Summary
- Release Year: 2000
- Genres: Puzzle, Strategy
- Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation
- Developers: Mind’s Eye
- Publishers: Empire Interactive, Feral Interactive
Sheep (2000): A Wacky and Challenging Strategy Puzzle Game
Released in 2000, Sheep is a unique and charming strategy puzzle game that combines light elements of war or battle simulations with a wacky story and innovative gameplay. Developed by the now-defunct company Studio Liverpool and published by Psygnosis, Sheep was released for the PlayStation and Microsoft Windows to generally positive reviews.
Story
The game’s story is as quirky as it is endearing. Players take on the role of two humans (Bo Peep and Adam Half Pint) and two animals (a sheepdog and a pet) who have been secretly enlisted by space-faring alien explorers to help them round up their devolved descendants: domesticated sheep on Earth.
Millennia ago, these aliens visited Earth and conducted experiments on the local wildlife, including sheep. However, something went wrong, and the aliens devolved into sheep themselves. Now, their ancestors are trying to correct their mistake by bringing their devolved brethren back to their home world of Ovis Aries.
To do this, the aliens have implanted subliminal mind control devices in the brains of Bo Peep, Adam Half Pint, the sheepdog, and the pet. These devices allow the aliens to communicate with their human and animal helpers and guide them in their mission to round up the sheep.
Gameplay
Sheep is a combination strategy and puzzle game. Players must lead flocks of sheep through six worlds with multiple levels, eventually reaching special rendezvous points where the sheep will be loaded onto UFOs for the trip back to Ovis Aries.
There are four playable characters in Sheep:
- Bo Peep: A young shepherdess who can use her crook to guide the sheep.
- Adam Half Pint: A diminutive farmer who can use his strength to move obstacles.
- Sheepdog: A loyal canine companion who can herd the sheep and attack enemies.
- Pet: A small, furry creature that can fit into tight spaces and distract the sheep.
Each character has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and players must use them strategically to complete each level. For example, Bo Peep can use her crook to guide the sheep around obstacles, while Adam Half Pint can use his strength to move heavy objects out of the way. The sheepdog can herd the sheep and attack enemies, while the pet can fit into tight spaces and distract the sheep.
Levels in Sheep have time limits and a minimum number of sheep that must be saved from each flock. Players must use their wits and the unique abilities of each character to complete each level within the time limit and with the required number of sheep.
Reception
Sheep received generally positive reviews upon release. Critics praised the game’s unique and charming story, its innovative gameplay, and its challenging levels. However, some critics found the game to be too difficult and repetitive.
Sheep was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game has been praised for its originality and its challenging gameplay. It has been cited as an influence on several other strategy and puzzle games, including the Pikmin series.
Legacy
Sheep is a unique and charming game that has stood the test of time. Its innovative gameplay and challenging levels have made it a favorite among strategy and puzzle fans. The game’s quirky story and endearing characters have also helped to make it a cult classic.
If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding strategy puzzle game, then Sheep is definitely worth checking out. It’s a unique and charming game that will keep you entertained for hours on end.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
