Creator: 2D Boy
Publisher: Brighter Minds
Copyright: 2008
ASIN: B001ENOVP2
Description
In this physics-based puzzle game players use sticky, stretchy balls of goo to construct towers and bridges. The goal of each level is to build a structure (by stretching the goo until it snaps into its rigid form) that reaches from the base provided to the pipe where unused goo balls are collected. A minimum number of leftover goo balls is required to pass each level. As the levels increase in difficulty, players must learn to stabilize their structures and creatively avoid obstacles. More types of goo are added as the game goes on, including balloons that help keep unstable structures up, spiky goo balls that stick to hard surfaces, skulls that protect goo structures against spiky objects, and match-like goo balls that conduct flame. As each new type debuts it is explained by “the Sign Maker” whose wooden signs (à la Wile E. Coyote cartoons) provide tips and warnings. The game is divided into four “chapters” plus an epilogue. The edition shown here is for PC, but the game is also available for other systems, including the Nintendo Wii.
Critical Evaluation
I appreciate that you don’t have to be good at computer/video games to play World of Goo. Adequate explanations are given along the way so you don’t need to know anything before you start playing, and you don’t have to remember lots of fancy moves. You don’t have to move a character in 3-D space (something at which I invariably fail miserably), and you’re never attacked. Nevertheless, there are plenty of thrills in this game—the levels quickly go from simple to challenging, so each successful finish provides a big sense of accomplishment. Also, you do sometimes have to work quickly to prop up your structures and save them from collapse.
Like role-playing games, World of Goo has cut scenes and a story. These didn’t add much to my enjoyment of the game, though, because the story was hard to follow. (I just read a plot summary, and it didn’t make much more sense than the plot did while I was playing the game.) However, the different chapters and levels within the chapters have very different atmospheres—some eerie—that do make it more fun. The music is good, though it is very prone to getting stuck in one's head.
Why is this title included?
This game will appeal to boys and girls, older children, teens, and adults. It provides great brain exercise in addition to being addictively fun. The Wii version works well with two players, making it a good choice for teens who like to play with friends (or even their younger siblings or parents).