Rochard Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: PS3
Dev: Recoil Games
Pub: SOE
Release: September 27, 2011
Players: 1
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Suggestive Themes, Mild Language, Fantasy Violence

The controls are solid, intuitive, and responsive. If the game's puzzles ever get frustrating, it's not due to tricky controls. New gameplay and puzzle elements are introduced slowly enough that the tutorial sections that are present are short, spread out, and inserted cleverly enough into the game that they don't necessarily feel like tutorials. To add to the functionality, arrows trace the trajectory of any object you are about to toss, taking the guesswork out of aiming.

Rochard Screenshot

All in all, Rochard has a great pace to it, making it a treat the first time through, and still enjoyable on subsequent playthroughs. Its 2.5D side-scrolling levels are filled with nooks and crannies to explore, many of which grant you hidden items that upgrade your tools or health meter, or can be collected to grant trophies. And speaking of trophies, there is one you can earn for running through the game in three hours or less. This means that it's possible to finish the game in three hours, but I guarantee you won't accomplish this your first time through, especially if you watch all the cutscenes.

And you will definitely want to watch the cutscenes. Rochard has a great story filled with humor and even a few plot twists you might not see coming. Sure, the idea of space miners stumbling upon an ancient artifact is hardly groundbreaking, but the characters come through with a type of charm and personality that makes the journey worth it. And there's this adult sense of humor peppered throughout. It's not over-the-top bathroom humor or anything—which could get old fast—it's well-timed jokes you probably won't see coming. In fact, you could almost compare it to the old Muppets movies; a lot of humor will fly right over the heads of children while catching older players completely off guard.

Rochard delivers great side-scrolling gameplay, inventive puzzles, a phenomenal soundtrack, and a fun visual style. And all this comes with a low price tag. If you're looking for some great old school platforming with a healthy side of puzzles, Rochard is just a PSN purchase away.

By Josh Wirtanen
CCC Editor/Contributing Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.2

Graphics
Team Fortress 2 meets Crash Bandicoot. It's a fun aesthetic that looks great in HD.

4.0

Control
The control scheme works well. The platforming is spot-on and Rochard's arsenal is easy to use.

4.8

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Excellent voice acting, and a ridiculously awesome score.

4.0

Play Value
A lot of hidden areas and a Speed Run achievement will probably entice you to come back for multiple playthroughs.

4.2

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Five long Chapters crammed with fast-paced platforming action and mind-bending puzzles based on gravity.

A beautifully crafted cartoonish visual style, rich with humor and personality.

Incredible items able to influence gravity and grab, swing and throw objects to solve puzzles or get rid of enemies.

A groovy soundtrack composed by Markus "Captain" Kaarlonen from Poets of the Fall, mixing southern rock/blues and 80′s inspired electronic music.

The legendary performance of Jon St. John as the voice of protagonist John Rochard.

The most advanced use of the Unity engine in a videogame.