Platform

By: Derek Yu

On: October 3rd, 2007

The fact that Platform directly references the cult horror/sci-fi movie Cube should give you an idea about the plot of this browser-based, episodic platform game. The premise is this: two guys (I like to imagine that they’re Gabe and Tycho) wake up in a strange facility with no recollection of who they are or how they got there. All they know is that they’ve got to help each other get out. As the story progresses, it’s clear that there’s something sinister going on behind the scenes.

Each episode (released every Sunday) consists of a single room level with various moving platforms, switches, and deadly traps. By hitting space you can switch between the two characters. As you can expect, the levels are designed around this idea, and for the most part, they are quite clever. And new mechanics are introduced fairly steadily to keep things fresh.

The platforming is pretty difficult, though, especially since you have to keep track of two characters. Fortunately, the smooth controls and fast-pace of the levels keep it relatively frustration-free. Restarting a level takes no time, either. And seeing the next chunk of the story, told through cutscenes at the beginning and end of each level, is a nice reward, too.

I really enjoy the feeling of comraderie between the two heroes, and it makes me want to see a little more interaction in-game. Even some simple words of encouragement when one player reaches the exit before the other (“You can do it, man!”) would be nice. The other thing I’d like to see is more interesting backdrops, although I understand that creating weekly content makes this difficult.

As of now, there are 22 episodes, and I’m very much looking forward to the next. Cool idea! And see Cube, if you haven’t already. It’s a really sweet film.