Review: BlindGiRl
Game: BlindGiRl
Format: Xbox 360 Live Indie Games
Developer: GLPeas
Publisher: GLPeas (Indie Game)
GLPeas are a Derby-based Indie Developer and BlindGiRl is their second game on Xbox LIVE. Braindead_Hero reviewed Carcophony a while back and was pretty positive about it. Their second game is something totally different; not only from their previous title, but from any game I’ve ever played.
The first thing that drew me to BlindGiRl was the wave physics. A strange sentence, I know, but as a scientist, I’m finding it hard not to ramble on about “how interesting the wave behaviour simulation is” and how “this could be a great teaching tool” – but they’re both true! After playing a demo at GameCity Nottingham, I was very interested in playing the game and when they told me it was only 80 Microsoft Points, I was sold. 80 points is about 65p, that’s ridiculous.
Things that cost more than BlindGiRl:
• A can of fizzy pop
• A chicken bake
• The travel costs to a game shop
• Approx one short telephone conversation on Pay-As-You-Go
Interference pattern produced by interacting waves = squiggly green lines
The presentation of the game is a little strange, but once you get into it you’ll find there’s a very simple structure to it all. You play the part of BlindGiRl, who is trying to make sense of her confusing and frightening world. The aim of the game is to get through the maze that makes up each level using sounds to guide you; a bit like a bat or Daredevil. Maybe they should have called her BatGiRl or DevilGiRl… Sequel… Confirmed.
There are 3 ways to produce sound. The first is the sound of BlindGiRl’s own footsteps. This is a relatively quiet sound that doesn’t travel very far and is presented visually by red glowing waves that emit from her feet as she moves. BlindGiRl has also got a beautiful singing voice, and as you beat each level you’ll find musical notes. Collect these notes to compile a growing song, allowing you to see further out into the levels. BlindGiRl’s voice is represented by a green glowing wave and travels further than the red waves, eventually becoming so strong that a whole song will allow you to see throughout most of a maze. The third sound is that of BlindGiRl’s scream. This is not a sound you want to hear, unless you are sick in the head.
Levels contain corridors, breakable walls and glass barriers and shoes that act as portals to travel between floors of each level. It sounds very simple, but with the addition of multiple paths and three types of monsters that react to sound, you will soon see that it’s not a simple matter of running to the finish line.
BlindGiRl apparently lives on a music sheet
Tactics really come into play when you have to get past obstacles such as breakable walls when there are monsters around. For example, you may have to smash a wall using the sound of your footsteps, but there is a red monster nearby that will come after you if you walk. One of the main skills you must practise is treading quietly. To tip-toe, you must simply move the analogue stick very, very gently. This takes a degree of control that we are just not used to as gamers. First person shooters especially, have drilled into us one thing: never stand still, never walk, never tip-toe, only run. Even with many games that require stealth these days, there is often a button specifically for sneaking. Having to give this up to use only the analogue stick with so much care is harder than you think and is a skill you will perfect while playing through the game.
I need to mention something else because it’s important to me. My wife was in hospital for the best part of a week, recently due to having our second child by C-Section. This wasn’t easy on our 6 year old, having to drag him back and forth from hospital to home and elsewhere all week. To make things a little easier, you have to show your child a good time. So my son decided we would play BlindGiRl while walking the many long corridors of Queen’s Medical Hospital. The red fire hoses and fire boxes were the red monsters and the green direction signs were the green monsters. We ran, sang and sneaked through the corridors of the hospital every day on the way in and out and he looked forward to it each time. Thanks for that GLPeas. It helped.
So, to sum up, I really enjoyed BlindGiRl, my son loved watching me play it and we both loved playing it in real life. And for 65 pence, I think I’ve already demonstrated that you are looking at really great value.
Review Round Up
Graphics: 3/5 – Very simplistic but as a “Blind Simulator” there’s good reason. The wave effects look great and the art style is distinctive, although some will like the drawings and some will not.
Sound: 3/5 – Silence fills the air until BlindGiRl moves, sings or screams and interacts with the environment. The sound effects are strong and distinctive, playing an important part in gameplay. The variation of sound is very small though.
Gameplay: 5/5 – Here is where BlindGiRl really shines. Probably the most innovative game on the Indie Marketplace. Addictive and fun, if a little easy. I can’t wait for a sequel to see what else GLPeas can do with the concept.
Longevity: 5/5 – At around 3 hours, depending on how many times you play through or have to repeat levels, it’s not a long game but it’s totally appropriate for the price. Long enough for a very satisfying experience.
Overall: 5 Wavelengths out of 5 – Taking into account the price, BlindGiRl is one of the best games I’ve played in a while. As a bitesize experience it’s a download that I would recommend to anyone without hesitation.
[starreview tpl=16]
I think I will have to pick this bad boy up. I gave their last game a spin and thought it was pretty good fun, although it gave me a massive headache!
It’s definitely worth it.
This kind of the thing is what makes the Indie games worth while. Hopefully the guys over at GLPeas will continue making good games and end up doing well in the future.
think ill try it