VVVVVV offers a great ride while it lasts
VVVVVV, for all its simplicity in graphics and sound, managed to surprise me once I moved past the introductory levels. At heart it's a platformer that toys with gravity instead of jumping (in the same way 'splosion Man is blowing up instead of jumping). Dig a little deeper and you'll find yourself thrilled by the ingenuity of the design and the seeds of of a Metroidvania clone that the developer has woven into the game.
The premise is simple and inconsequential, but suffice it to say that you're on the hunt for your crewmates who were scattered to the winds when things go bad in space. Although it's not particularly tough to "finish" the game and find all your missing crew, there are additional challenges you can choose to take up in the form of finding 20 spheres that are scattered across the world.
Save points are frequent, and you will need them. Total deaths are displayed when you beat the game, and it's worth noting up front yours will be in the triple digits. The game demands a high level of spatial awareness and lightning fast reflexes in addition to pattern memorization and sheer luck to make it to the next area. Because of this it's quite easy to postulate that many (most?) gamers will give up long before they reach the end, despite the games short length. Those who walk away in frustration are at a loss however, as the game is especially delightful and imaginative in the final few acts.
No review of VVVVVV would be complete without at least bringing up PPPPPP, the game's deliberately retro soundtrack, which is a throwback of the finest sort. Each track loops repeatedly, digging into your brain to soften the blow of so many unnecessary deaths. Then, when it's all said and done, you only wish the game were twice the length.
