Super Meat Boy
Available for: Xbox 360 (soon on WiiWare and PC)
Game Developer: Team Meat
Release Date: October 20, 2010 (Xbox 360)
Official Website: supermeatboy.com
Review Summary:
Super Meat Boy is a game which spoofs so many games that have been released in the past. At the same time, Super Meat Boy creates its own sense of style and highly addicting gameplay in its digital buffoonery. The combination of precise controls, vintage gaming history drenched within, and clever characters make Super Meat Boy highly appealing and addicting.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Super Meat Boy review
There are few games, which can take frustration to a breaking point like no other, and still draw you in continually for more. I won’t be subjected to the term sadomasochist but when it comes to Super Meat Boy by Edmund McMillen and Tommy Refenes, I am just that.
Super Meat Boy is simple in premise. It is the classic tale of a hero who must save a princess from an evildoer. The titular character is none other than Meat Boy, who must save Bandage Girl from the despicable and oft-kilter Dr. Fetus. The game is split into five worlds of some of the most cleverly crafted levels, which are more like puzzles.
The structure of the levels is to get from point A to B, in a matter of mere seconds, while dodging expertly placed obstacles and rescuing Bandage Girl. The faster the level completion, the more chances of achieving an A+ score which unlocks a mirror level in Dr. Fetus’ Dark World. The game never gets stagnant in level design, and in the moments I’ve wanted to toss expletives at the game itself, I find myself coming back for more punishment from this nearly perfect platformer/puzzle game.
For fans of old-school gaming on 8-Bit consoles, you will definitely adore the homage to the technology and games of yesteryear. There are plenty of spins on classic games (Street Fighter 2, Super Mario Bros. 2, etc.) littered throughout the time spent in the universe of Super Meat Boy. In the levels known as “Warp Zones,” Meat Boy will be able to unlock characters (Commander Video from Bit.Trip.Runner and many other games like Braid, etc.) to join his motley crew. These levels are the ultimate dedication to vintage titles of gaming history.
The control system is fairly simple. One button to jump, one to run. Yet in its simplicity the developers have made some of the best controls I’ve used in a platform game. In the form of the characters’ “floaty” style mechanics, this is crucial. Games like LittleBigPlanet lost my attention with that style of control yet the two producers of Super Meat Boy have accomplished perfection.
The sound design is also a fine-tuned element. Chiptune sonatas, if you may, decorate the highly entertaining time I had in the game. Never once did I tire of the music that was utilized in this exceptional game, even if it may seem dated in comparison to other platform titles out.
Super Meat Boy features over 300 levels alone with one playthrough and many more available later online with a hidden character in the game. There is an abundance of replay value to be had in this downloadable game. Upon each level’s completion, there is a sense of satisfaction. Super Meat Boy is definitely a game for perfectionists.
To say Super Meat Boy is one of the best downloadable games I’ve ever played would be an understatement. I cannot deny this game its rights to sit in the same seat of greatness, including non-downloadable classics. Super Meat Boy is one memorable game.
###
Thanks to Team Meat and Microsoft for making this review possible!
Gameplay video from Super Meat Boy (via here on YouTube) :
