Review - Chuck's Challenge 3Dby Paul Fiander
Format Reviewed on PC |
Developer: Niffler Ltd.
Publisher: Nkidu Games Inc. Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux Release Date:Feb 28 Steam link |
|
Puzzle games at their best should always leave you with a puzzled expression on your face. It seems an odd thing to say but if you are not thinking then the game is not challenging you and what is the point in that. So I’m pleased to say that Niffler ltd together with Nkidu Games has brought a spot of bewilderment to the PC that is sure to satisfy PC players for a good time to come. The game in question is Chuck’s Challenge 3D. Initially released on mobile devices in December 2013 the PC version comes to Steam with a number of enhancements including visuals and the now ubiquitous Steam trading cards, most notable however is a plethora of control options. It’s with the controls that we will start the game. Personally for this type of game I prefer a mouse; it just feels more natural to play a game like this. You can however also utilise a control pad or the WASD keys as well if that is your preference.
|
|
Quick Tip; There is a section on the games initial launch where you can alter the input settings for a controller it’s worth taking a look at this to get the feel right.
The varying inputs show a desire to make the game have more of a universal appeal and this is a very clever move.
The base board and tools of creation mode
In this world of DLC and expansion packs games are constantly being updated and gamer engagement is all important. Chucks Challenge though has gone down the user generation road to give itself more of a lasting appeal. As you dive into the menu it’s listed as create, from here a rather simple tool creation tool opens and you can have tonnes of fun creating puzzles that will drive the community mad. This is all backed up with an easy to use search function (again located in the main menu) with divisions between Top Rated, Local and newest as well as a level ID search function. These are all great for the game as a whole but the success of these can only really be measured over time once the community get a chance to play the game.
Quick Tip; Play Simon Says by player153187 levelid15176. It’s a great of example of who the puzzle mechanics can be twisted to make an infuriatingly wonderful level.
|
|
From Creator to level the process is very smooth and with a little practice you can really achieve something pretty cool.
|
Now on with the main show the game mechanics are the life and death of this game. There is a rather cutesy narrative involving Chuck and the star of the show Nook. I’m going to be honest it feels like a bit of a distraction. The true meat of this game is the puzzles and I would be happy if the story was not there. This is a personal thing and the story can be quickly skipped in order to get to the fun stuff (again personal taste). As I alluded to above this is an experience where manipulation of mechanics is the key to success, what Chucks Challenge does better than the majority of titles are almost drown you in mechanics in which to exploit. As you begin everything seems quite safe and easy but as you progress you are thrown a multitude of obstacles from aliens to skid panes all designed to hamper your journey to the levels exit. With 125 levels of mayhem to navigate through you will have hours of fun before even need to take advantage of the user levels. There is of course a reward system for completing the level in the shortest time and this does add extra value especially if you are the competitive type.
|
It's all about the Gold
|
10 points if you can spot the Ray
Graphically I’m happy with what I see, the levels are obviously small in design and the backgrounds are good with nice touches like the odd Manta Ray swimming along (see the picture above). The main aspect is though whether you are zoomed in or out the squares the boards are made up of always look defined all you precision when playing. As you can see below. This is especially important when playing with the mouse as you do not want to make mistakes and cost Nook his life. Thankfully though our little purple friend has more than a devilishly useful trick up his sleeve and a quick tap on the return key (depending on your control scheme) rewinds time and allows you to take a move again. This of course does make the game easier but the true test is complete the level without having to use it to grab that gold medal.
Zoomed out
|
Zoomed in
|
I doubt Chucks Challenge will be in the Game of the Year list come December but at $9.99 they have hit a purchase sweet-spot. Any more expensive and I think it would have driven potential purchasers away. You are however getting fun and relatively inexpensive experience for your investment. For true puzzle fans there is a load of content out of the box and with the user content (as long as it takes off) coming in it should keep you happy for a good while to come. For those new to the genre think of this as an encyclopaedia puzzlegamia, where you can learn the base mechanics that will guide you through many a game.
|
Good - Tricky and engaging gameplay, overall presentation, user creation mode.
Bad - Story, |
4/5 |
Game Supplied by Publisher
Images - from Publisher
Images - from Publisher
