The Japanese HAL Laboratory returns with a game that is more like the BoxBoy puzzles than the platform action of its classic Kirby. What is Part Time UFO? In short, a little surprise for Nintendo Switch that is charming, both for its ingenious puzzles, and for its endearing pixel art look.
There are times when you want games of direct fun , without complications, simple in concept but which are charming for that very reason. It’s just what I got with Part Time UFO . And it has surprised me, not only because of its playable solidity, but because in reality this game already existed for three years. It was released in mobile format and has already received more than notable reviews. Now it comes to Nintendo Switch without losing an iota of its charm. Rather it is even better.
The other surprise is who is behind this video game: HAL Laboratory , the creators of the Kirby saga . Although well … if you look at the designs, surely it does not miss anyone. The game is very nice, both for plot and content. We are a UFO that, probably tired of recharging energy on our planet, has now given to order and rebuild things . He does this with his special crane, whether it is loading farm cows into a truck, erecting a cheerleading tower, or rebuilding ruins in Greece.
The approach reminded me a lot of the WarioWare series , more than for the playable, for the mocking tone it gives off. Also, it makes use of the same retro pixel look. However, the game has its own personality, and now on Switch it has local co-op and a couple of new modes, as well as a handful of improvements. But if you want a quick assessment: it’s worth playing . It is a game charm, it comes at a reduced price (digital only) and if you want to enjoy it in company it is a good option.
The most endearing UFO on Earth
Simple, direct and fun, we show you in HAL Laboratory’s Part Time UFO gameplay
It is easy? At first quite a lot. Then forget about being patientThe Part Time UFO approach is very simple: take objects from one place to another either to form a puzzle, rebuild something, make an ice cream and “put whatever it is here”. Situations are sometimes as absurd as placing things in such a way that a sumo wrestler supports several people or an elephant maintains its balance while we throw all kinds of animals on him. Everything is designed so that you can smile , and the best proof is that the game encourages you to capture the crazy results to share them on your social networks.
There are about 30 different tests , which is not enough for many hours of play … rather for a couple of afternoons. The playable concept is not designed for it either, although it is really replayable. The reason? That there are three objectives per level, each one more complicated. The typical one is to finish in the established time, but then there are others in the style of reaching a certain height (in the case of stacking objects) or others more convoluted, such as stacking three scoops of ice cream or reconstructing the skeleton of a tyrannosaurus in an absolutely perfect way.
Infinite Tower is an additional modality that proposes to place everything that arrives in a helicopter.
It is easy? At first quite a lot. Then forget about being patient. I’ve ended up a bit unhinged in some situations, and I think this is what separates the game from having gone further. I consider that its progression curve is somewhat accelerated , although in reality the possibilities of the game system have not been calibrated. There are very satisfactory tests, but others are not so stimulating. In particular, the laboratory phases (in which you have to order pieces in the Tetris style) can become especially tedious.
Removing this, the game is enjoyable. You unlock new levels not only by completing the previous ones, but by fulfilling the proposed objectives. It is not easy, although the addition of a cooperative for two players locally can be a good help. As long as you get together with someone with enough skill, of course, because Part Time UFO is above all a game that requires precision at the controls. A slight movement can derail the mission, and I’m not exaggerating.
Precisely, the physics system has been one of the focuses of attention of HAL Laboratory in this development. Obviously, everything within the 2D plane in which the game moves. Something very basic, but very appropriate. The weight of each object is taken into consideration and how it can influence the rest when we place them on an unstable surface. The force of gravity can also be perceived when we take out the crane and take any object to move it, as well as inertia. Yeah, it’s really cool for the type of experience it is.
Some puzzles may be relatively straightforward, but others will get on your nerves.
Let’s just say the game doesn’t do weird things, and that’s already an achievement. You can check it in one of the accessory modes that are unlocked as you play: Infinite Tower . Simple. Pile up everything that comes your way and pray that it fits with the above in order to build a tower of 20, 35 or 50 meters, which is the maximum achievement that is proposed (and practically impossible for me). Come on, if you want a challenge, you should try it. The other modality that is included is much more adventurous and puzzling: Treasure Island . It appears when you pass all the part-time jobs, and it is a mini-adventure, short but entertaining, the good thing is that it can also be enjoyed in coop.
The latter are the most important additions to the Switch version compared to the mobile version. Plus? Apart from some phases that were not present on mobiles, there is a variant of higher difficulty for each job. Also significant is the achievement system introduced, which is added to the option to buy clothes for our particular UFO. For such a small game, the truth is that you cannot ask for much more in terms of options and replayability.
It’s really cool for the type of game it isPart Time UFO is very worked, also in the audiovisual. Graphically it is a game that tries to emulate another era, but with an indisputable grace. The pixelated and colorful designs are the keynote for a visually striking game (in its own way). And by this I mean that if they show you a screenshot of the game, you will probably recognize it right away. He has charisma, he has personality. And while the music is not the most inspired there is, it accompanies this show of very Japanese sympathy . Because yes, you can tell that it comes from Japan.
“Okay”
Part Time UFO
Part Time UFO is a simple but very effective game, with the sympathy with which HAL Laboratory tends to permeate its productions. Its short but challenging tests are ideal for games at any time. In short, a game that fits with the philosophy of Nintendo Switch and that also has a local cooperative, in case you were looking for something to enjoy with another person. It is the typical title that I would recommend for a rainy afternoon plan, from which you do not expect much, but in exchange for very little it offers you a careful dose of fun.
- A direct and fun game, ideal for short games
- Simple but effective physics that respond consistently
- Charming in terms of subject matter and audiovisual representation
- Includes co-op and a handful of replayability items
- Some puzzles can be too uphill
- Some sense of repetition in certain tests
