Review: Rotastic

[xy_game]Rotastic, an XBLA title developed by Dancing Dots is by far one the most entertaining puzzler/action titles that I have played in a very long time.  I’ll admit from the beginning that the genre isn’t on the top of my list to begin with. But, what Dancing Dots has presented in their current title certainly inspired me to explore the genre once more.

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During initial launch of the game you are presented with colorful and sleek 2D visuals along with quirky and giggle-worthy humor. Slap that in with the simple controls and you have and interesting mix. Players have the choice between the elf, the oddly carnivorous boar, acrobatic viking, and a skeleton that reminds me of a childish version of Skeletor. Other than that and character colors, customisability is pretty bare. With the release of Gears of War 3 around its release, Rotastic was easily forgotten in the gaming abyss.

Visuals were the first thing to catch my eye in Rotastic. Slightly reminiscent of Titan Studio’s Fat Princess, the artstyle has a vibrant yet satirical feel especially when combined with the cartoon carnage going on throughout each level.  When more was happening on the screen I found myself appreciating the art direction a lot more.

Everyone’s favorite neighborhood web-slinger has nothing on these rope-swinging vikings and elves. Controls are simple, at the single press of a button you can hook your rope to the anchor points scattered strategically in each level allowing you to collect the gems/jewels in order to complete the stage. Anchor points are usually placed in specific areas of each level that allow you a opportunity to  collect them simultaneously in which increases your score multiplier depending on the number of gems collected in a row. Pulling off acrobatic maneuvers around anchor points like figure of eights or full circles not only unlocks achievements but, is exponentially satisfying.  Anchor points locations change each level. As you progress through the wonderful world of Rotastic the simple controls become more of a hindrance as the difficulty is taken up a notch.

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I found that Rotastic’s difficulty is a two edged sword. In the later levels the game introduces breakable walls and obstacles such as sawblades and baby birds with gems in their beaks. While it does seem like a refreshing scene from the earlier stages the controls become a lot more frustrating than they should be. I found my self constantly stuck between objects and feeling claustrophobic. The smooth gameplay that was encouraged in the beginning becomes more of a slow-paced platformer.

At certain points in the game Rotastic gives a co-op feel however, the only form of multiplayer the game has is local four-player competitive. I felt a little disappointed that I couldn’t take on online friends with my pseudo spider powers. But, it isn’t really something that is necessary.  Just like when modern single player games feel the need to add a useless multiplayer feature. Rotastic boasts around 70 medieval capers to conquer as well as verses levels where you combat against other rope swinging warriors for bragging rights. Although I do feel that the AI could of been vastly improved such as when my opponent would often find himself stuck.

Rotastic is a fantastically underrated XBLA title. Which was vastly downplayed by the release of Gears of War 3. Currently in the marketplace for 800 :MSPoints: it is well worth its current price. I highly recommend it for both puzzler fans as well as hardcore gamers who want a well spent hiatus from games like Call of Duty or Gears of War.