|| REVIEW || Super Meat Boy (PC)
Developed By : Team Meat Published By Team Meat
Category : Platformer, Indie Release Date : November 2010
It's short, it's brutal, and after having been out for just shy of a decade, Super Meat Boy is infamous. As with the majority of side-scrolling platformers, the story is enough of an insert to justify the game you're playing, but it's never takes a big spotlight and the same can be said for this game's story.
Here, you'll play as Meat Boy, a small, red cube-shape of meat. While spending time with his beloved, Bandage Girl, when she is kidnapped by the nefarious evil scientist, Dr. Fetus. Not only does Meat Boy love her deeply, but he needs Bandage Girl alive so he can remain so. Therefore, it's only natural when our bloody, boxy hero sets off to save her.
What unfolds are some of the most brutal, technical, and fast-paced platforming levels that you'll encounter...probably ever. At first, things will seem pretty easy, but that's just the game being nice enough to give you a moment to get a handle on the controls. As Meat Boy, you can run and sprint-dash, as well as wall jump and...well that's really it. It's a small list of talents that you'll need to maximize the potential off the in the hellish path that is laid out before you.
The game itself breaks down into seven worlds, each of these containing twenty levels plus a boss level. That is except for the sixth world which only contains five and a boss level. With each level, your goal is the same. You'll need to navigate the treacherous paths to get to your object of affection, Bandage Girl. To gain access to the boss level, there are a set number of levels which must be completed first. However, once you're in a world, you don't necessarily need to play the levels in order. You have access to all twenty right away and there is no intricate story woven between each one, so bounce around as you see fit.
Boss levels are a bit of a different story. These are a bit longer, and usually come with some sort of a twist. You'll either have an enemy that is chasing you and you must outrun them, or you'll need to place yourself just right in order to make them fall in a death trap. On top of dealing with some giant enemy trying to kill you, there's the same traps and deathpits waiting to claim you as well, so you'll have to be extra on your toes in the stages.
While you're dealing with static and mobile saw-blades, pits of lava, and numerous other threats of death, there's more to Super Meat Boy than just completing the levels. Each one comes with a time limit that, if beaten, earns you an A+ grade for that level, which then in turn unlocks the Dark World variation of the same level (you begin each world on the Light side). Also scattered through the worlds, on both Light and Dark levels, are a number of bandages (serving as a collectible) and Warp Zones. These Warp Zones will transport you to a short series of stages (typically three) and if you complete all three in one go, you'll typically unlock a new character to play as.
As far as the Dark World levels go, these are almost exact counterparts to their Light variants, only they are a lot tougher by comparison. You'll find the pathways much more constricted with additional hazards. Where you had freedom in the Light World, here in the Dark you'll need precision. These levels also come with a time limit to beat for earning A+ if you so wish.
As I stated earlier, this game is tough. But man is it amazing. There are many games that the phrase "Easy to pick up, hard to master" gets attached to, and this is most certainly one of them. It almost has to be easy to pick up since all you can do is run and jump. As tough as it gets though, getting those difficult levels is an absolute reward once you do.
Above is detailed an example of the difference between a Light and Dark World variation of the same level. On the left, options are endless for getting to Bandage Girl. However on the right in the Dark World, land too early or jump too high and it's a different story
Even if you're not confident in your platforming abilities, this game is worthy of a spot in your library. You may find yourself cruising through levels in a heartbeat, and then discover a brick wall and be stuck on one level for hours. Either way, you're sure to have a good time with this game. For me, I've always classified this one in a unique way that I don't use for many other games. While I'm playing it I hate it, frustrated with it's toughness. Soon as it's turned off, I can't stop talking about how great the game is and how much I love it.
In relation to the price listed below, it's the standard price for which you can typically find Super Meat Boy listed for regardless of which platform you are getting it on. However, considering how long the game has been out for you can almost always catch it for a deal in any number of online sales. Whether you get it for full price or less, you'll be adding an amazing and iconic game to your digital library.
Game Rating : 10/10
Game Played On : Steam (PC) Also Available On : Xbox 360, Playstation 4, Playstation Vita, Wii U, Nintendo Switch
