A solid game based on a simple premise.
Mighty Flip Champs! is a DSiWare game developed and published by Wayforward Technologies, developer of critically acclaimed licensed games such as Contra 4 for the DS and A Boy and His Blob for the Wii. In addition, the studio produces original IPs such as the cult classic Shantae for the Game Boy Color and Sigma Star Saga for the Game Boy Advance. Mighty Flips Champs! is their first game for DSiWare and was released in June, 2009.
Gameplay Overview:
The game itself is built on a very simple idea. As the main character, a girl named Alta, you must traverse a maze to reach the Fishman. To do this, you negotiate obstacles using your wand to flip to another screen. Throughout the 41 levels of the game, obstacles such as spikes, switches, teleporters, and the need to rescue other animal friends conspire to provide the player with a formidable challenge. After each level, the game grades the player solely based on the time it took to finish the level. The grades range from the usual 'D' to 'S'. Pausing the game in-level will display the time necessary to obtain an 'S' rank for the level. The game is spread over 5 worlds with a final level at the end. At the end of each world is a level in which Alta's wand goes crazy and the game automatically flips for the player. These fast-paced arcade sequences use a simplified maze but provide a change of pace from the thoughtful gameplay of the regular levels.
Liked:
1.) Music: Each world is accompanied by a separate music track, composed by Big Lion Music, all of which are very enjoyable. At the end of the game, a sound test level is unlocked so the player can listen to all the music. Headphones are recommended.
2.) Graphics: For old-timers like me, the 2D graphics in this game are a throwback to a time when games were simpler. The only effect probably not reproducible on a SNES is the wave effect on the touch screen that represents the next screen should the player choose to flip. The sprites are detailed yet unobtrusive. The different world themes are simply designed yet colorful.
3.) Concept: The overall concept of this game is refreshingly simple. If you want something you can download and begin playing right away, this is it. All the face buttons only do one thing: flip the screen. There is no jumping, no enemies. Just flipping, and the developers managed to keep it interesting all the way through.
Disliked:
1.) 'Suggestive' Themes: The ESRB noted "suggestive themes" present in the game and Alta is dressed suggestively. If the player completes all levels with an 'S' ranking, an alternate title screen displays that shows Alta on the beach playing with her animal friends, and her attire is revealing. As a parent, I found WayForward's exploitation of feminine features offputting and frankly unnecessary.
2.) Linearity: The stage select screen consists of a list of levels. Unfortunately, they unlock one at a time instead of unlocking all the levels for a particular world at one time. Therefore, if the player gets stuck, he or she must complete the level before the next one is unlocked. This can lead to frustration and moving on to another game. Thankfully, these frustrating moments are minimal for the persistent.
3.) Lack of Story: Simply put, there is no story or even overarching objective at all in this game. The player has no idea why Alta needs to find her fishy friend or why he is trapped in the maze. Some narrative, objective or character development would provide the player with an additional motivation for playing.
4.) Relative Lack of Reward: If a player wants to unlock all 'S' ranks, he or she will be rewarded with an alternate title screen. That's it, so sheer enjoyment of the gameplay must suffice to motivate the player onward. For many this may not be enough.
Conclusion: As a full retail release, Mighty Flip Champs! may have been less than stellar due to the dislikes noted above, even at a budget price of $20. However, this game perfectly captures what DSiWare is all about, a game design that exploits one good idea in bite-sized gameplay chunks. At 800 points ($8), the game provides enough content for completionists like myself who want to procur 'S' ranks on every level. I spent about 6 hours in total on the game. Those who are not completionists should be aware that they will complete the game in significantly less time. All in all, the polished, original design and focused gameplay set a standard for DSiWare development and make future efforts from Wayforward worth a look.
Final Score: 7.5/10