Game: Spheroids
System: Nintendo Switch
Publisher & Developer: Eclipse Games
Rating: UK 3+/ US E/
Price: £6.99/€7,99/$7,99
(Review code kindly provided by Eclipse Games)
Overall Feeling: Not Sure
In the 1990’s, I spent many hours playing what is now considered to be a retro classic, that being Pang. Pang’s objective was to travel the world, armed with a harpoon (the game’s default weapon), to clear the world of large killer balloons. After one hit, a balloon splits into two parts until it reaches its smallest form. Once small, if hit, the balloon completely disappears off screen. So being a big fan of Pang, I was intrigued by Spheroids which attempts to implement Pang style gameplay into a 2.5D scrolling platformer.
Storyline
The game’s protagonist is a young man called Lucas. His mission is to save the world from an invading alien force called Spheroids. By using professor Otto’s teleportation machine, Lucas travels the globe in order to exterminate the alien menace. It’s obvious from the start that Eclipse Games weren’t concerned about creating a detailed background story, and games like Spheroids don’t particularly require a deep narrative. But sadly, what little story the game has, it’s hard to read in-game because the text based discussion between Otto and Lucas is so fast that I struggled to read it. I didn’t particularly find the choice of font used within cut-scenes to be clear either.
Gameplay
As a platformer, Spheroids is a rather basic affair. It does offer some nice touches such as the use of grappling hooks, gravity boots, and collectible items such as currency as well as weapon power-ups. A Grappling hook enables Lucas to swing over large areas and cling onto moving platforms. By using gravity boots Lucas can flip up onto upper surfaces and walk across the underside of platforms. There are also numerous checkpoints scattered throughout each stage, as well as switches to open doors/gates.
Thankfully, Spheroids doesn’t rely solely on basic platforming; the game’s main drawing point is its modern take on Pang style game-play. Like Pang, the game’s protagonist is armed with a harpoon-like weapon, and the objective is to pop balloon-like enemies.
The game has numerous types of Spheroids to contend with. Red Spheroids are least challenging as they’re destroyed with one hit. Yellow Spheroids, once hit split into two, and this pattern continues until they reach their smallest form. Green Spheroids can reattach themselves to others of the same size; whereas the orange type ascends somewhat slowly, but then descends with a quick stomp like movement. Grey Spheroids are tougher and require to be shot twice, and others are simply impenetrable.
So many enemies on screen can make things feel very cluttered in Spheroids #NintendoSwitch pic.twitter.com/RQ9EiYrkSs
— Jonah (@weloveninty) July 25, 2018
In general, Spheroids does a decent job of mixing both platform and pang like elements together, but the game isn’t without its faults. Firstly, its levels are quite short, which means an avid gamer could speed through it in a matter of hours. Secondly, due to Lucas having unlimited lives, and the overuse of checkpoints, failure has little consequence. Following death, Lucas re-spawns at the nearest checkpoint, and enemies fail to reset, which means you can run through an already short stage with virtually no challenge at all. To make things even easier, various upgrades and abilities such as the double hook, extra hearts, and slowdown are readily available – either at the start of each stage or by destroying breakable blocks and Spheroids. On the other-hand, it’s also possible for a particular section to be so cluttered with enemies, the game simply feels messy and ill-planned.
I also feel that Lucas’ controls are in need of slight refining. Lucas’ movements feel a little loose at times, particularly while on Ice. The grappling hook even though fine, for the most part, can likewise be frustrating, particularly when there are numerous grappling blocks in close proximity. Another problem I’ve experienced is that a full press of the fire button while using gravity boots (in spite of the gravity bar still being full) results in Lucas falling, usually to his demise. There’s also a chance for weird glitches to occur such as those featured in the clip below.
My chief regret, however, is that the more I played Spheroid, the least interested I became. The game-play simply isn’t varied enough. After an hour or so, everything started to feel samey, and my enjoyment became less and less. Half way through, I was simply playing for review purposes with little enjoyment at all.
An interesting Spheroid glitch. Lucas' gravity boots will not work, and the Spheroid is phasing in and out. #NintendoSwitch pic.twitter.com/abJcbq1BJM
— Jonah (@weloveninty) July 21, 2018
The Spheroid eventuality shifts slighty to the right, and in seconds, disappears of its own accord #NintendoSwitch pic.twitter.com/lc6CVybCW8
— Jonah (@weloveninty) July 21, 2018
Graphics and Sound
I like the game’s Mutant Mudds esque 2.5D visual style. The game looks clean, colourful, and boasts a visual style that ‘s both retro and modern. The soundtrack is okay but not particularly my cup of tea. That’s not to say however that others will not enjoy it because Music is a matter of personal preference. What may simply be okay to some, may be extremely enjoyable and memorable to others, and so I can’t be too tough in this department.
Readers can obtain a better idea about the games visuals and sound by checking out the video footage below.
Overall
I have mixed feelings about Spheriods. I’ll always enjoy popping aliens Pang style, but whereas Pang is a much revered title, Spheroids falls short of capturing that same Pang magic. However, the game does have plenty of potential, and I hope that Eclipse Games will be able to use this as a stepping stone for Lucas and his Pang style adventures.