Gumby vs. the Astrobots
Score: 72% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: Namco Developer: Torus Games Media: Cartridge/1 Players: 1 Genre: Platformer (2D)
Graphics & Sound: Gumby has been entertaining small children for many years now, so it’s appropriate that the oversimplified 2D platforming gameplay of Gumby vs. the Astrobots is likely to appeal only to those same small children. Unsurprisingly, Gumby uses the same claymation style of art that is used in the show; all of the game’s characters look like walking, talking figures made out of modeling clay. This is one thing the game has going for it, Gumby vs. the Astrobots is a very attractive game, all things considered. The characters look like they were lifted straight from the show, and the stages are vividly constructed. Gumby’s animation is fairly well done as he morphs and twists into his various Mr. Fantastic-like abilities. Also, the sound and music use the same vibrant and child-like sounds and instruments from the show.
Gameplay: Gumby vs. the Astrobots is classic 2D platforming through and through. The main objective of each level is to run and jump your way to the level exit or to find and defeat the level’s boss. Along the way, you collect ice cream cones. Grab enough ice cream cones and you earn extra lives. You will have to deal with a wide variety of enemies along the way, most of which you’ll dispatch by jumping on their heads. Seeing any similarities between this and a certain series of games starring an Italian plumber? Unfortunately, the wonky jumping mechanics frequently make Gumby more of a headache than an enjoyable way to pass the time. Even after hours of play, you’ll find yourself jumping into the side of baddies just as often as successfully hitting their head. The game does reference the show a lot, which is a major perk for fans. The story is fairly typical Gumby fare. The mischievous blockheads are up to no good and have reprogrammed the Astrobots to cause mayhem throughout the storybook world. Gumby and his friends must travel to several different storybook worlds to rescue the kidnapped people.
Difficulty: If you’re an older gamer, chances are you’ve played enough games like these to find nothing new or interesting in Gumby vs. the Astrobots. However, younger gamers may be able to find something to challenge them. The game does feature the obligatory three difficulty settings if you find the game too easy or difficult.
Game Mechanics: One mainstay of the Gumby cartoon has always been storybooks, and you will travel to such worlds such as the North Pole, Transylvania, and a medieval castle. Throughout many worlds, Gumby will encounter green lollypops that will give him new abilities like turning into a ball and shaping himself into a mine cart. By the end, Gumby is a regular arsenal of malleable power. While it’s certainly not something those in the college crowd will likely enjoy playing, children, and maybe even older folks who were once fans of the show, will find a lot to enjoy in Gumby vs. the Astrobots, despite its few foibles and simplicity.
-Alucard, GameVortex Communications AKA Stephen Triche
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