The Observer, February 24, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 18
February game releases contain diamonds in the rough
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The beginning of the year has traditionally been the slowest time for new games. Much like how the movie industry treats the winter months as a dumping ground for awful comedies and mindless action films, the game industry figures that this is as wise a time as any to release poorly developed and unplayable garbage. These appalling diversions can make a quick buck for companies that do not wish to compete with the blockbusters of the holidays. Luckily, an eager searcher can occasionally discover a few exceptions to this rule; some publishers also try to promote their more avant-garde efforts during the bleak months of winter. Companies often are not rewarded for their attempts at innovation, but that does not mean that gamers can't benefit. Nintendo, as the time-honored leaders of ingenuity, have been pushing even harder to stress their devotion to making something different. In a recent interview the outspoken marketing executive of lup.com, Reggie Fils-Aime, exclaimed that the company was going to "innovate or die." Such serious intentions typically reflect their upcoming Revolution system or Nintendo DS, but Gamecube puzzler Chibi Robo also fits this promise.
Few thought this Japanese oddity would be localized, but then again, nobody could have predicted the steady decline of the Gamecube either. In Chibi Robo, the player controls a small robot that performs household chores. I imagine many of you are scratching their heads at the moment, but the concept is similar to hits such as Animal Crossing or The Sims. What makes this title stand out is the bizarre sense of humor. Surreal environments and offbeat dialogue may have limited appeal on the whole, but many gamers may find Chibi Robo quite endearing. The controls are occasionally imprecise and the lack of objectives may turn away action fans, but I'd still suggest a rental for curious Nintendophiles.
Nintendo is also continuing to support their successful Game Boy Advance, as Drill Dozer was recently shipped for the aging cash cow. This collaboration was developed from Game Freaks, the Japanese team that created the billion-dollar Pokémon franchise. Regardless of any hostilities one may hold toward that lucrative series, Drill Dozer is a completely original production. It is one of those rare side-scrolling platformers that attempts to do something new. All gameplay is centered on the title character's ability to drill into nearly every obstacle in the game. Level designs take full advantage of the unique premise, and a rumbling cartridge impressively manages to immerse the player in the chaos. Though it may be the final game for the wildly popular handheld, Drill Dozer is unconditionally excellent.
PSP owners should not feel left out, because Exit arrived last week. Ubisoft made a wise choice in bringing this game to our shores. All of the action takes place in perilous settings such as burning buildings and flooded malls. The hero, Mr. ESC, needs to discover the safest route to the exit while utilizing the help of others trapped as well. Puzzles require some trial and error but remind me of classics such as Lemmings or The Lost Vikings. Even if Exit was a mess, the Art Deco style is unbelievably beautiful and would warrant at least a look. Thankfully, there is plenty of substance behind the stylish exterior. Despite some sluggish jumping, Exit is as entertaining as puzzle games come. The entire package features a hundred levels and just as many more available for downloading online. Mr. ESC's debut may be the best PSP game to date.
I hear many complaints these days that too much emphasis is placed on the presentation of games, and that in general, companies are releasing the same first person shooters and sports games they have been for years. While developers may be turning to the future to address these problems, the less patient can already find several gems alongside more familiar games.
