Note: this is footage of the PC version
Editor's note: Yes, I realize this has been out for a couple weeks already now, but these impressions were from a couple weeks before that; the hectic holidays made coordinating a publishing date with RMC a bit tricky. Bottom line: read below, and then check this game out. --cort
Not too long ago, one of those guilt-trip indie game bundles came along that piqued my interest (as they always do). Unfortunately I passed on it at the time because I frankly don't have enough time for games when I'm at a computer. As it turns out, vvvvvv was either one of the featured titles, or one of the bonus games tossed in free for customers spending a "fair" amount. Honestly, at the time, V6 (as I'll call it) was one of the most appealing parts of that bundle, though it alone couldn't outweigh my logic for passing on the bundle.
Pity that, because it turns out that the game is even better than I had ever expected. Its main idea is something of an explorative platformer, not unlike the original Metroid, though instead of weaponry, you control the direction of gravity either up or down. In fact, that's what every single button (aside from the directional pads) on the 3DS is mapped to do, so for a guy like me with ten ring-fingers, that makes the controls a cinch to use, yet mastering them takes quite a bit of practice.
V6 is in many ways a thorough test of one's virtues, patience, if I had to pick just one. It very effectively throws as many hazards at you as you can imagine, and then some. Often, any miscalculation or slip of the finger will result in merciless death; though the lack of graphical resolution limits any emotional reaction on the players part. I actually found myself carelessly tossing this rag doll of pixels around simply because there was so little to lose if I failed; when (not if) you die, you instantly respawn from the nearest of many, many checkpoints. Some seemingly easy obstacles found me pouring dozens of lives into conquering (i.e. the "purpley bit at 1:20 in the trailer above), but I not once felt cheated or annoyed. This game is about as evil as they come for difficulty, but it's the very best kind of evil man can craft and still be entertainment.
The presentation isn't much, but that is entirely intentional. Described as a kind of homage to the Commodore 64 era (my era), you rarely see more than a couple colors on screen at any given time, and they're usually arranged in clumps of coarse pixels or simple patterns. This simplicity not only adds to the charm factor, but aids in acutely focusing your attention, and trust me, you will need as much focus as you do reflexes. Surprisingly, despite the throwback style, the 3D effect looks amazing with its crisp lines and layering of planes. We're not talking SM3DL depth here, but a very basic yet attractive effect that neither adds nor subtracts from the gameplay, but definitely adds to the overall experience.
I had a blast with this game, and can't wait to giggle at the ridiculous number of lives I exhaust while attempting the most innocuous of tasks, and thanks to Nicalis helping bring this to the eShop, I can hopefully do so very soon. —cortjezter
