Here comes an interesting game with an interesting name. Called Ibb & Obb and developed by Sparpweed, this new title is now available for download from the Playstation store. The game is essentially a 2D platformer that will have you playing in a co-operative fashion. You’ll be in control of either Ibb or Obb as you get them to work in a partnership to obtain a common goal as you run and jump across the platforming adventure.
Ibb & Obb differs in your typical 2D platformer in that there is a line that acts as a center for gravitational force. Whether you’re above or under this particular line, you’ll end up running across from it. To illustrate, if you happen to be underneath it, you will be walking upside down and even jumping downwards from this perspective.
Controlling in Ibb & Obb is pretty simple with your typical button arrangements. Movement is responsive while switching between the line of gravitational force is straightforward—all you need to do is jump the portals within the ground. This will have you travel between the two mirror worlds. This execution of this effect is seamless and smooth even though the concept can be a bit tricky to grasp initially.
Throughout your adventures within Ibb & Obb, you’ll come across various enemies. Within one side of the gravitational force, they would serve to be a deadly foe while on the other side, they will have a weakness. The more enemies you eliminate, the more collectable crystals you will be rewarded with. Obviously, at the start, the enemies are small and feeble. But as you progress further, their size and brutality increases, thereby pushing the challenge up a notch.
Ibb & Obb is populated with puzzles that require a bit of brain power for you to solve. The design of the levels force you to think outside the box as you try to figure out via trial and error the best way to successfully complete the level. This is where you’ll need to work effectively between controlling Ibb and Obb themselves. As mentioned earlier, there are portals that change up the gameplay as well as spice up the challenges. For instance, there are those that won’t allow certain characters to pass through.
The graphics behind Ibb & Obb is simplistic yet a beauty to look at. In terms of the environments, you have a bunch of shapes that don’t have much detail attached. Nonetheless, the game’s solid and vibrant color scheme manages to keep everything in sight lively. The effects are also effectively executed as you see the colors shift throughout the game. In terms of the audio, Ibb & Obb manages to maintain the appropriate use of both the music and sound effects in order to create a relaxing atmosphere. This is especially vital when you have a puzzle 2D platformer like this where you need to have your mind in a state of calmness.
Ibb & Obb has plenty of content with 15 levels to explore and solve. Additionally, there are several secret areas that are waiting to be uncovered by you. If you play on your own, the game will be pretty tricky to figure out at first. But in practice, it may be easier to manage. If you play with a friend, then you have two heads working on the problem, which can be a good thing. However, if you both are not in the co-operative state of mind, then this can be detrimental. It all depends on how you (and perhaps your partner) is approaching this game.
Ibb & Obb can be plenty of fun, but at the same time, it can lead to plenty of frustration because of its challenges. For the price of $9.99 at the Playstation Network, it’s definitely worth giving a shot as it has enough qualities to captivate your attention as well as put your thinking power to the test.
