Game Review by Josh Komon
Game Rating = 4/5
VVVVVV is an interesting name for a downloadable game. Likely, it was chosen to represent the spike strips that litter each stage of this classic style puzzle adventure. The creators of this game took many chances in design, relying more on game play than spiffy graphics. It might have been a worthwhile gamble.
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GAME PLAY
Players take on the role of a little alien guy as he runs through futuristic space settings. His capabilities are limited, but cover everything he needs to navigate the maze. He can run left and right, interact with terminals and change the direction of gravity. There is no need to jump, when one can run on the ceiling. This ability is behind most of the puzzle aspects of the game. Players have to time the switch just right, sometimes taking moving platforms into account, sometimes running while doing it. The V-shaped spike strips are not the only things that need to be avoided. There are plenty of bad guys floating around the screen in classic repeated patterns.
After the first few minutes of game play, the challenges get incredibly difficult. Fortunately, there are many automatic save spots, and there is only a one second delay between death and restart from the save spot. This alleviates much of the frustration associated with great challenges.
Graphics
VVVVVV is a clear attempt to look like a classic, old-school, 8-bit game. There is no doubt the graphic designers achieved this look and did so with smooth flowing graphics.The look clearly fits the style of game, but it likely would have been the same game, even if the quality of the graphics were improved.
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Audio
In the same vein, the game was designed to sound like it was twenty years old. Some may enjoy this, others may find it to be a cop out.
Creativity and innovation
Chances were taken in design and game play. For the most part, it works. This is not the first game with gravity shift but VVVVVV probably uses it the best.
Overall
VVVVVV is strangely addictive, utilizing just enough storyline to draw the player in and offering screen after screen of unique challenges. It may not be the most enjoyable game ever made but it will satisfy most who enjoy action in their puzzle games. 4/5
THREE REASONS TO BUY
-This is a game unlike any other.
-Unlimited lives and quick restart lead to reduced frustration.
-There are eight large stages to explore.
THREE REASONS NOT TO BUY
-$15.00 is a bit steep for a game that looks like this.
-There are only three real actions players can take.
-All the puzzles revolve around gravity shift, making them somewhat redundant.
