Review :: Swarm

It’s rare that something as cool and interesting as Swarm slips out unnoticed. The quirky puzzle platformer wasn’t on the radar of a lot of people, which is a shame considering how good it is. Developed by Hothead Games – the guys behind Penny Arcade – Swarm is all about traversing dangerous environments whilst making sure one of your little Swarmites makes it to the end. Whilst it has a lot in common with games like Lemmings, don’t go thinking this is something you’ve played before.

It’s a pretty simple concept. You’ve got a group (or perhaps a swarm) of fifty little blue creatures and they need to get from point A to point B. Unlike, the aforementioned, Lemmings you assume direct control of your band of blue brothers, guiding them through the treacherous environments, applying more nuanced control methods as the game progresses. You’ll soon find out different methods of using your Swarmites in order to complete tasks and collect objects along the way. One of these methods is death.

Believe or not, you’ll have to sacrifice some of your swarm in order to complete certain tasks. These sacrifices often come in very unique and comedic ways, so don’t feel too bad about it. All you need to remember is that one of them needs to make it to the end. Sacrificing your swarm is necessary to progress through the game. Levels are unlocked through attaining certain scores and killing off Swarmites will help to increase your multiplier and keep it going longer. This begs the question “What if I need more Swarmites?” — there are Swarmite pods strewn throughout the levels, so you can easily replenish your stock.

Swarm is a game with very old school sensibilities. If you’re not good enough at the game, you’re not going to get through it. The challenge isn’t getting your little blue army through each level, it’s making sure that multiplier is high enough to unlock the next level. In short it’s pretty hardcore, but you’ll be coming back for more regardless.

8.5/10

 

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