by Alvin Deguzman

Created on: January 06, 2009   Last Updated: August 15, 2010

Game Review: BrainPipe by Shrapnel Games

Rating: 2 out of 5

BrainPipe is a fast paced maze racing game that tests your hand to eye coordination and reflexes as you quickly zoom through the many obstacles scattered throughout the 10 BrainPipe levels. The object of the game is to collect "glyphs" which are the only obstacle that does not reduce your health and thus gain qualification to move on to the next level. This is easier said than done, as there are several different obstacles that can thwart you from your task. In addition, each level speeds up incrementally and by doing so is that much more difficult. The only relief the player gets is in the form of left clicking the mouse to temporarily slow oneself down and make it much easier to collect glyphs or avoid obstructions. However, there is no indication of how frequent or how long you can slow yourself, so it's tough to develop any strategy as to passing a given level. Furthermore, there are only the first two levels provided in the demo version, making it difficult to evaluate the difficulty curve.

After the two levels, both of which are named to resemble specific parts of the brain, a level called "Coma" begins, which is ridiculously fast and results in prompt death of the player. While the sounds and graphics of this game are well done, I can't help but feel that there should be more to the game play, which seems almost too streamlined. It would have been nice for the developers to include a gauge to show how much slowdown is left, or maybe even some sort of weapon to destroy obstacles instead of just avoiding them.

Implementation of multiplayer, whether it's another person online or at least a computed generated competitor, would also add to the excitement. One can only hope that the full version of this game will offer something to break the monotony of game play, even a boss or some sort of bonus stage would help.

At any rate, if you've always wanted to imagine what it's like to be a brain wave travelling through the many recesses of the human brain, maybe this game is for you. Otherwise, there really isn't much here outside of the psychedelic style graphics, sound, and fast-paced animation. Maybe Shrapnel should consider marketing this as an "interactive screen saver," instead of giving gamers false expectations.

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