Go Gimbal Go (XBLIG): "A challenging 2D platformer fit for all ages"

When I first saw 'Go Gimbal Go' I didn't know what to expect. I passed up the opportunity to request it for review on many occasions simply, because I thought it was some childish game that wouldn't be fit for my audience of readers. I'm glad that the developer (Gimbal Lock Studios) decided to contact me though, because otherwise I would have missed out on this interesting title. In the email I received from the developer he told me what the game was all about, and from his descriptions I could tell a lot of thought went into the making of this game. While I did not see the game comparisons he saw (Super Mario Sunshine ...) I did notice some similarities to other classic video games. After spending significant time with the game I decided to post my review, and this here is that review.

'Go Gimbal Go' is a delightful 2D side-scrolling platformer that seems to borrow elements from games like 'Sonic the Hedgehog', and 'Bionic Commando'. The game itself revolves around a magical island known only as "Rainbow Island". This fantastical isle is populated by children who not only spend their day having fun, but who also do business as it would be done in the real world. Like an rescue story/game 'Go Gimbal Go' features an evil takeover scenario. Unlike your cliche "damsel in distress" plot this one involves a star born hero (Gimbal) who was called on upon by a captive child (Alice) to save her people from the clutches of the evil 'King Commandroid'. In order to rid this once peacful world of the Commandroid army Gimbal must race to the finish as fast as he can saving as many children as possible along the way. He will encounter vile Commandroid creatures who now inhabit the rainbow tracks of 'Rainbow Island' as well as other threats that stand in his way.

This somewhat unique indie game is presented in a fashion that is both visually engaging, and user-friendly. While it does present a worthy challenge for those who venture to best the game's top times (via leaderboard) it is still something that the younger generations of gamers can enjoy. Go Gimbal Go features 24 levels of gameplay that span several interesting locales including a beach, and even a futuristic city. As Gimbal you will be required to speed through sectional stretches of suspended tracks as you try to collect children who are trapped in bubbles. Along the way you will run into Commandroid enemies that will halt your progress. Keep in mind that is not the only threat that our hero Gimbal faces. You can also lose Gimbal's lives if you plummet to your doom beyond the given tracks.

Gimbal has quite a lot going for him despite his simplistic, and cute appearance. You'll find that aside from moving at a fast pace this circular hero can also grapple his way from track to track. He can even grapple the captured children which will add time to the in-game timer. Jumping is also a means of getting along, and can be done by pressing the (A) button. As far as maneuvering through the tracks goes it can become quite involved. Besides the straightforward slowing down (LT), and speeding up (RT) of Gimbal you can also flip Gimbal between both sides of a track (Left Thumbstick). This feature allows Gimbal to get past enemies that are placed on the track with ease. The tracks themselves also feature things such as warning signs to help you avoid dangerous situations, and rotating rainbow colored balls (can't recall the name ^.^) that allow Gimbal to slingshot from point "A" to point "B" (metaphorically speaking).

For those of you who enjoy a challenge 'Go Gimbal Go' has something just for you. Each stage within the game has three possible medals (Bronze, Silver, Gold) that can be earned if your timing is right. Collecting all the children within a level is not necessary to complete a stage, and gain a medal though. The children are merely there to add time to your timer. This should be kept in mind when you are trying to best your best time/s. Aside from the leaderboard scoring the game also features some hidden hats that can be obtained if you find them within a stage. In order to snag these prized possessions it is best that you try alternate routes during your playthrough as there are different paths that can be taken.

After playing this game for a while it began to grow on me (not literally). While the theme was a little childish in nature the gameplay was anything but that. It offered a decent challenge that even had me stumped on occasion. For all those competitive gamers out there this game will definitely put your platforming skills to the test. With that being said the game is user-friendly, and most of your time will be spent learning how to maneuver properly through each, and every stage. No two stages are alike in this game which is definitely a plus. It's the sort of thing that will keep you on the edge of your seat (not literally) until the game is finished. As far as recommendations go I think this is one of the better XBLIG games I've seen this year, and is definitely worth the points.