If there is a genre of games that has been done to ad nauseam, it’s the puzzle genre. Usually the mechanic starts out simple and slowly becomes more complex in order to build difficulty and longevity. The formula became stale. This is where Snipperclips comes in like Redbull in a sea of off-brand soda.
Snipperclips
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: SFB Games
Platform: Nintendo Switch (Reviewed)
Release Date: March 3, 2017
Players: 1-4
Price: $19.99
This is a review coupled with a supplemental video review. You can watch the video review above, or read the full review of the game below.
I will state this first and foremost, Snipperclips is a game overflowing with cuteness.
The graphics are simple but extremely well made, with an art style as unique as the concept of its game mechanics. From the unique paper characters you play as to the background that encompass the puzzles, there is a layer of polish that is first rate.
Level designs are very well thought out and illustrated, giving a unique feel to everything you see and interact with. This reflects a major thing that Snipperclips has in spades: personality.
Gameplay changes with almost every level you play in, with the only constant being how your characters interact with one another.
Each character can modify the shape of the other by overlapping their own shape and cutting out the overlap. They can also duck, jump and rotate their character to suit the needs of the puzzle they are in.
It’s hard to explain just how much variety is here, because you can solve the puzzles any way you want. Multiply this buy the 45 levels divided up into three themes in single player, 21 pure multiplayer levels, and 3 player vs player levels, and you got yourself a very well rounded experience that is fun alone or with others.
The problem is, it really does not feel like there is enough in the game for single-player Switch owners, and there is no way to play with friends unless they are physically next to them. Realistically, the majority of people who play this game are getting half the content unless they have magic hands and the higher brain functions that can do both players at the same time with one hand.
The cute factor of this game even oozes into the sound and music. Every note and noise that hit your ear is as if a fluffy animal of your choice just bopped you with their head. Nothing is over the top, and everything builds a level of character that even out shines many classic puzzle games from the Wii era.
Snipperclips is an amazingly well done game oozing with charm and cuteness that will leave you with a smile on your face, asking for more.
The chief issue with the game is there should be easier access to multiplayer, via online functionality. Fans of puzzle games will quickly fall in love, and those looking for something different on their Nintendo Switch will be overjoyed to have this game.
Snipperclips was reviewed on the Nintendo Switch using a download code provided by Nintendo. You can find additional information about Niche Gamer’s review/ethics policy here.
The Verdict: 8
The Good:
- Great concept and mechanics.
- Simplistic but unique art style that bursts with character and cuteness.
- Totally fresh ideas.
The Bad:
- Really needs more to it or multiplayer via Internet access.
