It's just too adorable and entertaining to not enjoy
As previously, stated...Flying Hamster plays like most within its genre but the central character, the foes encountered, and the environments the game takes place is where the charm can be found. You play as a Hamster who's method of flight are 2 leaves that act as propellers. Power ups mostly come in the form of food which he rapidly spits out of his mouth at in coming enemies (with the occassion fire spitting power up). Foes come in the form bugs, fish, cats, cows, garlic cloves, etc. The enviornments range from gardens, underwater, to busy city streets....all of which are interactive in some way, shape, or form. For example, when flying through the level that takes place on a busy city street, random people can be seen in the background (some reacting to seeing what's going on) sipping on a soda. These drinks can be taken and used as a power up (think laser fire) much to the person's displeasure. The bosses are all huge and screen consuming but push overs for the most part. My only criticizm of Flying Hamster's gameplay is the how the game's checkpoint system breaks the difficulty of the game. Most levels are broken up into 4 parts and you start out with 5 lives. If you manage to get a "Game Over", you simply just start at the last part you were playing beforehand with a fresh new 5 lives at your disposal. So, for example, if you died during a boss fight, you would start back either at the boss or very shortly before it. The visuals are amazing and very beautifly rendered. It adds to the game's light hearted and cartoony feel.
The story is pretty simple: The Hamster must rescue his girlfriend from the clutches of a hungry bird. Of course finding and beating the bird is only the tip of the iceburg and all the events that follow are pretty funny.
My Breakdown:
What's Good:
- The game is pure side scrolling fun!
- Nice visuals
- Plenty of power ups (many of which of level specific
- Unique spin to a classic genre
- Charming
- High replay value
- Great Humor
What's Not-So-Good:
- The checkpoint system seriously hampers the game's difficulty level
What's Bad:
- Nothing that comes to mind
In all, after playing Flying Hamster, I definately want more! It's one of the very few games this generation that I would pick up and start playing again due to its charm and awesomeness!