Developer: Puzzle Lab
Publisher: Black Shell Media
Platform: PC, Android, Mac, iOS
Tested on: PC
Proto Raider – Review
Puzzles might not sound like the most thrilling games on earth, but nonetheless, they can be quite fun. Take Proto Raider for example. While the concept of this game is very simple, you will have to be quite inventive and practical in order to finish each level. Put your brain to work to find your way out!
Story
When it comes to story value, there really isn’t that much to say. There is no story whatsoever in Proto Raider, other than getting your man to the exit in each of the levels, while not forgetting to pick up the key along the way. It’s a clear goal that doesn’t really need an elaborate story to go with it, in order for it to be an enjoyable experience.
Graphics
Proto Raider has quite a simple look to it, as it just consists out of a black background with colorful symbols on it. These symbols, being the symbols of the ASCII table, form the complete environment as well as the character you’re playing with. This basically means that your character consists out of nothing more than some stripes, as well as the letter ‘o’ to form his head and a hash tag for his belly. Nonetheless the bold colors still make the whole look appealing enough and match the simple controls and overall goal of the game rather well.
Sound
The music of Proto Raider is quite upbeat, yet rather soothing at the same time. There is some variation to the different tunes, but overall they all provide the same atmosphere and the same ones come back quite often. Also with every jump, there is a sound effect, which sounds quite generic but suits the look and atmosphere of the game well, without being too annoying to listen to.
Gameplay
The goal of this puzzle game is to collect the key each level, to open the door to the next level. The controls to do so don’t get easier than in this game, as the only thing you need to know is how to press your space bar. Once you press your space bar, your character starts moving to the right. From then on, the only thing you can do is jump, using your space bar once again, and change directions, but only when you bump into the yellow arrows that make you do so. You can also climb up ladders, again with the touch of your space bar, but you have to keep in mind that this won’t change the direction in which you are going. Climbing down ladders is impossible, which is also an important fact to know when you are planning your route.
You can die in all sorts of different ways, the most common one being just going in the wrong direction causing you to go off screen. Also bumping into enemies, falling into ravines or drowning are some of the endless possibilities. Luckily, the only consequence is that you will have to start the level again.
Since the controls are so simple, that is not the main thing you need to worry about. Don’t be fooled though, the game is not as simple as it sounds, as you will have to find a route to collect the key and get to the door, while preferably collecting the three chests that are to be found in each level along the way. Seeing that, once you have pressed the space bar, there is no stopping until you either reach the door or die, there are only two things to do. Either you choose to plan your route in advance, hoping you will remember to press your space bar at the right times to jump over ravines or fire or to climb a ladder, or you choose a path of trial and error.
Once you make some progression, the game starts to implement different things as well. Some levels, you will get a message that says ‘Lettering on an ancient tablet’, cryptically saying what you should do before being able to open the door. This means there is an extra task you will need to finish, next to finding the key and the chests. Usually it involves another character for whom you have to do certain tasks such as collecting all rings or diamonds, or digging your way through a pile of, well, dots. While this again might not seem like the hardest thing to do, it does involve quite some planning as well.
Every now and then there is a level where, instead of planning your way to the key and the exit, you will have to battle foes. These come in all different shapes and sizes, and are very keen on killing you. Luckily you can pick up a weapon with which you can cause your enemy some damage, again by pushing your space bar. Also, in these levels you can change directions by pushing that same bar, which can come in quite handy. Nonetheless, you have to be careful with what you do, as this means that by one push, you will do both things, which might not always be what you were after.
The further you progress, the more special features there are for you to pick up. These allow you to, for example, bend or fly. Here again, you have to be careful as to when to pick them up, as they might not be so handy in the beginning. Nonetheless, you do need them to be able to finish the level. Also moving surfaces such as boats, offer a change of pace, and direction. Later on, you will not only be running and jumping, as you will also have to swim and get through quick sand without dying. Also palm trees can be deadly, unless you pick up a chain saw.
Conclusion
While at first glance Proto Raider might look like a very simple puzzle game, there is more to it than meets the eye. You will have to plan ahead in order to achieve your goal, as once you start, you either finish the level or die. Things are kept interesting by adding different special features and changing up the levels every now and then, such as when battling monsters. It’s probably not the most exciting game available, but it looks rather appealing and is quite fun, while it challenges your brain too without overheating it.
Proto Raider - Review,
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