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The Splatters
Xbox LIVE Arcade
Microsoft Game Studios sent over a code for an odd titled game “The
Splatters”. I had no idea what to expect, then as the game starts and it
helpfully shows you what to do in this goo flying puzzle physics game…I
have to say, who knew playing with mutated phlegm could be so much fun?
Each level is filled with splashy bright colors and amusing little
characters that the player flings around and cause to explode in
splattering cascades of goop. As you play in the game and new puzzle
levels become available, you may get a little stuck on what to do or how
to accomplish the latest task in these deceptively simple looking
levels.
Fear not, the game does help you along to some extent, showing you how
to do certain stunts and how to get the best effect in your splattering
efforts. The bizarre game is rather addicting as you make your way
through levels and every time you get the desired outcome and the little
goober explodes and Splatters all over the place you get a strange sense
of accomplishment. It may be just an odd thing, sort of that man sense
of accomplishment by writing your name in the snow…. Think about it…
The
puzzles won’t over tax your brain but there are enough twists to keep it
interesting. Part of it is new abilities like limited change of flight
to better throw your Splatter into tight turns or challenging angles. As
the Splatter slams into a surface it disintegrates, or SPLATTERS hitting
other things, if you hit your target just right it causes a chain
reaction and little bombs go off of various colors. Pulling off several
stunts during a level may well net the player more points, the score is
influenced by how many stunts and how many bombs go off.
Some stunts are designed for certain devilish environments with their
own unique obstacles. There’s airstrike, flips and all manner of stunts.
When using several different types of combo moves the overall score
increases so cool beans. The variety of maneuvers dwindles down and The
Splatters soon turns into one of those games that are more of a casual
game, the kind that are best used in small spurts. In those small
spurts, the game is not bad at all. The environments are simplistic and
light in tone, though the themes are rather sporadic.
If
you are really good you can even find yourself on Splatter TV, it’s an
in game feature that players can share their cooler stunts and
achievements. The online leaderboard also offers some inspiration to
climb the charts yourself in your Splatter exploits.
The Splatters turns out to be an interesting past time experiment in goo
enshrouded physics. Played in short bouts it can be fun, but players may
find loss of interest over time.
Have fun play games
Edwin Millheim |
