I love that we’re in a time where companies are trying to pick apart and experiment with just what makes a game interesting. A new RTS, FPS or MMO is lovely, but sometimes all you need to make a game tick is a really interesting gimmick.
Grapple is a 3D platformer with minimal story and a whole lot of… well… grappling. The game begins without much fanfare as you find yourself in control of a sticky blob of goo. This blob coasts along platforms in space, can jump and collect items for points, and can stick to (almost) any surface you dive at. It can also send out a little tendril to grapple at floating platforms to swing Tarzan-style across wide gaps.
There’s a speed run mode, or you can play it level by level. I’m not one for speed running, so I took a spin through the more casual levels and had a nice stroll through space, grappling and swinging throughout the map.
The soundtrack is pretty bumpin’. Electronic thumps and many a synthtastic melody will keep you entertained as you glop and grapple from platform to platform, gunning to reach the end.
The first dozen levels or so will steadily walk you through the different techniques you’ll need to survive each level. While the controls are fairly simple, getting a hang of the physics is where one will need practice. Grappling isn’t enough – you’ll have to hop from floors to ceilings, climb walls, spin around and jump through hoops to avoid getting zapped or falling to your demise in the middle of space.
This is a perfect fit for anyone looking for a 3D puzzler that is simply controlled, but has a really fresh twist. They start to bring the challenges out after about a dozen levels, so be patient if you’re looking for something a little more difficult – you’ll get there.
4/5
