards, and a surprising amount of meme culture. The tone is carefree and chaotic, built to make players smile through its randomness rather than challenge them with complex systems.

The core gameplay is straightforward: Montaro runs endlessly, and your primary job is to avoid dangers, collect coins, and keep the frantic pace going as long as possible. The obstacle mix includes everything from banana peels to police officers to cats lying lazily in your path, creating an unpredictable flow that keeps players alert. The controls are intentionally simple, usually relying on just a jump button and basic timing, but the constant movement and hazards create a rhythm that becomes oddly engaging. The randomized structure of each run gives the game replayability despite its minimalist design, ensuring that no two attempts feel exactly alike. Montaro’s light physics and bouncy animations complement this gameplay style, making each dodge or collision feel playful rather than punishing.

One of the game’s standout traits is its willingness to lean into eccentric humor. Montaro doesn’t try to hide its meme roots—its doge protagonist, visual gags, and comedic elements give it an identity anchored in early internet culture. Even its unlockable content, such as various dog costumes, emphasizes charm and silliness rather than mechanical depth. The visual presentation helps sell this tone: pixel-art backgrounds, expressive sprite animations, and exaggerated character designs form a cheerful world that feels intentionally nonsensical. The soundtrack and sound effects follow suit, supplying upbeat, repetitive tracks that fit the short-session nature of the game.

However, Montaro’s strengths are directly tied to its limitations. The simplicity that makes it enjoyable in short bursts also means the game lacks long-term depth. After several runs, players may begin to recognize that the core loop rarely evolves. There are no new mechanics introduced as you progress, nor does the game attempt to weave in new challenges or environments beyond its established template. This is not a game designed for extended sessions—it is more of a quick diversion, ideal for a few minutes of play at a time. Players seeking layered progression, detailed platforming, or skill-based mastery will likely find it too shallow.

Despite its humble scope, Montaro excels at delivering exactly what it promises: a lightweight, entertaining runner with personality. Its very positive reception on Steam suggests that many players appreciate its charm, low price, and pick-up-and-play nature. The game’s accessibility also contributes to its appeal; its extremely low system requirements make it playable on nearly any device, and its instant, no-tutorial gameplay welcomes players who simply want something relaxing or amusing after a long session with more demanding titles.

Ultimately, Montaro is a tiny bundle of eccentric fun—no more, no less. It offers a solid dose of cuteness, whimsy, and meme-driven humor, supported by a simple but satisfying runner structure. It will not engage players looking for depth or complexity, but for those willing to embrace an offbeat indie game built around a sprinting Shiba Inu and a barrage of ridiculous obstacles, Montaro provides a delightful and uncomplicated dose of entertainment.

Rating: 8/10

Another (very) easy 100% completion for under 1€.

Stay classy, Japan