VVVVVV took the world by storm when it was released on PC back in January 2010. Developed by lone coder Terry Cavanagh, it was one of several key indie games that really captured the hearts of retro-loving gamers around the world. Now thanks to Nicalis, it has finally arrived on a console - the Nintendo 3DS. And it couldnt have found a more appropriate home, really.
If youve never had the chance to play this wonderful little indie game, let's go over the basics. You control a character called Captain Viridian, a spacefaring hero who becomes separated with his crewmen when his ship encounters some strange dimensional interference.
So you trot off to rescue your friends and try to find a way back home... but theres a catch. Besides moving with either the D-pad or Circle Pad, theres only one button that can help you pass by obstacles and clear stages. And its not a jump button. Instead of leaping, pressing any button will reverse gravity - and each room is designed with character-flipping in mind.
Its devilishly hard, and every step of the way there are interesting and challenging new ways to trip you up - from wires that automatically bounce you the opposite direction, to moving floors and even rooms which, when touching an edge of the screen, makes you appear on the other side. Later, you encounter Intermission stages which add Abes Oddysee-style gameplay elements, where you must help guide a crew member to safety.
If you want some delightful retro action on the go, you owe it to yourself to get VVVVVV.