Nintendo has built its empire on the side-scrolling platformer. Some may have changed over the years, but my love for a good side-scroller will apparently never die. If you haven’t already guessed, Chibi-Robo! Zip Lash definitely qualifies as one a good’un.
The Chibi-Robo series has been around since 2005 with its first release on the GameCube, though you’d be forgiven for not being very familiar with the series. Not all the titles in the franchise have had western releases, surely due the overwhelming Japaneseness inherent in the games. You control some kind of tiny silver Robot that is usually focused on doing housework and searching for happy points.
While the premise may sound a little out of place in western audiences, the game play is solid. It’s mostly a puzzle platformer but also includes some Metroidvania-style gameplay, promoting exploration and collection. There are even a few vehicles thrown in for good measure.
The titular Zip Lash allows you to traverse an increasingly difficult set of levels, each with new puzzles to solve. Most of your time will be spent using your hand tool to cross gaps and take out enemies. I couldn’t help but think of myself as a tiny robot Indiana Jones, swinging around with my whip, collection valuables and cracking wise. I had to insert my own one liners but the analogy felt like a better fit the further into the game I went.
Chibi-Robo presents challenges and intricate puzzles but the overwhelming sense of fun and cheer throughout the game keeps everything very light. It’s the second cutest side scroller I’ve ever played, and thats only because I spent some time with Yoshi’s Woolly World just before I started Chibi-Robo.
The completionist in me didn’t want to stop playing. Exploration and new power ups and abilities feel like the life blood of Chibi-Robo. There were plenty of times I found an upgrade or its just out of reach. I’d try everything I could to make it mine and attack the situation for every angle until I’d finally figure out the trick. Balance is the key to puzzles. If they’re too hard they become frustrating. If they’re too easy there’s no sense of accomplishment with victory. Chibi-Robo manages this balance perfectly.
The controls took a little getting used to but after only a short time I was swinging around like a pro. The difficulty curve is very slight, allowing you to get stuck into the game quickly and enjoy it rather than being stumped by puzzles early on. It feels inviting and it’s really hard to put down once you get started.
It’s definitely something I’ll be playing for extended periods; at the same time you could easily play it in short bursts and still get just as much enjoyment. It could very easily make its way into the rotation of games I play on my daily commute. My only concern is I’ll be so wrapped up in the game, I’d miss my stop and be late for work.
Chibi-Robo! Zip Lash will be available in November this year for 3DS.
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