Summary
- Release Year: 1992
- Genres: Adventure, Platform, Puzzle, Strategy
- Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST/STE, DOS, PC (Microsoft Windows), Super Nintendo Entertainment System
- Developers: Red Rat Software
- Publishers: Ocean Software
Pushover (1992): A Mind-Boggling Puzzle Adventure
Released in 1992 for the Amiga, Atari ST, DOS, and Super NES, Pushover is a platform puzzle game that captivated gamers with its unique blend of challenging puzzles, charming characters, and quirky humor. Developed by Red Rat Software and published by Ocean Software, Pushover quickly became a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its innovative gameplay and addictive nature.
Gameplay: Domino-Toppling Shenanigans
Pushover presents players with a series of 100 increasingly complex levels, each set in a different themed world. The objective of each level is to rearrange a set of dominoes in such a way that, with a single push, all of the dominoes topple over, opening the exit to the next level.
There are 11 different types of dominoes, each with unique properties and behaviors. Some dominoes are solid and can be pushed, while others are fragile and can be destroyed if they are pushed incorrectly. Some dominoes have special abilities, such as the ability to teleport or rotate other dominoes.
The player controls G.I. Ant, a large soldier ant, who can move and push the dominoes. G.I. Ant can only carry one domino at a time, so careful planning and strategy are required to solve each level.
A World of Wonder and Peril
Pushover takes players on a journey through nine different themed worlds, each with its own unique visual style and gameplay elements. Players will navigate through an industrial complex, an Aztec world, a space station, an electronic world, a Greek temple, a Medieval castle, a Meccano-inspired world, a dungeon, and a Japanese temple.
Each world introduces new types of dominoes and gameplay challenges. For example, in the space station world, players must contend with zero gravity, while in the Medieval castle world, they must avoid being crushed by falling boulders.
Hints, Tokens, and Passwords
To help players progress through the game, Pushover offers a variety of helpful features. If a player gets stuck on a level, they can pause the game to receive a hint. Additionally, players can collect tokens that allow them to return to a previous state of the level if they make a mistake.
A password system allows players to continue their game from any completed level, making it easy to pick up and play at their own pace.
A Touch of British Humor
Pushover is not just a challenging puzzle game; it also has a quirky sense of humor that shines through in its visuals, sound effects, and dialogue. The game’s protagonist, G.I. Ant, is a lovable and determined character, and the game’s many enemies are equally charming in their own way.
The game’s British roots are evident in its tongue-in-cheek humor and its use of British slang. For example, one of the game’s levels is called “Tea Break,” and features a giant teapot that must be toppled over.
Legacy and Impact
Pushover was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it has continued to be enjoyed by gamers over the years. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, charming characters, and addictive nature.
Pushover has been cited as an inspiration for other puzzle games, such as Lemmings and The Incredible Machine. The game’s unique domino-toppling mechanic has also been used in a variety of other games, including the popular mobile game Domino Drop.
Conclusion
Pushover is a classic puzzle game that continues to challenge and entertain gamers today. With its innovative gameplay, charming characters, and quirky humor, Pushover is a must-play for fans of puzzle games and retro gaming alike.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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