In what may very well be considered the value of the century, Sheep provides fun and entertainment--for a while.

User Rating: 8.2 | Sheep PC
Before you pick up the box--at least before you put it back down--let me be the first to say, the images or descriptions you'll find are absolutely of no use. There's no real way to properly convey to a buyer what kind of game they're getting themselves into, and whether or not you'll enjoy it is really up to you.

Calling it an "action" game would be like doing the same for Tetris--while the gameplay involves a lot more input and fun than you'd normally find from its true genre bretheren, Sheep is, at heart, a puzzle game. The differences between your various Sheep breeds are minor and hardly noticeable, as well as your selection of sheepherders, but each of the "worlds" are nicely revamped and distinct--but in many ways, very much alike, leading you to anxiously work to see the next, but never stranding you in a whole new realm where you must re-learn the gameplay. It's this kind of set-up for the "story" mode that will keep you wanting to play it through, but as far as replay value goes, I'll be the first to admit... there isn't much of one.

Where Sheep truly shines is the value, of course--I picked up my copy at clearance from a Best Buy for $4.

But the game itself is well worth a more standard $20, as the graphics, although simple, are sharp and clean, the sheep models simply adorable, and the worlds nicely textured. The real beauty of the game is in the countless quirks, as so many of the game's features and aspects are designed to be fun and entertaining.

The sound is marginal, enough to provide a nice and immersive environment, but is certainly short of stellar. The soundtrack is original and spectacular, providing a tasteful atmosphere without overbearing or becoming too annoying.

The gameplay is, of course, the hardest part to describe. The developers' AS (artificial stupidity) leaves your sheep hard to maintain in a cluster, and having to negotiate them through a minefield can get a little annoying. Often enough, you may find yourself trying to pick up and run your Sheep one by one to the exit, although there are plenty of puzzles in each level to make sure you can't always make this possible. To some gamers, this could be a fun and engaging challenge. To others, this is enough to make you want to put a brick through your monitor and write a nasty letter to Mind's Eye.

If you're looking for an interesting and one-of-a-kind game experience, or looking for a cheap and cool gift, find yourself a copy of Sheep. Just peel off the price tag, first.