Verlet Swing. What exactly is a Verlet Swing? To understand this you need to know what Verlet Integration is, and in laymen's terms that is Newton's equations for motion. It is used for calculating trajectory in regards to particles in various types of simulations including that of the molecular, and computer graphics kind. I think it's safe to assume that this is the foundation on which Flamebait Games based their own trajectory focused swinging simulator. It's like they took Spider-man's web slinging antics, threw in a timer, and end objective to reach amid many obstacles and paths as well as an added a sort of 80's art flair. Something like you'd see on the old Trapper Keeper notebooks, and portfolio folders from back in the day. Keeping the mechanics simple, and the challenge progressively challenging the developer does good to create something unique among the speed run gaming greats.
In Verlet Swing you have, but one main mode of play, and an additional challenges listing for completing the game's 100 stages to perfection. In total there are 5 themed levels with 20 stages each including "Checkmate, History", "Mobyparty", "Nimis Non Laute", "Wondercon 1998", and "Crimson Court". Each with their own visual aesthetics. As you're swinging from glowing pendulum orbs to architectural structures you'll see things like historical statue heads, Greek columns, pizza slices, neon Japanese signs, and many other vibrantly colored objects that are used to help you swing forward to a highlighted end orb. The pathway to the end is never really simple, and is made complicated by the fact that hitting anything, or dropping to the ground will reset your position at the start of the stage.
Controlling what can be best described as a neon whip you will utilize the hold and release function of the "R2" shoulder button in conjunction with the orbs that turn yellow when close enough, and obstacles that act as a further means to make it to the end. The catch being that tilting the Left Thumbstick in any direction changes the trajectory horizontally, and the Right Thumbstick, vertically. Using these tools, and the knowledge thereof you must pick the fastest, and most flawless path to the end through sharp turns, makeshift hoops, and other more tricky obstructions that are meant to make your journey as seemingly complicated as possible. Understanding that there are ways to fast track progress, and take advantage of shortcuts is the key to making perfect runs.
As with the simple mechanics the speed run is simple in, and of itself. It is based on an upwards ticking timer that begins when you first hit R2, and swing forward into the given stage. When you hit that end orb the timer counting stops, and you are given a rating out of five lamps according to how fast your speed run was. The quicker you get to the end goal the better your end rating. In completing associated tasks, and the stages themselves you will complete the challenges listed in the main menu's "Challenge" listing, and ultimately unlock coinciding PSN trophies. Most challenges require completing a set number of stages in one go, or according to underlying goals in accordance to the various themed levels. Perfection is the key to unlocking them all, and earning the bragging rights of the speed run at hand.
The Verdict ...
Verlet Swing is an interesting take on the speed run genre. It does something not many other developers have done, and does so with a pleasing visual design. A design that, unfortunately, could trigger seizures in some people due to the constant swinging action, and the vibrant colors that illuminate the screen. Supposing you can withstand visual sensory overload, and don't get motion sickness I think it's safe to say this would be a worthy addition to any speed runners' game library. It plays smoothly, and allows the gamer to get back in on the action fast enough via restart that learning, and perfecting runs is not the overbearing task it could have been. You'll find the real challenge lies not in the mechanics themselves as much as it does the expertly crafted stage designs that will give you multiple path choices in an attempt to steer you from the most easiest, and obvious quick route. It's a proper mixture of 3D puzzle platforming, and speed run objectives. Simple yet effective in giving the player a noteworthy challenge. Without bantering on too much more I will say it gets The Gaming Inferno's fiery seal of approval! It's a challenging budget indie done right.
In Verlet Swing you have, but one main mode of play, and an additional challenges listing for completing the game's 100 stages to perfection. In total there are 5 themed levels with 20 stages each including "Checkmate, History", "Mobyparty", "Nimis Non Laute", "Wondercon 1998", and "Crimson Court". Each with their own visual aesthetics. As you're swinging from glowing pendulum orbs to architectural structures you'll see things like historical statue heads, Greek columns, pizza slices, neon Japanese signs, and many other vibrantly colored objects that are used to help you swing forward to a highlighted end orb. The pathway to the end is never really simple, and is made complicated by the fact that hitting anything, or dropping to the ground will reset your position at the start of the stage.
Controlling what can be best described as a neon whip you will utilize the hold and release function of the "R2" shoulder button in conjunction with the orbs that turn yellow when close enough, and obstacles that act as a further means to make it to the end. The catch being that tilting the Left Thumbstick in any direction changes the trajectory horizontally, and the Right Thumbstick, vertically. Using these tools, and the knowledge thereof you must pick the fastest, and most flawless path to the end through sharp turns, makeshift hoops, and other more tricky obstructions that are meant to make your journey as seemingly complicated as possible. Understanding that there are ways to fast track progress, and take advantage of shortcuts is the key to making perfect runs.
As with the simple mechanics the speed run is simple in, and of itself. It is based on an upwards ticking timer that begins when you first hit R2, and swing forward into the given stage. When you hit that end orb the timer counting stops, and you are given a rating out of five lamps according to how fast your speed run was. The quicker you get to the end goal the better your end rating. In completing associated tasks, and the stages themselves you will complete the challenges listed in the main menu's "Challenge" listing, and ultimately unlock coinciding PSN trophies. Most challenges require completing a set number of stages in one go, or according to underlying goals in accordance to the various themed levels. Perfection is the key to unlocking them all, and earning the bragging rights of the speed run at hand.
The Verdict ...
Verlet Swing is an interesting take on the speed run genre. It does something not many other developers have done, and does so with a pleasing visual design. A design that, unfortunately, could trigger seizures in some people due to the constant swinging action, and the vibrant colors that illuminate the screen. Supposing you can withstand visual sensory overload, and don't get motion sickness I think it's safe to say this would be a worthy addition to any speed runners' game library. It plays smoothly, and allows the gamer to get back in on the action fast enough via restart that learning, and perfecting runs is not the overbearing task it could have been. You'll find the real challenge lies not in the mechanics themselves as much as it does the expertly crafted stage designs that will give you multiple path choices in an attempt to steer you from the most easiest, and obvious quick route. It's a proper mixture of 3D puzzle platforming, and speed run objectives. Simple yet effective in giving the player a noteworthy challenge. Without bantering on too much more I will say it gets The Gaming Inferno's fiery seal of approval! It's a challenging budget indie done right.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Looking forward to what you have to say. Keep it clean, and keep it real. I will reply as soon as I can. Thanks for stopping by!!!
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.