World of Goo - PC, Wiiware

World of Goo (Released 2008, PC Download/Wiiware)

Videogames are becoming bloated. Almost without exception, modern games are complex and, while this may be no bad thing, simplicity can be beautiful. Simple gaming, when perfected, can stand out amid a crowd and truly stand the test of time. Pong. Pacman. World of Goo.

In developer 2D-Boy's indie puzzler, players control balls of goo in an attempt to create a structure capable of reaching the end of the level. Deceptively simple, gameplay consists of tacking one piece of goo to another, connecting the two by a thin wire of goo-dness (haha). Edifices made in this way are subject to a comprehensive physics system, and the trick to the level usually involves manipulating this in some way.

Several different types of goo combine to allow for some of the more complex puzzles, including normal goo, goo which you can't move, balloon goo, re-usable goo, pretty goo, flammable goo, sticky goo and such. While the gameplay, which is to say tacking bits of goo together, is hardly compelling alone, the level design is simply classic. Each and every level feels fresh and original, and in absolutely every case, incredible ingenuityis clearly what has made the level play so brilliantly. It is impossible to sum up the levels in World of Goo because of their diversity from each other and from anything which has come before it, but what can be said is this: within the excellent framework of the various varieties of goo and the superb physics engine, the levels in World of Goo play utterly fantastically. Reminiscent of the greatest Nintendo puzzlers, there is always great satisfaction from completing a level and never any frustration from failing it. Infinitessibly robust and hugely innovative, World of Goo is a blast to play. Made 20 years ago this game would have outshone Super Mario Brothers to become an utter classic and a cornerstone in gaming history.

Aesthetically the game is incredible. While not especially pixel pushing, the visuals have considerable flair. The goo animates beautifully and the levels are colourful and memorable while almost never feeling familiar. In terms of audio, however, World of Goo truly outdoes itself. While the goo sounds charming and funky, it's the serene, epic orchestral music which genuinely sets a strong mood and emotion for each level and story sequence. Helping the elevate the game to far above a bubblegum puzzler, this makes the goo's journey seem epic, memorable and vivid, and it's times when the orchestra is flaring and your goos are making a heroic step forward that your chest swells with gooey pride and you realise how much you really care about your sentient little blobs.

With an air of Portal about it, World of Goo produces a strangely compelling narrative. A light yarn of a story presents itself through, as well as cinematics at the end of each chapter, some signs. Each level contains one or more signs, written by the mysteriously enigmatic 'sign painter'. Sardonically written, these have a feel of Portal's GlaDOS, and suitably convey the plot along with general sarcastic quips and gameplay hints. Meanwhile, the game has an obvious progression from chapter to chapter- it is very clear that the goo is on a journey, and through ever changing objectives and suitably epic plot twists and accomplishments, the narrative is gripping to the point where it becomes tempting to simply skip the levels to find out the ending. Hyperbolic statements such as 'there's a rumor that everything changes in chapter 4.... whatever that means- love, the sign painter' ensure anticipation and several unexpected twists. Suffice to say- from the opening sign, to the final breathtaking reveal, World of Goo has an understated and yet incredibly fulfilling plot which puts most full-priced games to shame.

Once in a while, a game comes around which instantly installs itself into the annals of videogame history. The stylish aesthetics, engrossing plotline and serene soundtrack are arguably World of Goo's weaker points, and as such this game is one in a million. Spanning over 5-10 hours and never ceasing to amaze, World of Goo will etch its name into gamers' hearts worldwide, and rightly so. World of Goo is a no-brainer to buy, an epic voyage and a new height in puzzle gameplay, narrative and style. So it is with an unforgettable adventure and a raising of the bar, that World of Goo gets a 10.

10/10

Written by Flameboy118





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