One of the more popular styles of mixing platforming and puzzle-solving gameplay is the use of multiple dimensions in each level. Taking this concept a step further is NeoBird with their latest title World Splitter. Recently, this game was launched on PC via Steam, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch, with plans to come to Xbox One later this year, by their publisher Bumble3ee Interactive. The main focus when I went in to play this new puzzle-platforming title was to see if it was unique, challenging, and entertaining, to which I can happily say that it is quite the fun brain teaser.

Story

After crash landing, your little alien friends have stolen your remote that lets you travel across four different dimensions at once. While trying to catch up to them, you only have access to two dimensions at one time. Use some wit and skill, you will need to round up all your alien companions as you make your way to the group that stole your remote!

Gameplay

When it comes to the character controls, they keep it fairly simple. You are only given the ability to move your character left and right by using your left stick. You will be introduced to the option to jump, which will come in handy, but it is a very low jump. Be prepared to use the different dimension environments to help you elevate, remove dangerous obstacle hazards, give flooring where it’s needed, and more.

A lot of the puzzle-solving, and even platforming, aspects will be done with the right stick on your controller. With this, you can move the placement of which you can rotate which dimension you are using. The dimension changes using the top buttons and can rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise. This rotation is your main tool for success. Where you see a full wall on one dimension but not on the other is really a lifting platform to elevate you. But be careful, if you switch dimensions and your character gets stuck inside a rock, wall, or hazard, then the level will be reset.

As you proceed through the game, you will be introduced to multiple different obstacle styles and hazard types. Starting off easy, you are just given a water pit that you can’t fall into. Eventually, you will be working with tricks including inverted gravity, platforms over water hazards that require a quick movement or perfect angling to proceed, and actual spike enemies.

Visuals

I would say that the visuals are adequate for the gameplay style that they are providing. The cartoon style of the game allows for them to present the different dimensions in a very colorful way without relying on it looking like different seasons of the year. Plus, the story is just a silly filler that is suitable for the art style.

Sounds

While the music used in each level was fitting, it was also practically unnoticable. The sound effects used throughout are in the same situation. It seems like the sounds used were just meant to be appropriate and not really a focal point of the game.

Replayability

You don’t have to save each alien friend to complete a level, but you can perfect each level by collecting them all, rotating within a certain number of degrees, and taking less time than marked. So, if you want to get perfect level scores, then there is a reason to go back through the game. Otherwise, each level will be the same as it was the first time.

What Could Be Better

While I do like the simplicity in the art style, I feel like there could have been more done for the graphics. It was all pretty bare minimum while still looking good for what they were going for. The same could be said about the music and sound effects used.

Conclusion

World Splitter is a typical puzzle-platformer game with a unique spin on the controls and puzzle-solving style. It is definitely a fun game to solve your way through. Despite starting out with a gameplay style that tends to have moments that copy themselves, they put a twist on it that made each level feel unique to solve and complete.