SolaRola (universal) from Square Enix is a re-imagination of a popular Java mobile game from 2007. Old Nokia users might be familiar with the game’s fun brand of puzzle platforming, but thankfully, the game’s been updated to take advantage of modern technology, making it a great, accessible game for any age.
At the heart of SolaRola is a story about a bouncy tandem named Wiz and Waz. They’ve been traveling throughout the galaxy on a mission to save the world, and its up to players to help them navigate through the game’s 60 levels to complete the different objectives, which range from collecting fuel to avoiding life-threatening obstacles like bombs and slime.
Everything in the universe of SolaRola is affected by gravity, and this is where players gain an advantage over the dangerous environments surrounding them. Some objects in environments can be moved and manipulated, and levels include increasingly complex puzzles and sets of obstacles for players to solve.
Thankfully, SolaRola doesn’t skimp on things like checkpoints, which come in handy as the game’s levels get larger and more complex The clean, colorful visual design on each of the six planets are all similar, but with new obstacles being introduced – plus the amusing little interactions between Wiz and Waz, told through text-based conversations – keep each level feeling fresh. In fact, the only real negative in this game is the annoying, poorly-processed sound effect played every single time Wiz jumps.
The App Store has proved itself a terrific home for platformers, and SolaRola (universal) is another quality entry into the genre. With tight controls, a fun personality, and colorful platforming action, SolaRola is a platformer for any level and age of gamer, a universally enjoyable puzzle platformer.
Awesome.