Friday, July 19, 2024

Pushover for SNES


Image: MobyGames

Pushover

Simple to learn, difficult to master


Genre: puzzle - platform

Publisher: Ocean

Year: 1992

System: SNES


Gameplay Score: 3

Gameplay Notes:

Controls take a minute to figure out but they're mostly ok. Your character is tiny and moves between predefined tiles. It can be difficult to get him to the right tile. Takes a bit of practice. Took me a while to figure out that pushing a domino left or right requires using the L or R button to go in the correct direction. Since you're already facing a given direction I was expecting it to be the same button regardless. The gameplay is good for a puzzle - simple to learn without a ton of variables. You don't have a lot to remember (I'm looking at you Lemmings 2). Instead you just have to use what you know (10 pieces) to devise a solution. However, the time limit and limited number of pushes are tacked on and completely unnecessary. You've got unlimited retries and a password systems so why bother having superfluous fail conditions for the puzzles?


Level Design Score: 5

Level Design Notes:

Very clever puzzle with a gradual learning curve and some great challenges. I could see playing this to the end.


Theme Score: 4

Theme Notes:

It's cute. The minimal narrative and setting of a bug helping a rat get his money doesn't get in the way or distract from the gameplay.


Art Style Score: 2

Art Style Notes:

Overly simple graphics. They went with the miniscule Lemmings-sized graphics which are charming but will also have you squinting to figure out what types of dominos you've got.


Audio Score: 4

Audio Notes:

Pleasant puzzle music. Not a distraction anyway. Cute but minimal sounds


Overall Score: 71

Review ID: 441



No comments:

Post a Comment