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jp's Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure (DS)
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| [February 15, 2010 09:17:01 PM]
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The difficulty didn't abate and I've given up hope after having cleared 4 of the worlds and made my way through half of the fifth. Curiously, the main challenge I found this game provided wasn't so much from the puzzle+platformer combo, rather it was from what I would call "unfair platforming". I've played (and finished) some pretty tough platforming games (hello Maximo!) that while clearly frustrating, at least kept me going because ultimately it was always my fault. This was often the case in Hatsworth, but not always, which is why I decided I had enough.
Here's my "working" definition of "unfair platforming": You die due to something you couldn't anticipate or prepare for.
Exhibit A:
A few of the levels have elements that suddenly appear/disappear. If you happen to be in the same location as an appearing element. You die. Elements appear suddenly with no warning (ie, warning sound, signal, etc.)
Exhibit B:
Sometimes, when an enemy hits you you get bounced back AND you lose control of the character. If you fall down a hole as a result of that...tough! The main issue is that the bounceback is inconsistent (at least it feels like that) in that sometimes you bounce back and other times you don't. The loss of control just makes it all worse.
Exhibit C:
When in super-mode it is really easy to die in the jumping/platforming parts since (apparently?) the robot suit doesn't jump as far or as well. If you're in mid-jump and super mode runs out, good luck not falling down a hole...
All these frustrations aside, the puzzling element and how it combines with the platform is surprisingly deep and rich in possibilities. It took me a while before I realized that:
(a) If you fire a missile and then enter the puzzle mode, every combo you make in puzzle mode makes your missile larger and more damaging. This is VERY helpful in the boss fights and I really wish I had realized this sooner!
(b) When in "super mode" you can enter puzzle mode to replenish the energy bar, thus prolonging the duration (in platform mode) of the "super mode". Also pretty useful! (though super mode is for the most part not THAT useful)
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| [January 26, 2010 10:14:33 PM]
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Hmm...this game gets really hard, really fast.
I guess the strangest part of my experience so far has more to do with how quickly time flies while I play it rather than it's charm, gameplay, or anything else really. One of the things I'm most excited about as I write this is that I've just remembered reading somewhere that the soundtrack was released for free. It's that infectious.
I knew beforehand that I would have to divide my attention between two screens. However, that hasn't been hard at all. For the most part the audio cues are strong and clear enough that whenever there is trouble brewing in the bottom, I can quickly switch over. I thought that I would have to then pay attention to the top, but it turns out not to be necessary. The hardest part so far is dealing with the subtleties (read, challenge) of some of the platforming parts. Having to re-start an area is actually MORE painful than usual because it basically takes twice as long to get back to where you died. Not only do you have to platform your way there, but you'll also need to stop and deal with the puzzle as well.
At this point (World 3-3), I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it all the way to the end. I think I'm roughly halfway there.
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jp's Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure (DS)
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Current Status: Stopped playing - Got frustrated
GameLog started on: Wednesday 20 January, 2010
GameLog closed on: Wednesday 14 April, 2010 |
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