Snake Pass was created in a “game jam” held by Sumo Digital. Its creator, Seb Liese, claimed to be inspired by his childhood … and here we have it. A title that meanders between puzzles and platforms to give us a gameplay, at least, rolled. Here is your analysis.
The protagonist of Snake Pass looks like a coral snake. It is a species known for its bright colors, but also for having one of the most dangerous poisons. However, between loading screens it becomes clear to us that ours is vegetarian, it has the peculiar name of Noodles (like food), and it is the friendliest thing you can throw at your face.
Of course, like false corals, everything is deceiving. Our creature is adorable, but if you think you are facing an easy game, go prepare. At its core, the new from Sumo Digital is quite a challenge. When I was going through the first levels, I thought this was going to last me a couple of hours. It took almost twice as long. And that’s not all. Despite its calm nature, hybrid between platforms and puzzles, at the end of my game I found that my thumbs were marked, the result of the tension caused by wrapping yourself in elements of the stage, fear of falling and dying … having to repeat your serpentine feat from the last checkpoint.
You live this sensation more than once, the result of a gameplay loaded with difficulty peaks. It is not well compensated, it is true, but there is something that saves you from the frustration: that Noodles really looks like a snake. I do not know if anyone has ever created a simulator of these reptiles, but what I am sure is that no one has ever managed, with such skill, to recreate the movement of a snake using an analog controller . Sound silly? Well here is something fundamental.
Snake Pass: The First 10 Minutes
Meandering Platforms and PuzzlesTo move faster with Noodles you have to meander. You can raise your head to ascend vertically. Also roll up on wooden sticks to propel you. Everything feels natural. Control is the great pillar of Snake Pass , above level design and everything in between. What’s more, you can see that the game is built on those mechanics. That this works well already says a lot, and very good, about the video game. It is novel and rewarding.
Beating some levels is a challenge, but it is even more so if you try to collect all the collectibles. Completing the game one hundred percent is not easy.
Now comes the not so good, and that is that in the end the levels are limited to collecting three diamonds, placing them on an altar and passing the level. No enemies: just platforming and serpentine puzzle . In the sobriety of the title is one of its greatest defects, although it cannot be denied being true to its calm nature until the last consequences. It’s a sit-down game and take it easy. In fact, you will fail when you get nervous and try to resolve situations on the fast track.
Snake Pass is a game whose 15 levels don’t last long (3-4 hours at the most), but it wants that space to be fully dedicated to it, without rushing. The music of David Wise , ex Rare, goes in that direction: to create a relaxed atmosphere and keep you glued to control until you complete the adventure. Good vibes and calm prevail, until Noodles falls into the void, into lava, into a sea of spikes … and you scream in despair.
The freshness of the game is undeniable
The control may have its drawbacks, that the camera becomes somewhat rebellious, that there is some repetition in the levels … but the freshness of the game is undeniable. There are crank parts, puzzle depth, underwater situations, moving platforms and clever designs. But then there are other lower-profile parts, with less hit. The best games are the ones that are surpassed level by level, continually surprising you.
There are a variety of situations, although not as much as we would have liked. However, the Noodles control does the rest, turning out fresh.
Snake Pass surprises you sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. From its ups and downs arises its most questionable aspect, but not for that reason worthy of all our attention. It’s a graceful title . When you leave the controller dead and rotate the camera, you can see that the grass is moving, that the platforms are moving, that there is life, even though our snake starts to sleep and then opens one eye to see if you are still there .
It is colorful, very pleasant: a little song to nature, collecting the essence of Banjo Kazooie or Crash Bandicoot. A more casual touch, more focused on relaxing than immersing yourself, because that is what the video game is about, having a good time, completing it … and if you want to later try its time trial mode , which is the only additional element that the video game brings.
Enough? Well, probably not, but we must also admit that Snake Pass proposes interesting things, and that is already a lot today. I think the last snake I handled was Snake’s (on a Nokia), so in my case it has been an experience even with a certain sense of nostalgia. Surely, it is not stupid to think about it. The very conception of the title stems from the fact that Seb Liese – its creator – had a snake as a pet as a child. I take it for granted that he never bit him … and neither should you fear for it. Noodles is a sweetheart and, at best, the worst thing it does for you is falling overboard.
“Okay”
Snake Pass
A meandering puzzle platformer video game. This would be a good definition for Snake Pass, a title with an unusual protagonist and control style. The result is a very fresh game, with good ideas and only certain ups and downs, both in design and in difficulty, have kept it from a better result. Still, if you want to handle a snake without being bitten, this is undoubtedly one of the best options. Relaxed but fun, the Noodles adventure is made for you to wind up playing a good time.
- Serpentine and very ingenious control: it is the great pillar of the game
- A challenge in which calm predominates, although it may unhinge you
- Audiovisual design with color, grace and composer David Wise
- Ups and downs in level design and difficulty
- Few levels and lack of variety between them
