Nimbus is a recently released glide-based puzzle racing game that may be in the running for the next indie game of the year. He was seen last year as a participant in the Noumenon Games Independent Games Festival. Not only does the core mechanics of the game offer an extremely enjoyable and challenging experience, but the map shortcuts and unlockable features ensure that this will be a title that will keep players coming back again and again.
The game has the player controlling a miniature, semi-flying, mostly gliding machine. The character is determined to rescue his girlfriend from a giant, scary-looking robot. Navigating through each level provides Nimbus’s main challenge. Players can’t just fly towards the target, as there is no real way to propel the vehicle forward other than to slide. The overall feel of the game reminds me of Learn to Fly, only instead of trying to do the best distance, the goal is to get to the finish line. Levels require the player to change colored switches, dodge falling spiked balls of death, and maintain momentum long enough to reach the checkered goal.
Due to the quality level design in Nimbus, some of the later levels may require a lot of piloting skill. It’s unfortunate that the three difficulty levels only influence how many lives are provided at checkpoints. Near the end of the game, the harder difficulties can become frustrating for some players, while others may find the challenge engaging. Completing a difficult level after numerous attempts is extremely satisfying and is part of what makes Nimbus so addictive.
Nimbus constantly pressures the player to complete each level as quickly as possible. After completing each level, a screen displays the player’s global rank, as well as their friends’ rank. I played several of the levels over and over to get a higher rank. There are also collectible coins hidden throughout many of the levels. Coins reward players with new ships and contrail colors, and are conveniently well hidden. Don’t expect to collect most of the coins on the first play either, as some of them are devilishly hard to find. Alternate exits exist that unlock different shortcuts on the overworld map and is another reason to go back and play previous levels. World progression is similar to Super Mario 3, so players familiar with that game will have a good idea of the setting.
The soundtrack is impressive. Expect to hear great music. Each themed stage has its own mood and music selection. The great soundtrack combined with outstanding graphics reminiscent of the mosaic seen in Little Big Planet help give the world of Nimbus its own feel; The overworld is sculpted from large blocks constructed of felt, populated by curious cube towns. The story never quite takes center stage, which once again reminds me of the classic NES Super Mario series, always focusing more on gameplay than story.
Overall, Nimbus is a solid $10 buy for those interested in an innovative glider-focused puzzle/platformer. There are quite a few levels here, and Nimbus will give players a challenge from start to finish. With serious replayability involving hidden coins, various unlockables, and alternate routes, Nimbus may just be the best game you’ve ever played.
Buy Nimbus on Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/50000/
