We go hands-on with Mushroom 11's post-apocalyptic fungus

Mushroom 11 is a post-apocalyptic platformer, but rather than a hardened survivor, you traverse the game's ruined environments as an amorphous fungus.

Mushroom 11 will be coming to iOS and Android in early 2016, but for this hands-on, I've been playing the PC version of the game's first chapter.

Aside from its fungal protagonist, Mushroom 11 also stands out from other physics-based puzzle platformers due to its unusual control scheme. Rather than running and jumping, you move the fungus by erasing it.

Slicing and destroying sections of the mushroom causes it to grow elsewhere, resulting in a fluid, alien form of movement. Initially, traversal feels odd and unusual, but it only takes a short time with the controls before playing Mushroom 11 feels natural. The simple tactile controls seem like they're translate wonderfully to touch screen.

Mushroom 11's first chapter starts out simple, but soon delves into the unique possibilities of controlling an amorphous regenerating fungus. For example, dividing into two pieces and simultaneously controlling both parts to hold down a switch while moving through a now-open gate.

You learn that your fungus can be molded into any shape, able to fit through narrow tunnels or extend to bridge gaps or brace itself against surfaces. You learn that sacrifice is necessary to overcome the game's puzzles and hazards; your fungus will always grow back even if it’s melted in lava or if parts are left behind.

You're not the only organism in Mushroom 11's ruined world. Insect-like creatures can be found throughout each level, acting as hard-to-reach collectibles that test your fungus-molding skills. Tentacled growths that fire fireballs are your introduction to the game's less-friendly inhabitants; a larger thrashing version acts as the chapter’s boss.

Mushroom 11's world may be destroyed, but it's still lovely to look at. Watching your fungus mold around objects and grow is always satisfying; seeing its insides pulsing or seeing things it absorbs dissolving into splashes of color within its green form exudes an otherworldly alien vibe. Even more compelling are the environments themselves, sprinkled with graffiti, signs, and hints at the civilization that existed before.

Mushroom 11 will be coming to Steam this fall, and the developers have stated that Spring 2016 is a likely timeframe to expect the mobile version. You can learn more about Mushroom 11 and follow its development on the developer's site.