Cloning Clyde is a quirky puzzle-platformer that implements a lot of imaginative game mechanics.
Each level in Cloning Clyde uses the same format; to escape the level, you have to destroy all the security machines by using Clyde's kung-fu skills. Sound simple? Not quite. To navigate your way through the level you'll need to use Clyde clones to help you, which can be created using machines or found locked in boxes. For example, you might need to put three clones on a weighing scale to keep a door open, and then run through with the fourth. The real challenge in each level is escaping with all the clones. Air vents scattered around the levels provide an escape for clones, but you need to have at least one Clyde to exit through an escape door. The levels start off easy, requiring only a couple of duplicates to get through a stage. However, the some of the later levels see you needing upwards of twenty clones to advance. As well as cloning Clyde, you can also mess around with his DNA using a transplant machine. By placing a compatible life form on one of the pedestals and jumping on the other one yourself, you can merge DNA for some hilarious results. Some of them include frogs, sheep, and apes. Each one has its own special abilities that will help you through the level. The ways that each of the clone’s abilities are needed is very refreshing and keep the game fun. As good as this is, it doesn't quite make up for Cloning Clyde's lack of challenge. Infinite lives make take away any challenge there may have been, and destroying security machines seems like a pointless gimmick when you can't die. If your health gets reduced to zero, you re-spawn at that point with full health. If you where fighting a security machine it retains the damage you caused to it, whereas you now have a full health bar.
Cloning Clyde supports Xbox Live play and split-screen multi-player for up to four players. You can play co-op or versus mode on either Live or split-screen, which extends the life of the game. Co-op plays exactly like single-player does, except each player controls a clone. This makes it easier to co-ordinate the duplicates for certain puzzles; you won't have to switch between Clydes as much because there are other human players to help solve puzzles. Versus mode is an all-against-all battle where you have to destroy the other players' security machines. The multi-player support is well designed, but single-player is certainly the main attraction.
Cloning Clyde matches it's lighthearted and humorous gameplay with its bubbly and colorful visuals. Environments are varied and vibrant, including deserts, snow-capped mountains, and more. All of these environments look great, especially for a low-budget arcade game. Clyde's animations have just as much quality as the environments. Each different clone form moves and acts in its own way, but seems to retain Clyde's characteristics at the same time. The visuals definitely contribute to the Cloning Clyde's personality, fitting in well with the nature of the game.
The audio in Cloning Clyde is more than up to scratch, and again, impressive for a low-budget game. Although the soundtrack isn't a fully orchestrated masterpiece, all the tunes are original and fit well with the levels they accompany. The voice acting is pretty good too. Clyde's dopey and clueless nature is portrayed well. Clyde's reaction to a rock falling on his foot is to hop around holding it, yelling "Oww!" in the process. Just as the visuals do, the audio fits with the personality and feel of the game, and manages to make the game even more hilarious.
Anyone mildly interested in puzzle games should check out Cloning Clyde. It's a fun and inventive game that spans more than thirty levels, and includes split-screen and Xbox Live support. It may be simplistic and easy at times, but don't let that put you off. The audio and visuals help to create a quirky game. It's at least worth it to download the free trial demo from Xbox Live, but don't be surprised if you download the full game straight after that.