Spaceman is an original 2d platformer puzzle title developed by Tyler Budolowski. The game will set you back 240msp(£2.04) and features a ton of retro gaming action.
From start to finish Spaceman knows exactly what it is and runs with it. The game is truly a 'blast from the past', featuring gameplay which is extremely reminiscent of old 2d NES and SNES titles. It sees you controlling a little spaceman who has the task of collecting points and a key to unlock the final door. To do this you must build blocks, which you can do in any direction around you. These can be stepped onto, only to build another block allowing you to traverse the environment. Throughout the levels are different challenges standing in your way, such as spike traps and turrets which fire straight and will destroy both you and blocks.
The game mixes things up a little with destroyable blocks. Spaceman has the ability to place a bomb one square directly infront of him. This makes the game almost have a bomberman feel to it, having to utilise the bombs in such a way that wont trap or destroy you. Oddly enough however there is no D-Pad control over your character. Considering a game of such a retro nature you'd expect to play it using the D-Pad, but sadly are forced to use the analog stick instead - even on the menus!
Spaceman features no multiplayer options, and no other modes other than the main game. It would have been nice to see possibly a cooperative style mode, with puzzles purposely designed with working together in mind. Or even something as simple as a speedrun mode.
The game consistently tries to emulate that retro vibe, even with its graphics and music. Graphically the game features an extremely simple 2d style - very similar to what you may have seen back in the days of the Super Nintendo. The Audio in the game is also again extremely simplistic, with the music varying dramatically in quality from repetitive irritating tunes to some catchy beats.
Overall Spaceman is a reasonably well executed retro title. The game knows completely what it is, and never shys away from that. It's entire presentation is extremely simplistic, yet theres something slightly refreshing from playing a game which is 100% retro. Sadly however after the novelty wears off you may find yourself realising the reason why games evolved. At 240msp its hard to recommend Spaceman for anyone other than a gamer looking for a title which harks back to the old days, especially considering theres no extension of the game's concepts such as cooperative play. Nevertheless mechnically Spaceman is extremely sound, and does exactly what it says on the tin.
