1001 Spikes

1001 Spikes has [u]the best[/u] platformer level design I've seen. People say that it involves a lot of trial and error, that's only true if you're not paying attention - the game quickly establishes in the first area that hidden traps are not placed randomly, there are subtle hints in tile sprites, level shapes and most importantly: where would it be most inconvenient for you the player. Once you internalize this, you should be able to predict, with near 100% accuracy, where a spike will pop up or a rock will start falling. That alone isn't the reason why this game is good, but it's hard to describe in text how level design succeeds in enabling you to flow through obstacles so smoothly, especially when going for the challenge times. Except for the bonus ice world, that place sucks.

Extremely difficult puzzle / arcade style game. It reminds me a bit of games like Spelunky and I Wanna Be The Guy, but with more of a planning ahead / deliberation phase to it. You have to carefully observe the map, create a plan, and then execute that plan flawlessly to make it through. It does feel a bit cheap on the deaths sometimes, like you have no way of seeing whether there's a hidden trap on certain areas or not, so you have to die multiple times on each map to proceed. The art style of the cinematics is very nice. The music is good too. It does feel a bit exhausting to play though. The multiplayer exists but feels a bit out of place in a game like this since none of the puzzles really require cooperation. The arcade modes are extremely different from the main game and more of a chaotic free for all like Mario games. Overall a very unique game. I ended up deciding it's not for me because it was slightly too frustrating, but that's a personal choice not a reflection on the game quality. +++ Interesting planning / execution puzzle system +++ Well designed levels ++ Good music and art style + Huge amount of levels +/- Multiplayer is a bit out of place -- My controller glyphs…

A solid retro platformer if you're into really difficult platformers. Doesn't do anything special by current standards, but it's polished and each level makes good use of the various mechanics and traps that get introduced over time. While the game is really tough and there are a lot of traps, it's basically never unfair as there are hints for what spots are safe. If you're into tough platformers I'd say it's worth picking up, especially on sale.

good.

A highly intricate puzzle box where precise execution and flow of movement ramp and ramp to unbearable degrees. Frustrating and mean, but never actually unfair.

Cute, but deadly - you have 999 lives for a reason. Probably plays better on a gamepad or something like that