A delightfully quirky puzzler that's a bit overpriced at $10.
Gameplay consists of you moving Clyde around various maps, trying to overcome obstacles that run the gauntlet from easy to downright puzzling. Helping you in this quest is the fact that not only can you duplicate Clyde on the various cloning machines found throughout the game, but you can also splice the hapless hero's genes with various animals, like chickens, monkeys or even barrels of TNT. The player is free to switch between any of the Clydes during a mission. This is particularly handy for solving puzzles that require more than one pair of hands.
You must complete a grand total of 25 levels (plus 10 optional challenge levels) using these various mechanics at your disposal. In typical platformer fashion, the levels are themed around certain geographical locations, like swamps or the arctic. There's a twist to finishing a level though, as only one Clyde may leave through the actual exit portal that takes you back to the hub world. The rest can either be left behind to fend for themselves or you can guide them out through the air vents that are scattered around the levels for some extra points and a chance to earn one of those coveted Achievements.
Cloning Clyde also offers two online modes. Co-op is what you'd expect, allowing multiple players to control a Clyde and help each other out through the singpleplayer portion. Versus on the other hand features two teams of Clydes, each tasked with destroying the opposition's security machines. While not terribly deep, these modes are great fun over Xbox Live nonetheless.
Being an XBLA game, Cloning Clyde is obviously not a graphical powerhouse. But that's not to say that the game looks bad or lacks style. In fact, there's an irresistible charm to the visuals, thanks to a simple yet quirky art style and well-animated character models. The game also has a vibrant and colorful presentation, which only adds to it's appeal.
Cloning Clyde's audio world consists of simple sound effects, some hilarious voice acting from Clyde himself and sparse but wonderful music. There's not much there in terms of audio, but it's all quality stuff.
Even though it's a bit overpriced, you could do a lot worse than Cloning Clyde. It's mix of fun and inventive puzzle-based gameplay and charming visuals add up to a package that is well worth a look for anyone in search of some innocent fun.