imtheboss722 (2013-12-30 03:19:08)

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EDGE is an award-winning Indie platformer that was previously available on multiple platforms, the most popular being the ios version. After a recent release of EDGE on Wii U, the game was later announced to make its debut on 3DS on December 26th (Some purchases may have been delayed to eshop outages). The objective is simple yet engaging: Maneuver a cube through 48 retro-style pixelated levels, with difficulty gradually increasing. Also, the time you spend hanging off the "edge" of cubes are subtracted from your total time. With practice, you'll be able to shave quite a few seconds off of your time each level. My personal best is 52 seconds of "Edge Time." You are given a grade after the completion based on the amount of speed-boosting cubes called prisms collected, the speed of completion, and number of "deaths." A, B, C, & D are given in that order, from best to worse. Ranks of S+ are given when you fly through the level while collecting all prisms.


Graphics: 9.5/10

The game looks great, but considering the fact that the whole game is classic 8-bit style, you really wouldn't expect anything less. Some of the rich details include the space-inspired starry backgrounds, and your cube's death animation- which features it exploding into colorful dust. This can be seen when the cube is crushed between two moving blocks. The game doesn't look as crisp as its past versions, but the 3D effect is incredibly submersive. The depth created is among the best on the system. If you ask me, the color really steals the show. The environment, as well as your cube, change colors similar to the Invincibility Star from the Mario series.


A small map of the current level is displayed on the bottom screen.

Sound: 7/10

Sound is where the game seems to drag at times. A faint, mostly forgettable soundtrack is constantly playing in the background, accompanied by the soft thud of your cube's movements. The environment makes small and fitting clicking noises when interacted with, such as when you activate a switch, or when the level rearranges itself. Nothing much to see here, except for a few levels with unique, eerie-sounding music. you won't be missing much if you turn the volume down/off. However, having headphones on does add to the submersive effect.


Playability: 5/10

I will go ahead and say this: the controls are pretty rough, so prepare to struggle a lot early on. The unchangeable angle of which the levels are viewed from can make it confusing which way you need to move. It may appear like you need to roll right, when up is the correct input. This makes a notable difference on narrow paths. You'll eventually get used to it, after a short while of frustrating gameplay. The d-pad is better for precise movement, but it feels less fluent and natural. Also, you'll play a lot slower with the d-pad controls. Using the circle pad takes things from bad to okay, but still be prepared for a relatively frustrating time moving your cube either way. After a while, you won't really have any control problems. I won't complain about the control options themselves, because the 3DS really only has two options, but in all honesty, none of them are really that great. The angle of the screen takes the blame for this.


Entertainment: 9/10

EDGE boasts a lot of replay value, and the game does live up to it for the most part. There are 48 levels in the main game, but the levels are somewhat repetitive. A few clever environmental changes differentiate the levels, and ultimately saves them from being deadbeat boring. Watching the environment transform before your eyes as you activate a switch never fails to impress. There are many "extended levels (44 to be exact)," which are levels different from the main game, and are mainly just extension packs. The levels are like a second Main Game, with a bit more complexity and challenge than the former. Bonus levels, 17 of them, are levels that are extra stages that are much more fun and challenging than the other modes. The only downside is the small amount of these Bonus Levels. All of these captivating features cultivate into an entertaining, unique game that is hard to put down. The game is practically a steal for the low price of $1.99. There really aren't any reasons not to buy this.


Overall

9/10

Pros:

+Excellent 3D effect
+Well-designed levels
+Massive level selection

Cons:

-Plain Soundtrack/Sound Effects
-Frustrating camera angles
-Repetitive Levels

This post has been edited one or more times, the last time was:
2013-12-30 18:03:54

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SackThing101 (2013-12-30 05:14:33)

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I got this game. It's pretty good indeed. Especially for an indie game.

It would be more fun with build mode though.

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imtheboss722 (2013-12-30 05:17:14)

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^ Exactly! That's what I was thinking the moment I first played it.

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Nin10dude789 (2013-12-30 21:55:19)

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Well, finally got this game, it's pretty good. I kind of hate the controls, though. The cube will sometimes roll very slow and dying when it come to platforms that moves at high speed. But having that problem is an advantage to do an Edge for a long time!

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imtheboss722 (2013-12-30 22:48:26)

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Yeah... I usually just tap the d-pad lightly to get Edge time. I'm not yet aware of any better methods.

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imtheboss722 (2013-12-31 08:43:29)

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Why aren't I?

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SackThing101 (2013-12-31 20:11:07)

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I completed all levels in three days. I just need to get all the glowing cubes to unlock more levels.

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imtheboss722 (2014-01-01 18:46:13)

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I usually collect all the prisms... I don't care much about finish time. I usually get a C. :b

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OtherSilhouette (2014-01-04 22:01:14)

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Holy crap, this game is for 3DS? I recently bought it on Steam though. Kinda worth it I guess since it was 50 cents.

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imtheboss722 (2014-01-05 02:07:16)

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Yeah, they decided to follow up with a 3DS release after the Wii U one.

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