VVVVVV – distractionware

Every now and then i get my hands on a game where i sit in front of my screen and all i can think of is: WOW! – This list of games just got a new member.

VVVVVV, a rather unconventional name for a rather unconventional game.

VVVVVV Screenshot

After first double clicking the binary, i immediately was excited. What i saw was a loading screen that looked like a de-crunching phase of a game or demo on my beloved commodore 64. And this theme goes through the whole game. Everything looks like a classic commodore 64 game, but is presented like a modern game with story elements and animations.

You are flying your space ship through space but something bad happens and you have to evacuate your crew and yourself from the ship. Unfortunately the evacuation teleporter did spread your crew members all over the space station where you traveled to.

VVVVVV Screenshot

Now you have to find them. The finding itself works in a 2D platform game mode. You walk through single screens and have to avoid moving objects, thorns and other stuff that prevents you from progressing.

The thing is: all you can do is change the gravity. When you hit space, you walk on the ceiling, when you hit it again, you walk on the ground.

The level design is creative and challenging, sometimes even hard, but there are plenty of checkpoints so you can try again and again if you have to (and you will have to )

VVVVVV Screenshot

Overall

One word: WOW! – Yes, there have been games with the general concept of changing gravity up/down and clear the level, but the whole game is a piece of art. The graphics, the presentation and the level design, all together makes this game a must have for fans of old school game play and good ideas. This will be well spent $15

Developer: http://www.distractionware.com/

Homepage and Demo: http://thelettervsixtim.es/