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Splot
Trine developer Frozenbyte is closing in on the release of Splot, a game that combines puzzle-platforming with an Angry Birds-like flick mechanic and a charming, whimsical aesthetic. Having played it, I can see a future in which this is the next big smartphone/tablet/browser sensation.
Splot is delightfully simple. Tap the screen to walk one direction or another. Tap your fairy companion to take control of her and free-fly around the level, pulling platforms around to change the layout, then tap back on Splot to resume control of the little gooey guy. Drag and release Splot to fling him like a bird trying to avenge its eggs, then optionally tap to have him combo-bounce around the level, collecting stars on your way to the goal.
The game isn’t hard – Frozenbyte says it has run tests where five- and six-year-olds are able to understand how to move Splot around and even complete levels – but competing for high scores is. Every level is laid out in such a way that you can combo your way across the entire thing, earning an obscene score multiplier in the process. Grabbing all the stars, while not necessary to pass, is a must for anyone looking to earn a higher ranking.
My brief playtime with Splot was enchanting. Gameplay is simple and levels pass by quickly, but in a fantastic Cut the Rope kind of a way. The guideline for jumps makes the gameplay easy and inviting. I was immediately drawn into the challenge of trying to line up and execute combos, which require a certain amount of both forethought and timing. It came as no big surprise to me that the look and feel immediately won me over, given the studio’s outstanding work in those arenas with the Trine franchise.
Splot is coming to iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, as well as PC browsers and digital retail, for free later this year. Frozenbyte will be offering additional level packs and new skins for Splot, some of which come with new skills beyond the touch-fling-jump maneuver, but the developer is vehement about the fact that players will get a ton of content for free and not feel nickel-and-dimed at all.
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