Cloning Clyde
Score: 90% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: Microsoft Developer: NinjaBee Media: Download/1 Players: 1 - 4 (Online) Genre: Platformer (2D)/ Puzzle
Graphics & Sound: Cloning Clyde uses 3D characters in a side-scrolling environment. The game definitely has its own unique style, giving the game its own character. I’m hesitant to say that the game uses cel-shading, but it looks like that is the case. The only reason I say I’m not sure is because even if it is using cel-shading, it is used in a completely different way than we’re used to seeing it. The game has an almost claymation look, which is what makes the style so visually appealing. There isn’t a whole lot going on in the sound department. Aside from a few short musical cues, the game is mostly silent except for Clyde’s comments and enemy attacks.
Gameplay: At first look, Cloning Clyde looks like a twitch-based platformer, something it is not. Instead, gameplay resembles something more along the lines of Lost Vikings. Each wing of the lab has a number of transporters that will bring Clyde to different areas. Once in a new area, Clyde must solve puzzles and destroy guard robots by using his ability to clone and combine his DNA. As Clyde travels through levels, he can pick up DNA strands and Killer Ken action figures. Action figures are there mostly for collection and unlocking purposes while DNA is incredibly important, especially in later levels. Collecting a certain number of strands earns Clyde one special attack. These attacks are usually enough to take out a guard robot. While normal attacks are usually enough, guards are accompanied by hordes of annoying creatures that can easily overtake you, either outright killing you or inflicting enough damage to leave you in a rough spot. Level layouts are fun, though they can become tedious, especially in larger levels where you are given small armies of Clydes to play with. A few levels even have you placing clones on switches across the entire level, which makes the task of rounding up Clydes difficult. On the plus side, you aren’t required to help all of your Clydes escape. In my experience, multiplayer games were hard to come by, but fun once you get an open session. Two to four players can play in both Co-op and Competitive modes. Co-op modes are little more than the single-player game with more people, though the Competitive modes offer brand new levels. Players are put on teams and charged with destroying the opposing team’s robots. Most of the elements from the single-player game are used in multiplayer matches.
Difficulty: Although Cloning Clyde requires a certain amount of strategic thinking, it rarely gets really complex. I was expecting to get stuck far more times than I actually did, which is kind of disappointing. Then again, I’ve played Lost Vikings more times than I can count, so that may factor into things. When I did find myself stuck in a level, it was usually because I was over-thinking the solution because the mechanics suggested more complex gameplay -- something I also found myself doing during Prey. In addition to 24 levels, Cloning Clyde also includes ten challenge levels that are unlocked as you clear each wing in the lab. As their name implies, challenge levels usually require a little more thought than normal levels. At the same time, the level of complexity isn’t that drastically different from normal levels, which is a bit of a let down. Most of the game’s more advanced challenge comes from trying to complete levels under the Par time.
Game Mechanics: Cloning puzzles are straightforward and usually involve Clyde cloning himself and then using the clone to perform some sort of activity. A majority of these puzzles involve holding down switches to open doors, but in later levels clones are used to power catapults and other mechanical devices. The catch is that you’re only allowed a set number of clones per area, so as the game becomes more complex, you’ll find yourself maneuvering your Clydes to different strategic areas. Most switches require one Clyde to hold it down, though some require that you place numerous clones on it until you reach a certain weight limit. Combining DNA is different than cloning. Rather than duplicating himself, Clyde can combine his DNA with any number of animals (frogs, monkeys, chickens…) as well as inanimate objects (exploding barrels, rocks…). Combining his DNA allows Clyde to take on new abilities, such as the ability to fly, swim, or detonate. Once combined, Clyde can’t be recombined or returned to normal, again bringing a level of strategy to the game. Clyde’s interaction with his environment causes a few technical glitches, but nothing major. I ran into a few instances where objects were clustered together and I would end up pulling a lever when I intended to pick up a rock. These instances are few, though they do introduce a headache or two in later levels. With so many “retro” re-releases hitting Live Arcade, it is great to see smaller development teams offering new games as well. While I would have personally liked the experience to be a little more complex, Cloning Clyde manages to find a nice sweet-spot that should allow both casual and hardcore gamers a fun experience.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
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