The last video game in the series was called Bye-Bye BoxBoy !, but I’m glad it wasn’t a goodbye. The HAL Laboratory cubes return with new puzzles in a minimalist adventure, with many content and excellently executed ideas. Here is our analysis of BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL! for Nintendo Switch.
Although it may seem like an unimportant detail, one of the aspects that most caught my attention about BOXBOY! It is how its protagonist moved his legs. Two very thin black lines, which curve at each step to move the body (cube) of our protagonist. This simple, really banal detail explains a few things. In the first place, it is an aspect that HAL Laboratory took care of to come up with a comic puzzle game, but at the same time minimalist. So much so that even the developers were even a little concerned if the title was too simple.
Calm but nice, glad to see that BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL! it follows the same path as its predecessors, but expanding and enhancing the formula. Not only does it have a whopping 270 levels, but BoxBoy! + BoxGirl! includes a clever co-op that fits in perfectly with the Switch concept. All based on a very simple idea: create cubes to overcome obstacles, something solved with great ingenuity in several campaigns that also include individual play, and without losing an iota of interest with respect to playing in company.
It is worthy of praise, because in exchange for just 10 euros, it contains about ten hours of game without filling, with short but elaborate tests, which will make you wonder about the solution that takes you to the next challenge. All always presenting new mechanics, which are developed on a not too steep, but very satisfactory difficulty curve. In short, one of those releases that you do not expect much when they are announced, but that surprise you as soon as you install them on your Nintendo Switch .
BOX BOY! Announcement Trailer + BOX GIRL! for Nintendo Switch
Thinking squaredThe real novelty of this installment is the possibility of controlling two characters at the same time, with 11 worlds and zillions of phases to go. Boxboy and Boxgirl support a campaign in which two players (only in local mode) overcome specific challenges using the power of collaboration. This is where the game shines the most, being especially recommended if what you are looking for are puzzles to solve in company.
Collaboration is essential in the coop campaign to overcome the various challenges we face.
What has surprised me the most is not only how well the puzzle challenges are designed, but also that there is the possibility of playing them alone, alternating between the control of both protagonists . Obviously, the coop game always shines more … but I have to say that I have performed quite well in both cases, without many differences, which is not usual in this type of approach. The game is excellently designed and programmed. Although it seems simple, there is a talented work behind it.
For these purposes, BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL! It is ideal for both desktop and laptop gaming. I would even recommend the tabletop mode. It adapts to all circumstances, because its levels are short, from those that require a minute, to those that will take you a few to find the right solution. In addition, it has a lot of replayability , because each level hides crowns (more difficult to reach) since we are rewarded the fewer cubes we use.
As a puzzle game, it is recommended for both expert and novice playersAlthough it is not particularly difficult to reach the end of the adventure, the game has that Nintendo factor that has led me personally to strive to get each of the unlockables. In this sense, the difficulty is multi-layered. There is even a more affordable one for the less seasoned in puzzles, since there is a store where we not only unlock ornaments and clothes, but we can get help from the invincibility style or place additional cubes, thus breaking the limits imposed by the program . This scalability explains that we are facing a puzzle video game recommended for a wide spectrum of users: both experts and more novices.
And best of all, the Boxboy and Boxgirl campaign is just one of three available. We can also play with Boxboy on his own levels, or on Qudy’s, a rectangle that, due to the design of its body, offers an interesting variant on the original gameplay. Together they raise 270 levels that give about 8-10 hours of play , a large figure if we take into account the small scale of the project, as well as its low launch price.
Controlling Qudy poses new and very different challenges. It’s a more durable game than you think!
Audiovisual design is not a way to save resources, as you might think, but a consequence of a minimalist game concept , which wants you to focus on what’s important: creating cubes and overcoming challenges that introduce mechanics from start to finish, with a rhythm copy. Honestly, I am unable to find major complications at launch, beyond those I found in the BoxBoy review! back in 2015.
As in that case, we are facing a relatively simple game with a not very pronounced difficulty curve, but really charming, which under the logic of minimalism offers us a great value for money , in addition to a high number of levels and a considerable replayability. If you like puzzles, don’t think about it … You will have time to do it while you play creating cubes.
“Excellent”
BoxBoy! + BoxGirl!
BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL! It offers cooperative play, a large number of levels and the same but exemplary playable design, very minimalist, but with a great concept behind it. The new installment from HAL Laboratory is not surprising, but it adapts splendidly to the hybrid concept of Nintendo Switch, offering a very interesting puzzle game for both genre lovers and newcomers. In addition, all with a remarkable value for money, and a good handful of levels and hours of play.
- Co-op added to the formula quite talented
- Numerous number of levels and good replayability
- Playable variety, with new mechanics successfully introduced
- Minimalist audiovisual design that fits the intention of the product
- Great adaptation to the possibilities of Nintendo Switch
- Good value for money
- Difficulty curve may seem shallow
