by Matt Remley

Created on: November 13, 2008   Last Updated: January 31, 2009

Somersault is a new platform style game with some pretty interesting new aspects game play wise. Players are on a mission to help out the character named Bally with the use of "paddles" drawn on the screen with the players mouse. All you have to do is basically just guide this character named Bally though the levels while avoiding obstacles.

Game Play

Many gamers will find Somersault's game play to be very interesting to say the least. Paddles you draw with your mouse can be moved around to sling Bally across the level in a timely fashion. Aside from traversing the level, players have to collect coins to boost their score up.

Aside from that, players in Somersault will have to avoid water, fire, and other little obstacles that can injure Bally. Sadly for our new little friend Bally, if he lands in water it could end in you restarting the level. Hearts are placed at different places throughout stages so you can heal Bally.

Graphics

Somersault does have some pretty good graphics for a platform game. With five or so graphical options, players can even change this so to focus on game speed or looks. Animations seem to run across the screen flawlessly throughout the course of the game, and everything is colorful to say the least.

Sound

In terms of sound quality, Somersault does a pretty good job. Although the sound isn't on par with the graphics, it does put crisp sound effects into the picture. Most of the obstacles besides the water have their own sound effects that add to the environment's depth.

Creativity

One has to admit that Somersault does have some creative features. The unique way that you help Bally throughout Somersault is pretty interesting, and new to the genre of platform games. Though the game isn't ground breaking, it's mildly creative to anyone that's used to the old platform games from the early days of gaming.

Innovation

True innovation is hard to come by, and Somersault does its best to be as innovative as possible. Fans of Somersault will be happy to know that the game has one the European Innovative Games Award. That in itself explains it all, every choice you make effects where Bally goes and if he makes it through the colorful stages or not. Is this game worth the $15? Simply put, it sure is.

Final Score- 4/5

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