From the makers of 'Outpost Kaloki X' we get a fun game that will remind you of the classic platformers of old.
Cloning Clyde is a puzzle platformer that won't flex your brain too much. When I first started playing this game, I was reminded of some of the older, classic platform games that developers just don't seem to bother making anymore. That alone makes this game a refreshing experience.
You play the role of the character Clyde. You have been given a nice $20 to lend your body to some cloning experiments. Of course, things go wrong and you are left with the task of trying to make things right. The story obviously isn't all that deep and that's not the reason you will be playing this game.
The reason you will be playing this game is for the fun platforming action. Along with the standard platform jumping, you can also morph into different animals to give yourself different skills. If you have ever seen the movie, 'The Fly', than you will know what I mean here. Of course, this game isn't scary or gory in any way. But it is nice to have the abilities of a chicken or frog when you need them. Another nice idea was to give you the ability to clone yourself multiple times on a level to reach areas that you previously couldn't reach. It makes for some interesting puzzle moments, even if the game is a bit on the easy side.
There is combat in Cloning Clyde, but it's not one of the selling points. The only way to clear a level is by destroying the droids that are scattered throughout that level. This is done by walking next to the droid and pushing the 'X' button as fast as you can. Of course, you do get attacked while doing this but the combat in the game is very easy. The real trick is using your clones or your special abilities that you gain from morphing with animals to even reach these droids.
For an Live Arcade game, Cloning Clyde isn't too bad to look at. It has a definate cartoonish style and the visuals have a lot of personality. Even your main character is funny to look at sometimes. If you stand in one place for a few seconds, he will perform a funny kung-fu move. When you are climbing ladders, you will notice that Clyde isn't wearing any pants under his smock as his butt is there for all to see. It's all really quite humorous and brings a sense of humor and style to the game. Obviously the visuals won't match a retail title, but there isn't much to complain about here.
The sound has it's own bit of personality as well. Like I mentioned before, Clyde does a few kung-fu moves and those are funny to listen to along with seeing them on screen. The music is ok, but nothing that will impress you too much. There are thirty five levels here to explore, so Clyde will keep you busy for awhile if you want him to. The achievements are pretty easy to get provided you want to finish the game. For the price of $10, you get a lot of bang for your buck if you want to see the game all the way through.
Overall I would have to say I really enjoyed Cloning Clyde. It's a fun game to sit down and play for a couple hours at a time. Especially if you are looking for some fun 2D platforming, which we hardly ever see on home consoles anymore. Like NinjaBee's 'Outpost Kaloki X', this game has a quirky style to it that I find appealing. Cloning Clyde certainly won't make you forget your $60 retail games, but it's fun for short stints and for $10 you can't go wrong downloading this.