Games

This mind-bending puzzle game challenges you to think inside the box

BBG News

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that Looper has left quite an impression on me. It’s not often that a free-to-play game manages to captivate me as much as this delightful puzzle platformer did. The fusion of physics-bending mechanics from games like Portal 2 and the nerve-wracking precision of VVVVVV is nothing short of genius.

I have a strong affection for puzzle games, particularly those that require players to shift their perspective and explore what appears as a two-dimensional world from various three-dimensional angles. Games like Fez and Monument Valley, which delve into complex spatial puzzles, visual illusions, and intricate mechanics that seem simple yet lead to an array of brain-teasing challenges.

The free-to-play game “Looper,” developed singlehandedly by FeatureKreep, offers an engaging experience reminiscent of both “Portal 2” and “VVVVVV.” This seemingly simple 2D game masterfully blends the mind-bending physics challenges of “Portal 2” with the nail-biting precision required in “VVVVVV,” making it a brief but thrilling adventure to play.

In April, Looper was designed as an entry for Aleksandr Tikhonov’s Black and White Jam. This game features a quirky character in a unique hat navigating a 2D environment, aiming to conquer challenges and reach the end of each section. However, you can’t simply jump over every barrier. Instead, there’s an innovative tool called the Looper, an experimental technology, that enables you to bend space so you can pass through otherwise impassable obstacles.

As a gamer, when I press the Space button, I summon the Looper over my character – it’s this massive dotted square. Once active, I can maneuver my character through the edges of this square, only to reappear on the opposite side as if I’ve created a loop! It’s like having a shortcut in the game world!

By strategically utilizing a loop, players can access areas that would otherwise remain inaccessible, gather hidden coins, and trigger flagpole markers serving as respawn points upon death. You also have the option to press the “R” key on your keyboard to instantly respawn your character at the last checkpoint if you encounter a tricky puzzle or impasse. However, not all obstacles can be surmounted using the loop; some situations will require clever problem-solving skills to determine when to employ your newfound ability and when traditional platforming techniques are necessary.

1. The game consists of four levels and can be finished within 20-30 minutes, depending on the difficulty you encounter in certain tricky puzzles. Best of all, it’s completely free – Looper is a fantastic mind game that you shouldn’t miss out on! If you’re interested, the developer offers several other small games to play on their itch.io page, and they also have a Patreon where they work on new projects every month.

Looper is available to play for free on itch.io.

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2024-07-31 19:19

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