Chameneon | PS4 Review

This challenge based, and chameleon focused gravity runner titled "Chameneon" takes the premise of Cyberspace as we know it, and turns it topsy-turvy. Within the game's lore Earth's citizens have discovered a new Earth-like planet with intelligent life. To communicate with it's resident population they created a speed of light based messaging system known as "Cyberspace". The catch, as with our own internet, is that viruses have found a way in. Through operation Chameneon they send in a virtual messenger to manually deliver the message. This method takes place in cyberspace, and on the rails therein. In a 2D fashion, no less. 

As a cyber chameleon turned messenger you are literally tasked with surfing the web with a message in tow. Riding on the rails you must time your jumps as you transition the given lanes, and avoid hazards while you do so. Gravity, speed, and trajectory plays a big part of this as it keeps you grounded and on the path so long as you don't slingshot yourself out into the void. Aside from delivery goals collecting energy in the form of lightning bolts, and old PC floppies helps you to 100% your delivery. A common goal spread out among 4 worlds, and 80 stages.

Chameneon, the game that it is, is a techno thumping auto-runner with gravity elements at play. You play as a Chameleon avatar who acts as the manually guided messenger for the Cyberspace initiative. Your trek from start to finish along the beaten pathway varies per stage, and world. Increasing in challenge, and layout complexity the more you progress. Each stage has a set of goals to meet, and unspoken rules to adhere to. As you surf the neon lines and shapes of Cyberspace you will collect energy charges, and floppy disks. Your completion percentage, and failures all tallied for record sake back at the stage select screen. 

As the designated chameleon messenger you have a few tricks up your sleeve. You can jump, and speed up your pacing via the press of a button. Your direction, and destination is determined wholly by where you jump to, and what side of the curved lines you take. In addition to the on rails ride Chameneon is also a puzzle platformer. Making a 100% run without dying being the challenge. Of course the more you progress the more difficult navigation becomes. As does the collect-a-thon portion of the experience. Expect to die often as you experiment with ways to make it from point A to point B. 

Visually, and audibly Chameneon is a game of neon lights, and galaxy covered backgrounds. Lending credence to the whole Cyberspace theme. The music itself has a techno vibe, and offers up a beat to keep pace with as you surf along the information super highway. Overall the graphics are very indie in nature. Mixed with pixel design, and applied artistic flair. Expect something that looks lightly like a Sonic stage, but floating in the outer depths of space. Taken on by a Chameleon sprite. Each world changing theme over a span of 20 stages each.

The Verdict ...

Burning Goat Studio's "Chameneon" is a hybrid gaming experience. Bordering on being a 2D puzzle platformer, and an auto-runner with collect-a-thon elements. The story is basic, but original, and interesting to boot. An alternate take on our real world version of emails, and the internet. Gameplay itself is fast, and fluid. The challenge ramps up 3 stages in, and doesn't let up as the remaining stages come into view. It is a game about perfection, and trying not to die in the process. Though a hybrid experience it might be, it is equally as cohesive and competently created. A brilliant challenge for those willing to give it a chance. It is a budget game sitting around the $7.99 mark, and more than earns that price tag.