|| REVIEW || Deleveled (Nintendo Switch)
Developed By : Toaster Fuel
Published By : The Quantum Astrophysicists Guild
Category : Platformer, Puzzle, Indie
Release Date : Sep 10, 2020
Sometimes, all the magic you need is in a name. There are plenty of times where books, movies, and especially video games carry a name for a specific reason. It could give a clue to a specific plot element, game mechanic, anything and everything really. A lot of times it's very in your face and apparent why such a name was given, while otherwise it doesn't hit you for a bit but when it does, all you can do is appreciate the heck out of it. For me, that's how I felt when all the pieces fell into place on why Deleveled was named the way it was.
Deleveled is a puzzle platformer which gives you the simple task of guiding two opposing, bouncing blocks two their respective goals, while navigating a series of not so simple levels. Each level is split by a line of gravity through the center horizontally, with one bouncing ball on either side. To open the exit portals, you'll need to guide the ball to a series of switches, pressing them all and then reaching the exits.
All the levels are broken up into groups or packs. Each pack contains twelve levels, ten of these are required to pass while the other two have to be unlocked to even attempt. The first of these stages needs to be unlocked via a secret, such as activating a specific pair of switches. The other level is unlocked by earning perfect stars on the ten main levels of that grouping. To earn these stars, you must complete the main levels without one of your blocks dying or you needing to force a restart.
The level groups also carry a theme through each of them, introducing a new challenge to deal with. At first it's just figuring out exactly how, when and where to take advantage of the bouncing. One group of levels brings you walls that can only be passed through in one direction, and if you try to back track you're stuck. While another gives you floors that breakaway temporarily after you pass over them.
As you progress through the levels you'll come across numerous hazards. You'll deal with spikes on walls, floors and ceilings. Naturally you'll have the ever looming threat of gravity if you go too far over a ledge and don't have a follow up spot to land. You'll also need to avoid having your blocks crash into each other. There are numerous levels where you'll need to "swap" sides, but if you don't offset from each other it's gonna be bad news.
If you like fun and unique puzzle games, Deleveled is absolutely one for you. I don't know if it was intentional, but stylizing the title of the game as a palindrome to reflect on the fact how the levels are mirrors of themselves was a nice touch. This title is one of a few perfect examples that you don't need fancy top of the line graphics to make a great game. For this one, a couple boxes, some bouncy physics, and some hard lines to deliver an experience that is both frustrating for its difficulty, but extremely fun for it's execution.
Game Rating : 9 /10
Also available on PC, Xbox One and Playstation 4
A code for this game was graciously provided
to the site for purpose of a review
