Breakout clones, take a bow. You have a new champion...
The sequel to the award winning Ricochet: Xtreme, Lost Worlds takes the formula to a bigger extreme, with faster action and more head-scratching puzzles. Power ups are a big aspect of this, pitting both beneficial and harmful spells on the ball. There are even power ups that don't affect the ball itself, such as the machine gun and rocket launchers that can be equipped to your craft, or the electric shield which will hang on to your ball, handy for getting that precise shot. Or some that even affect the puzzles themselves, such as turning every second block explosive or warp holes that can be hit into to reach otherwise inaccesible areas. And then there are just the entertaining power ups that can give you around 80 balls, or multi-balls, or balls with lasers (seriously, needs to be seen to be believed) or make the gameworld shrink, making the balls large enough to knock out several targets at once.
And it isn't just the power ups that make the difference, but also the creativity and general excellence of the level designs. You will require some real problem solving skills to get past more than a few. Generally, the courses get harder and you rely more and more on power ups to get you through, though the level design can sometimes give you options as well.
A personal favorite level of mine was after hitting a "do not hit" block, the entire rest of the blocks on screen formed into one very ugly block alien and began eating away at my ship! Now, if that isn't original, I don't know what is.
Collecting the five hidden rings per level gives you bonus points, and collecting thirty five all up will grant you an extra life. And they are not easy to find, as some can be devilishly clever in keeping away from the player, warping from one side to the other, bouncing and hiding behind blocks. Sometimes I found the greatest challenge in getting that last elusive ring before I completed the level.
Graphically, Ricochet isn't going to blow apart anyone's PC, but then, it's not trying to. There is only so much graphical dressing you can add to a puzzle game like a Breakout clone, but it is certainly one of the prettiest ones available. Being the sequel to the "breakout hit" Xtreme, Lost Worlds opts for a more natural environment, like Molten Lava and Atlantis-esque tribal overtones. Blocks are usually arranged in figures as well, highly reminiscent of a certain scene in Finding Nemo.
The many explosions and fast motion will engage players constantly, and there is no doubt that Lost Worlds looks good. There is usually a lot happening at once. Cranelike arms quickly arrange the levels, and your scoring info is nestled safely to the right. The interface is simple and problem free.
Suprisingly, the techno and hard rock soundtrack support the game experience very well. Considering the tepid nature of the genre, this definately stands out. But when you consider how fast the on-screen action can be, and how well the sound is implemented, you will find yourself smiling immediately. The mechanical sound feels just right.
The game's effects will have everyone reminiscing to the glory days of the Arcade. Explosions (and there are lots of them) in particular are convincing, and the gentle bleep and bloop from ball to craft is pleasing. On the whole, the effects do a fantastic job at creating the illusion of classic arcade.
With over one hundred and sixty levels, and several thousand player-made levels available online, Lost Worlds is no slouch in longevity and value. While there is no multiplayer, you can easily record high scores and compete online. The fact that many of the levels are so unique is also a testament to the developers, but there is also option to create your own levels, which is very rewarding. There is virtually no end to this game, and being such a small file, it isn't hard to keep on your computer for quick bouts while in between bigger game sessions.
Ricochet: Lost Worlds encompasses everything that is right about this kind of game. It provides a family-fun title at a great price that will keep you playing for a good long time. For such a simple game, this is something I can't help but keep coming back to. Give this game a try - you won't be disappointed.