Summary
- Release Year: 2014
- Genres: Adventure, Indie, Sport
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
Cliffhorse (2014): A Challenging and Rewarding Puzzle Platformer
Markus “Notch” Persson, the creator of Minecraft, released his first commercial game since that global phenomenon in 2014. Cliffhorse is a puzzle platformer that tasks players with navigating a complex environment made of blocks, using a variety of tools and abilities to overcome obstacles and reach the goal.
The game is divided into a series of levels, each of which presents a new challenge. Players must use their wits and reflexes to solve puzzles, avoid hazards, and collect items. The game’s physics engine allows for a variety of creative solutions to each level, and players are encouraged to experiment to find the most efficient way to complete each challenge.
One of the most unique aspects of Cliffhorse is its voxel-based environment. The world is made up of blocks, which can be destroyed, moved, and used to create new structures. This adds a layer of complexity to the game’s puzzles, as players must often use the environment to their advantage to progress.
Cliffhorse also features a variety of tools and abilities that players can use to overcome obstacles. These include a grappling hook, a jetpack, and a variety of weapons. Players must use these tools strategically to solve puzzles and defeat enemies.
The game’s art style is simple and minimalist, but it is effective in creating a sense of atmosphere and immersion. The levels are full of detail, and the game’s physics engine allows for a variety of creative solutions to each puzzle.
Cliffhorse is a challenging and rewarding puzzle platformer that will appeal to fans of the genre. The game’s unique voxel-based environment and variety of tools and abilities make it a standout title in the genre.
Gameplay
The goal of Cliffhorse is to navigate a series of levels, each of which presents a new challenge. Players must use their wits and reflexes to solve puzzles, avoid hazards, and collect items. The game’s physics engine allows for a variety of creative solutions to each level, and players are encouraged to experiment to find the most efficient way to complete each challenge.
One of the most unique aspects of Cliffhorse is its voxel-based environment. The world is made up of blocks, which can be destroyed, moved, and used to create new structures. This adds a layer of complexity to the game’s puzzles, as players must often use the environment to their advantage to progress.
For example, in one level, players must use a grappling hook to climb up a cliff face. However, the cliff face is covered in loose blocks, which can be knocked down by the player’s grappling hook. Players must carefully time their shots to avoid knocking down the blocks they need to climb on.
In another level, players must use a jetpack to fly across a chasm. However, the chasm is filled with obstacles, such as spikes and lasers. Players must use their jetpack to carefully navigate the chasm, avoiding the obstacles and reaching the other side.
Cliffhorse also features a variety of tools and abilities that players can use to overcome obstacles. These include:
- Grappling hook: The grappling hook can be used to attach to objects and pull the player towards them. This can be used to climb up cliffs, cross gaps, and pull objects towards the player.
- Jetpack: The jetpack can be used to fly through the air. This can be used to reach high places, cross gaps, and avoid obstacles.
- Weapons: Cliffhorse features a variety of weapons that can be used to defeat enemies. These include guns, swords, and bombs.
Players must use these tools and abilities strategically to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. For example, in one level, players must use a grappling hook to pull a block towards them, creating a bridge that they can use to cross a gap. In another level, players must use a jetpack to fly over a wall of spikes.
Level Design
The levels in Cliffhorse are designed to be challenging but fair. Each level presents a new set of obstacles and puzzles that players must overcome. The levels are also designed to be open-ended, allowing players to experiment with different solutions to each puzzle.
For example, in one level, players must climb up a cliff face. There are a variety of ways to do this, such as using a grappling hook to climb up the cliff face, or using a jetpack to fly up to the top. Players are free to experiment with different solutions to find the one that works best for them.
The levels in Cliffhorse are also designed to be visually appealing. The game’s voxel-based environment allows for a variety of creative level designs, and the game’s art style is simple and minimalist, but effective in creating a sense of atmosphere and immersion.
Overall
Cliffhorse is a challenging and rewarding puzzle platformer that will appeal to fans of the genre. The game’s unique voxel-based environment and variety of tools and abilities make it a standout title in the genre.
If you are looking for a puzzle platformer that will challenge your mind and your reflexes, then Cliffhorse is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
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