Less is more with ''Splosion Man'

Simplicity makes this video game a hit.

By Chase Koeneke

Published Aug. 25, 2009

Video games are pretty complicated these days. Just look at your Xbox 360's controller with its combination of six buttons, four triggers, two analog sticks (that can also click in) and a directional pad.

The Wii isn't much better. With an almost infinite number of possible gestures using the Wiimote and nunchuk, games on Nintendo's platform have the potential to be even more complex. Although a selection of techniques can be nice, it can also complicate games until they are no longer fun.

That's where "'Splosion Man" comes in.

"'Splosion Man"'s only power is his ability to make objects explode, or 'splode, with his fiery body. Developer Twisted Pixel's newest release ditches complexity completely by turning buttons A, X, Y and B into 'splode, 'splode, 'splode and 'splode. Instead of relying on all those inputs, "'Splosion Man" concentrates all its variety and cleverness into level design.

Levels in "'Splosion Man" are quite reminiscent of Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis era platforms, employing Sonic the Hedgehog-esque momentum puzzles, Super Mario World-style inventiveness and Super Metroid-like walljumping, all done with a very clean and understated art direction.

Although the levels do evoke a sense of familiarity, the concept is completely out of left field. You are "'Splosion Man," a weird lab experiment trying to escape an underground facility. Rather than develop a complicated back story, "'Splosion Man" immediately puts you in the shoes of the combusting science fair project and simply says "go."

The single-player experience is excellent, controlling tightly and believably. Even though the character 'Splosion Man might not be as bankable as the Marios and Sonics of the world, his gameplay is certainly on par with those 16-bit icons.

Not to be content with just a stellar solo mode, Twisted Pixel also added local and online cooperative play. This addition turns "'Splosion Man" into something truly special. Co-op has an entirely different set of levels to explore, effectively doubling "'Splosion Man"'s longevity. Every one of these areas requires teamwork and problem-solving. It's not like a game of Halo where a more experienced player can take over and carry the team. In "'Splosion Man," you're only as good as your weakest link.

But it never seems to get frustrating, due in no small part to the buckets of charm and quirk the developers poured onto the game. Leave your character idle for even a second and he'll randomly begin juggling, fight dancing or doing jumping jacks like a hyperactive, sugar high 10-year-old.

'Splode near a scientist and instead of leaving a gory splatter, t-bone steaks, sausage links and hams will stream out of his detached limbs. Even a monotonous task like running down a hallway will trigger a fun animation like, 'Splosion Man sticking out his arms and making airplanes noises.

Unfortunately, you will be prying your gamepad from the sheetrock at a few select points: the boss battles. Attempting to mix up the action, these sequences end up falling flat and usually degrade into frustrated expletive-laden rants due to the bosses' ridiculously high health and the fact that you start the battle over from the beginning if you die. Co-op makes these sequences slightly more bearable, but just barely.

From "'Splosion Man"'s control scheme, to its graphics, even to its price, simplicity is key. If you can overcome the agony-inducing bosses, you'll be treated to one of this year's greatest sleeper hits. Your Microsoft points will be well-spent on "'Splosion Man."