Chameleon Twist 2 Review

The original Chameleon Twist was a first-generation 3D N64 platform game that had its share of problems but also possessed some inventive boss enemies and a certain degree of charm. It wasn't amazing by far, but it wasn't offensive either, and it ended up being called by many a "good kid's game."

In the first game, you played as a chameleon that used his long-stretching tongue to propel his way around a 3D Mario-esque world. When enemies attacked, you'd either gobble them up outright or snarf up items to spit at them, just like Mario's pal Yoshi. All these things remain true in CT2; however, you've gained a new move (a parachute glide) and lost something vitally important: control of the 3D camera.

The innovative boss showdowns still exist in the sequel, and that spark of originality can be seen much more readily in the stages that precede them; for example, having to knock birds off a balloon to end up at the same altitude as a power-up or gobble up and spit enemies at upright platforms to knock them down so you can hop on them. Unfortunately, the perspective problems lead to enough cheap deaths as to write off the game almost completely. This fatal flaw makes one think that developers didn't pay attention to the lessons learned not only from the first Chameleon Twist, but also from every other 3D platform game up to this point. It's a shame because otherwise the game would've turned out as middle-of-the-road charming as before. If you really enjoyed the last CT, then rent this one, knowing full well what you're getting into. Otherwise, avoid it.