Act: Platypus [by Retro64]

Platypus does exactly what you would hope an independent game can do.  Namely, it gives you an experience that you won't get elsewhere.  The game is created almost entirely with claymation graphics.  This leads to making the game really look fantastic and completely different then anything else that is out there.  For this one reason alone, I recommend that you download the game and check it out.

The game was actually created some time ago by Squashy Software and released by Idigicon Ltd.  However the online distribution of the game was bought out exclusively by Retro64, makers of retro goodness, who took up the gauntlet and have modified the game with new play control options and a few other pieces to make the game more accessible by the wide audience, and have now put the game up for sale through their website.

Beyond the graphics, Platypus provides a shooter that feels a little like Ordyne for those who remember that classic.  You control a ship in a brightly colored world.  You can also have a friend join in and play together, a feature that is greatly appreciated.  Platypus has a rather simple array of weapons that work on a timer system.  However, as is the case with most shooters, loose your weapon and you'll quickly be looking for a place to hide as defeating enemies with your basic gun is near impossible on the later levels.

Each of the 4 levels is broken into subsections that play off of the same theme.  The backgrounds are brilliantly done with multiple levels of parallax scrolling to add depth and beauty to the game.  My personal favorite were the waterfalls at the end of the first level.  Watching a claymation waterfall was certainly a treat. 

While not Wallace & Grombit, Platypus does provide you with an experience that you have not ever seen before.  In addition to the graphics the sound is also quite memorable.  I found the play control to be a little rough.  I seemed to constantly be hitting ships inadvertently, and there were points of the game when I looked at the board and knew that no matter what I did, I would not survive.  What I perceived to be difficult play control will likely not affect everyone the same way, and this game does come highly recommended due to graphics that are a very singular experience.

Added: February 6th 2004
Reviewer: Russell Carroll
Score:
Hits: 3743
Language: english   

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