I came to flip, I saw spikes, I conquered trinkets

Hello, dreamers!

Today I've got a game that is minimalist on its game mechanics and story, and uses that wonderfully for a challenging and fun game.

That's right, today we review

VVVVVV (Pronounced Six Vee's, as far as my knowledge goes), is a game developed by Terry Cavanagh, with music by Magnus Pàlsson 'Souleye', released for Steam and for the 3DS store.

The plot is relatively straightforward. Your ship crashed into this strange world, your crew teleported out, but the teleporter failed and sent everyone to a different place in the world. You, as Captain Viridian, must find everyone and rescue them.

Simple enough.

Nope, it isn't.

The key mechanic in the game is flipping. You can't jump, but you can alter the way gravity works, so you stand on the ceiliing instead of the floor, and vice versa, though it cannot be used in midair. This only has an effect on Captain Viridian, and is the only tool you have for exploring the world of VVVVVV.

Three flips up, two ways down. (Old Screenshot)

 Things stop being so simple at that point. The world has overworld areas and challenge areas. The Challenge areas each have a crewmember in them, and each has a different kind of design to keep you on your toes. Some alter the transition from screen to screen, making you wrap around them until you reach the only side of the screen that doesn't wrap, or some have white cords that make you flip mid-air.

Some challenges are particularly memorable.

The game has a checkpoint system, for every time you touch one of the moving holograms OR the spikes, you will die. This will lead to being returned to the last Checkpoint (the C in the above screenshot). This is almost instantaneous, so it doesn't take much time at all to be back to where you left off and try again, minimizing rage buildup.

Trust me, you'll need all the rage minimizers you can get.

Another thing to take note of is the soundtrack. I am horrible at describing music, but I'd say it's along the lines of chiptuney-16 bit goodness. Very electronic and catchy, and it is sure to keep you playing even if the game gets on your nerves.

If that isn't enough for you, the official releases come with player-made levels, one of which was made by the music composer himself, and another made by Notch, of Minecraft fame.

Truly, it is a sight to behold.

And a sweet game to play through.

If you can, get it either on Steam or on 3DS. You will not regret it (Barring the Vini Vidi Vici and Gravitron sections, but you'll find out on your own).

Recommended for fun gameplay and amazing music!

I hope you have a fantastic weekend, and keep on dreaming!

See you next week with another dream!

enistoja