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‘Splosion Man Review for Xbox 360

‘Splosion Man Review for Xbox 360

Explosive Science

If I keep playing the game right now, I’m going to explode. That’s why I decided to finally give it a break and start writing about it. ‘Splosion Man is surely one of the most addictive games I’ve played lately, and that’s even considering some of the older titles that I just love. It’s not like this game is simply outstanding, but it definitely has what it takes to get your attention and get you going. Twisted Pixel Games, creators of The Maw, have done it right this time around, so “yeah” for that!

'Splosion Man screenshot

When I started playing I couldn’t help but compare it to N+. It really has a few similarities with the streamlined 2D platformer. In ‘Splosion Man you control the explosive guy as he races through numerous platforms. The setting is some underground laboratory full of mad scientists testing out lasers, bombs, and other hazardous materials. The presentation in N+ was simple and sleek, but the look of ‘Splosion Man wins because it’s more original and just plain hilarious. I love the style of the little explosive dude with his grin, funny chants, and quick moves. He doesn’t seem too concerned about his spontaneous combustion issue, as it seems to help him move on. Heck, I’d even say he really enjoys it! Well… I guess if he does, I do too. I can’t hide my guilty pleasure of making the guy explode any longer. It’s what makes the gameplay so darn fun.

In this game, it’s all about exploding. You don’t jump; you explode. Explode to bounce off the wall, explode next to this guy until his guts fall out, explode when you pass by the explosive barrel to get an impulse, and definitely explode to break through the glass and destroy everything on the way. It’s easy, old-school platforming, but with a very “‘splosive” vibe. Sometimes you have to plan your moves and think of chain reactions, but most of the time the game is purely fast-paced and unpredictable.

'Splosion Man screenshot

As you advance, it gets a lot more challenging, and soon enough, everyone will hear you yell. You might start to despise that level, but you’ll still owe it to yourself to get through it. My feelings while playing the game where similar to when I play N+, which is both a good and bad thing, as you might start to accumulate too much energy and end up exploding with anger. But I have good news too: the game lets you go “the way of the coward” and pass the level after a few frustrated attempts. This should help alleviate the rage built up in your system. Perhaps it’ll even save your controller from a very unhappy ending!

‘Splosion Man can be played in both single-player and co-op multiplayer modes. Not much changes when playing with other people, except the music in the background, which by the way, is pretty good stuff. I wish there was a bit more variation as far as soundtrack, because it can get a bit repetitive. Luckily, the tunes are perfectly suited for the game and help to add another layer of chaos to the gameplay without getting annoying, which is commendable.

'Splosion Man screenshot

The game contains 50 levels divided between three different scenarios. Unfortunately, they’re not all that different, and things start looking repetitive after just a couple of levels. Nonetheless, there’s enough variety in the gameplay that even with the same backgrounds, enemies, and color schemes the game stays fresh. There are three boss battles, one at the end of each group of levels. I have to admit they were a little disappointing compared to the overall fast-paced gameplay. The strategy for the boss battles mostly consists in counter-attacking, and though this is considerably easy, the game is incredibly unforgiving and makes you start the battle from the beginning after the smallest mistake.

'Splosion Man screenshot

Once you’re done with the game, you should really consider revisiting some of the levels and try to beat them on par. It takes a lot longer to beat them the first time through, but once you have a clear strategy and know how the levels are built, you should be able to pass them with flying colors – at least some of them. Plus, there are hidden cakes in each level that you should try to get, as well as a few unlockables like a premium theme, gamerpics, and accessories for your avatar.

This game could have probably used a custom level editor to create your own levels, but as an arcade game that just costs 800 MS Points, you really couldn’t ask for a whole lot more. The most important thing is the game is fun, imaginative (to a certain point), and contains a good sense of humor and a quirky protagonist. If you have little patience for platformers, please, don’t get it. But… if games like N+ are exactly your thing, don’t think twice – get ready for ‘splosive mayhem!

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 3.8 Graphics
Even though the theme is simple and pretty much repeated throughout the game, ‘Splosion Man is awesome, and the scientists are hilarious. 3.9 Control
Rushing all over the stage and exploding to bounce back and forth between walls is very satisfying. Controlling your impulse is the only tricky part. 3.8 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The game is accompanied by great background music, and the sound effects are fun and satisfying. It could have used a few different tunes though, rather than just one for single-player and another for multiplayer. 4.5 Play Value
50 levels of this incredibly addictive game don’t seem like they’re enough, but believe me, it’ll take you a while to get through them. Also, you can try to beat your scores, other people’s scores, and don’t forget about finding the cake in each level! 4.0 Overall Rating – Great
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

  • Single-player adventure: Play through 50 single-player levels split into three environmentally different chapters as Splosion Man escapes the underground Big Science Labs where he was created.
  • Multiplayer action: Jump into 50 multiplayer levels supporting up to four player co-op split into three different chapters.
  • Bonuses: Get free unlockable premium dashboard theme, gamerpics, and Avatar accessories.
  • Visual style: The personality and humor shine through in film-like cinematics and hundreds of in-game animations. Vivid and colorful graphics advance character animation and emotion.
  • Hours of fun: Splosion Man is a retail game’s amount of content that can be downloaded from the comfort of your own living room.
  • Musical talent: The original music score is from award-winning composers Joshua R. Mosley (single-player levels) and John DeBorde (multiplayer levels).

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