Glover

Summary

Genre: Platform
Number of players: 1
Rumble Pak: No
Controller Pak: No
Expansion Pak: Not used

Review

Glover is an N64 game that has never really got much attention. I imagine that few people have even heard of it, let alone know about this very novel platform-cum-puzzle game. You control the eponymous Glover, a magic glove (you've gotta wonder about the people who make up these names), whose task it is to move a rubber ball from the start of each level to the end. It's original, albeit sounding a little strange. So, how does it play?


Gameplay: Well, the short answer is that it plays really well - if you get into it, and if it's the sort of thing you enjoy. The idea of the most important 'character' - the ball - not being the character you play as, and instead being a totally helpless object, is certainly a huge jump from your average platform game, and as a result there's a lot more thinking and planning required than you're used to.

As Glover, there are a number of things you can do to move the ball where you want it to go. Once you get close to the ball, Glover will automatically grab hold of it and become able to push it, bounce it, throw it, slap it, or even stand on top and roll it around. Also, you can change the ball's form, from the standard rubber ball to a heavy bowling ball, a metal screwball, or a fragile crystal which tends to smash upon impact. Separated from the ball, Glover has other moves at his disposal, such as a double-jump, a fist slam, and a cartwheel. There are thus a huge range of moves available, and the game exploits these to the full.

The tasks which you are required to perform require the use of all the available skills, and are very varied. From simple tasks like bouncing the ball up stairs, or turning the ball into the bowling ball in order to reach an underwater switch, to more complicated ones like having the ball swallowed by a flying monster in order to transport it elsewhere, then disposing of the monster and freeing the ball once it's at the desired spot - there are a huge range of challenges to attempt, and all are enjoyable to complete.

There are six distinct worlds in the game, each one made up of three standard levels, one boss level, and a bonus level accessed by collecting every single one of the numerous magic cards spread throughout each main level of the world. The boss levels are, by the very nature of the game, rather constrained battles, with very little actual 'action' involved, and usually requiring hitting the ball at the enemy or a target. As a rule, the boss levels aren't particularly exciting, although the fifth boss is a very well-designed challenge indeed, and the sixth-and-final boss does manage to put up a decent bit of action, even if it's rather easy.

The bonus levels are an excellent addition, and each one is totally unique. Ranging from a highly-enjoyable 'Frogger' game, to a crazy target-shooting mode, to a chase along a fiery canyon, each level is a joy to play, and well worth the time spent hunting for the magic cards. While they are a lightweight addition to the game, they are still top fun, and provide a great complement to the puzzle solving in the main game.

All in all, Glover plays really well, but if the puzzle/platform style isn't your thing, or if you have a low frustration threshold, then you probably ought to steer clear. Frankly, you'll either love it or hate it.


Challenge: The game is fairly challenging. Solving the various puzzles and tasks can require a lot of thought and careful tactical planning, since often a mistake will send either Glover or the ball plummeting off a bottomless cliff. Losing a life isn't a huge problem, though, since there are a multitude of well-placed checkpoints spread through each level, plus the game is very generous with extra lives. Suffice to say that the challenge comes more from figuring out and properly executing a strategy than from trying to do a whole level without making any mistakes.

Attempting to collect all the magic cards and completing the bonus levels provides a secondary, and equally challenging mission, and one which will probably take quite a while to do. As mentioned, the excellent bonus games provide ample reward for your efforts, so this challenge is an enjoyable one. All up, Glover is a game that will last you for a good while, and one that is still fun to replay, too.


Graphics: The game's graphics are attractive and solid. Everything is colourful, detailed and believable, and character animation is great too. Each world has a unique graphical style, from the bright and garish colours of the Carnival world to the moody and dark Fortress of Fear (yeah, crap name, I know). There are plenty of cute touches, ranging from bizarre enemies such as a lovesick female triceratops who literally tries to smother Glover with affection, to a living spacehopper who gives Glover a ride. There's not much that can be faulted in Glover's graphics department, although there's perhaps nothing that is stunning in any way.


Sounds: Each level has its own musical soundtrack, and each one is very well-suited, catchy and varied. It's only occasionally that the music will seem a tad repetitive, or a bit barren, and as a rule the music provides an excellent accompaniment to the gameplay. Sound effects are also good, including a few yells, whoops and growls from Glover himself. Overall, sounds are perfectly competent, and fit well with the rest of the game.


Summing up: If you enjoy this kind of action-puzzle combination, and get into the unique premise of the glove and the ball, then you'll find that Glover does what it sets out to do very well indeed. There are plenty of puzzles and challenges, good graphics and sounds, and it feels very original indeed. If you hate platformers, puzzles or just get frustrated easily, then you probably won't enjoy the game. Personally, I think the game's great fun, and makes the most of its novel premise, although not an essential purchase.


Gamesmark: 81%


Reviewer: Maverik



Tangycheese's opinion: I haven't really played Glover a lot, largely due to the fact that I don't like the idea, and I wasn't really taken by the gameplay. Still, Mav seemed to like it, but it's definately a case of love it or hate it. It's worth a look, but rent it first.