by David Williams

Created on: January 10, 2009   Last Updated: July 09, 2011

Downloadable Game Review: Springworld Challenge

Nyblom Software's Springworld Challenge bills itself as "A physics based computer game with destructible rockets and cars". The game lives up to its tag line very well, it is indeed all about physics. Getting the correct amount of thrust behind the vehicle in order to get to the end of the level within the target time takes practice. It does have rockets and cars, and they are indeed destructible. One thing that Springworld Challenge does not do, however, is hold your attention for long.

The premise is simple, guide the car or rocket to the goal using the arrow keys. Arrive at the goal within the target time and take as little damage as possible. The problem may be that the premise is too simple. While different levels offer different challenges and obstacles to overcome in order to reach the goal, the overall concept starts to get stale after around four levels.

The graphics are basic and colourful. Springworld Challenge is of course a game which would hope to win over most of its fans through game play as opposed to flashy visuals but it is difficult at first to discern weather or not this is an educational physics game intended for young children.

Sound is scarce here, with only engine sounds and the satisfying crunch of a crash to accompany the chirpy, if sometimes irritating background music. While there isn't much sound, the sound that is there is to a reasonable standard.

Game play is repetitive and a little on the dull side once the initial fascination factor wears off. It is entirely possible to arrive at a levels goal by accident by merely holding down the forward and turbo buttons and hanging on for dear life. What truly kills the game play here though is that crashing the vehicle is much more fun than finishing the course.

It's difficult to find a reason to call this game innovative. There are many games of this nature available on various flash game websites and by and large, they are more fun. It is nice to see physics somewhat realistically applied to the game, but it isn't new.

Overall, you get the feeling that Springworld Challenge would have been more at home as a free web game to waste your lunch hour on. In such an environment, it may have thrived, as it stands though, it certainly is not of a high enough standard that it could be described as value for money.

Score : 2/5

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