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I have not been playing PC games of late. Since I got my PSP console, I have only been playing on that. The frustrating thing about PC is that the games keep requiring newer and better hardware as and when newer and better hardware keeps coming out and it becomes an endless cycle of upgrading and spending money. So I had all but given up on PC games. However, I found this new interesting game ‘World of Goo’ which seemed to be such that it would work on my (quite decently spec’ed) PC.
The game is all about goo balls. Goo balls of various shapes and sizes and properties. Some goo balls are sticky, some are white, some can inflate while most that matter are just black. Goo balls are such that they have strong cohesive property between them. Keep putting goo balls next to each other forming a bond and you will end up with a structure. The structure could be vertical, horizontal or any other shape, and it has to be created to meet a specific purpose.
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For example, in one stage you have to traverse a steep drop to get onto the other side of land. Sort of like building a bridge between two cliffs. The goo balls are on one side of the cliff and there is a pipe(which is the final destination or nirvana for the goo balls) on the other side. Now you can keep pulling out goo balls and placing them next to each other to traverse the bridge, but be warned, if it becomes too heavy, then it starts drooping and the entire structure may be pulled down into the chasm. So provide support as well as try to balance weight in a way that the goo balls are able to cross over to the pipe without falling down and getting squished into sticky goo.
Yes, the entire game is based on physics. Physics of movement, physics of balance, physics of structure, everything. The game is so childish in looks, and yet so amusing, interesting, thought provoking and entertaning. Its not as easy as it seems and there are stages where you will have to try a couple of times or more till you hit upon a strategy that would work to complete the mission.
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Verdict: This game is something totally new and different. The learning curve is really straight forward. It lets you work your mind, while you enjoy playing. The sound effects and superb, especially the way the goo balls jump up and scream when its reached its destination and when you ‘stretch’ it to its limits. The graphics, although 2D are brilliant. The rustic feel is reminiscent of the Monkey Island series. And the greatest thing is that it is not monotonous. Each stage poses a new challenge and you have to solve it in its own way.
I give this a definite 5/5. Get yourself this game and have loads and loads and loads of fun.
Couple of Gameplay videos below
World of Goo Trailer 2
Uploaded by 2dboy