Game Review #131: Mad Age & This Guy (Nintendo Switch)
Reviewer: Jordan M.
Developer: SimFabric
Publisher: SimFabric
Category: Puzzle/Strategy
Release Date: 01.04.2019
Price (at time of review): $4.99
Buy Mad Age & This Guy from the Nintendo eShop here.
Steam Punk Meets Bomberman In This Kooky Blow-em-up Adventure
We find as the game begins that the world is upon the threshold of new and exciting technologies. The age of steam is upon us, as well as an era of science and new creations. However, there are those who would take this technology and use it for nefarious reasons. The secret plans for modern machinery have been stolen from the Academy of Science. It is up to you, a secret agent of an elite police unit, to find and punish the mad scientist responsible.
Dozens Of Levels of Bomb Blowing Delight
Mad Age & This Guy offers fifty-four levels of puzzle adventures over three different worlds: The Caves, The Arctic, and The Castle. Each level provides a new puzzle to solve. The objectives of each level are pretty much the same: complete the level, collect all parts of the secret machine, and eliminate all robots. If you're a completionist like me, you'll find yourself scanning the areas for every item box and bad guy. Bombs are found throughout the level to use for blowing up boxes, oil canisters, and enemy robots. A well-placed bomb can mean some seriously huge explosions. Remember, however, that just like boxes and canisters, you can be blown up too. Make sure to get well enough away when things get wild. There are also other hazards to watch out for, such as wall lasers and fire traps.
You Dropped A Bomb On Me, Baby
The controls are very simple and easy to pick up almost immediately. The A button is used to place bombs. Boxes can be moved by simply walking into them, as well as picking up bombs and other items. Some puzzles will require manipulating boxes on top of floor tiles in order to open pathways. Be careful you don't accidentally blow up a box you crucially need and have to start all over. Thankfully the levels are short, and having to start over several times isn't frustrating enough to make you not continue playing. The different areas in the game look great but some of the puzzles from time to time seem fairly similar.
Play it again, Nikolai
The soundtrack is kooky and fun. With the plucky piano/harpsichord and bouncy xylophone type sounds, this is a decent little soundtrack. Almost ominous undertones add to give it an almost feel of urgency during each level. At times it reminds me of an almost frantic cartoon, and it fits the game really well. For me, it also makes me think of early 1900s Russia/Soviet Union, which is fun. The sound effects are good and give a satisfying boom to your explosions.
The pixel-art graphics look good, but aren't particularly mind-blowing or anything. Mad Age will definitely remind you of the Bomberman series, however, both games play differently.
Will it Blow Up?
There is a lot about this game I like. First off, who can say no to chain explosions? Some of the levels get pretty tricky and puzzling. In our current times where games are being made easier and easier, I appreciate something which can offer a challenge. My main problem is that all the elements which could equal something great are present in this game, it lacked something that made me want to just keep playing. That being said, it is still a solid game which falls into a category of mild action/action puzzler. I think for the price point, however, a lot of people will find this a quick game to pick up and play a few levels on the go for several hours of decent gameplay.
Score: 8/10
Buy Mad Age & This Guy from the Nintendo eShop here.
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