A game I got for free which now I couldn't put a price on!
Graphics:
Easily the worst part of the game. But this doesn't mean that they're bad! The colours aren't as blinding as Mario 64, but keep along the same with lots of bright blues, reds etc. which is fitting for this type of game. Detail on rocks/other textured surfaces is lacking a little, but not so much that it ruins what is the pretty surroundings in Glover. The graphics do let the game down due to extremely short draw distance, but again, this doesn't affect the gameplay as the action is always around the glove and ball, not what is in the distance. Another bad point is sometimes on moving objects and such, glitches occur when you can fall through objects (such as the swinging boats on the caenival level) and some walls (In the same example). Altogether, I wasn't immensely impressed with the graphics but again, it doesn't make the game any less fun.
Gameplay:
Now, this is what people slate this game for, when really they shouldn't. It may seem a bit dull, getting a ball to the end of a level. But the real fun in this game is the challenges. Sure, people say that the game is ridiculously rubbish, but I can make a safe bet it's because they don't have the patience to try and beat the game. I'll admit it is extremely difficult at times, but that's no excuse ot rate this unique and chellenging game 1.0. Like i said, this game is totally original, and I'd have loved to seen sequels this. As I said the main objective of the game is to get the ball to the end of the level, avoiding things, killing enemies, activating switched etc. and sometimes requires a lot of mental skill, to think how to do things, and what to do at certain areas. Now this game has a simple story, but one that I think fits well with the type of game. Basically, he's trying to reclaim a castle from the grasp of the evil CrossStitch, an evil black glove who has taken the castle over. It's Glovers job to retreive the crystals (which is in the form of several different balls) and place them underneath the castle. But that's easier said than done. levels can be easy and difficult and the boss battles are a task to behold, and all of these features of the game do make it unique, and also a pleausure to play. Also, the differently themed levels make each new location different and interesting to play on so the game doesn't make players bored with samey surroundings and enemies. it truly is a brilliant game, no matter how difficult it may be at times. The training level is essential to new players, as the game is difficult to figure out (see controls) if you're working it out on your own. Time trials and collecting the cars like things, give this game space for a while of replay value.
Sound:
Each level/place has a different music track. Playing the game I didn't find any annoying music, and it was nice, as each set of themed levels (pirates, atlantis etc) had totally nw music, and each of the 3 levels themed on that also had a different tune in the background! The sound effects are quite cute, with all of them making a nice little noise when itmes are collected etc. The only problem is that the ball rolling sound doesnt seem to change when you change the ball, but that's just something I noticed as the bouncy ball sounds the same as the bowlong ball and it was just a bit weird. But no major ear destroying sounds in this game. It's all nice little jingles and tunes playing throughout.
Controls:
Almost all of the buttons used, and some used more than once! They are difficult to pick up, but the tutorial level makes them known for new players, and is almost essential for you to succeed at this game. mainly, the controls are sound, sometimes it can be frustrating pressing the wrong button as there are so many that are used, but this is just players fault, not of the game. As there are so many controls etc, it makes the game more challenging as the player is forced tothink about the controls before performing certain actions. I feel this improves the depth to the game, as you can't simply waltz through levels and you need ot think about the controls to suit the situation. Easy access too all buttons makes the controls easy to use, once you know all the commands. All around decent controls. Joystick makes navigating the levels easy, and the C buttons make changing views a breeze.
Overall:
As I got this game for free, I can't say it was a good investment. However if I id pay for it (and it's going very cheap on ebay uk) I would be extremely happy knowing it went on this game. I think this game deserves a lot better than the slating it gets, it's just people need to give it time and those who take the time to play it, realise what a great game this truly is. This game has easily earned a place in my favourite games of all time. I'm just so glad I stumbled across it!
Summed up in 4 words:
One of a kind