Snake Pass (video game)

Last updated

Snake Pass
Snake Pass Logo.png
Developer(s) Sumo Digital
Publisher(s) Sumo Digital
Designer(s) Phill Bennett
Bradley Davey
Sebastiaan Liese
Programmer(s) Brendan Burns
Peter Harrap
Artist(s) Andy Ritson
Composer(s) David Wise
Engine Unreal Engine 4
Platform(s) Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One
Release
  • NA: 28 March 2017
  • AU: 29 March 2017
  • EU: 29 March 2017
Genre(s) Puzzle-platform
Mode(s) Single-player

Snake Pass is a puzzle-platform game developed and published by Sumo Digital for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One. Players play as a snake traversing floating islands in themed levels. Despite being a platform game, the player cannot jump and has to move similar to a real snake. The game was released in North America, Europe, and Australia in March 2017.

Contents

Gameplay

The main character, Noodle, navigates by coiling around objects. Snake Pass Gameplay.png
The main character, Noodle, navigates by coiling around objects.

Snake Pass is a 3D puzzle-platform game where players play as a coral snake named Noodle with his hummingbird sidekick named Doodle. The game has 15 levels across four themed worlds. It takes place in the fictional jungle setting of Haven Tor. The first world is themed around the jungle, the second around water, the third around lava, and the fourth around winds. Each world contains four levels, except for the final world which contains three. In each world the goal is to collect three colored gemstones called Keystones in order to reopen a portal to finish the level. In addition to the Keystones, there are 2 additional optional collectible types: Blue Whisps and gold Gatekeeper Coins. There are 20 Blue Whisps in each level, which are scattered along the critical path of the level, and five Gatekeeper Coins, which are put in more difficult-to-reach places. [1]

The game's controls are based on snake locomotion. The player can move Noodle's head 360 degrees on a flat plane, lift it up, move Noodle forward, tighten his grip, and call Doodle to lift Noodle's tail. Moving forward in a straight line is slow, so Noodle must slither from side to side in order to gain speed. The game considers Noodle's body to be made up of many small segments, each of which is affected by physics, and so Noodle's body reacts naturally to gravity. The player must wrap Noodle's body around objects in order to stay secure and not fall, as well as to climb structures. [2] Different worlds introduce different mechanics; in addition to bamboo structures that Noodle can wrap around to secure himself, levels can also feature bodies of water where Noodle can freely swim and dive, wind currents that can blow Noodle around, and hazards like spikes and lava pits. If Noodle is killed by a hazard or bottomless pit, he respawns at the last checkpoint, and any collectibles he obtained after passing it are returned to their original locations. [3]

After each level is beaten, players unlock a time trial mode for speedrunning the game. After beating the game, the player will unlock Snake Vision, a new power where the player can see all the remaining collectibles in a level while Noodle remains idle, and an arcade mode for each level in which Doodle collect fruit for points under a time limit. [4]

Plot

Doodle finds that a mysterious intruder is stealing the Keystones that allow travel in the gates between the lands. She wakes Noodle and together they set off to find the intruder, traveling to the top of Haven Tor along the way. In each of the worlds they see big black feathers and a large flying figure along the way. At the end of each world, the ruler of that realm thanks Noodle and Doodle and gives them a treasure. At the end of the final realm, they see that the magpie was looking for something shiny in order to reopen a portal to take them home. In approaching the bird, the 4 gifts given to Noodle and Doodle from the ruler of each realm work as keys and reveal "the Great Shiny." It then activates the portal, which allows the bird to go home. However, it soon returns, asking for the duo's help.

Development

The game is named after a road in the Peak District National Park.

The game is built on the Unreal Engine 4 game engine. [5] The game came about when developer Seb Liese was attempting to learn to program for the Unreal Engine. He initially created a rope but forgot to attach it to anything, and the way it fell made him think of a snake. With the encouragement of his colleagues, he fleshed out the idea and presented it in a game jam. [6]

Initially the graphics used a more realistic style, but this, according to Liese, "genuinely creeped out" people; as such, it was changed to a more cartoony design. It was also planned that the snake would grow as he ate, similar to Snake, but this was discarded because it created significant gameplay problems, one of which was that the game would have had to be virtually redesigned for a short snake. [6]

Snake Pass supports platform-specific enhancements. On the PlayStation 4 Pro and the Xbox One X, the game runs at a 4K resolution and it includes high dynamic range support. On the Xbox One, it supports Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing users to play on both the Xbox One and Windows 10. [5] The original score was composed by David Wise. [7]

Release

The game was released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One in North America on 28 March 2017, and in Europe and Australia the following day. [8] [9] In August 2018, Sumo Digital announced the Nintendo Switch would receive a limited physical release, courtesy of UK-based publisher Super Rare Games. [10]

Reception

Snake Pass received generally mixed reviews according to review aggregator Metacritic. [11] [12] [13] [14] Many reviewers praised the uniqueness of the movement, but cited a steep learning curve and gameplay or technical frustrations that brought the game's quality down. IGN 's Jose Otero praised the movement and overall gameplay of the game, but criticized the camera and checkpoint system. [3]

Both Nintendo World Report's Casey Gibson and Nintendo Life 's Mitch Vogel praised the game's unique gameplay, but stated it had a steep learning curve in order to learn the unconventional controls. [15] [16] GameSpot 's Oscar Dayus enjoyed the movement and visual design of the game, but criticized difficulty spikes in the middle of the game, as well as technical complaints. [17] Destructoid 's Brett Makedonski enjoyed the novelty and innovation of the game, but cited the camera as the game's greatest weakness. [4]

The platforming without jumping in Snake Pass inspired the theme of Game Maker's Toolkit Game Jam 2018, which was "genre without mechanic". [18]

Related Research Articles

<i>Banjo-Kazooie</i> Video game franchise

Banjo-Kazooie is a series of video games developed by Rare. The games feature a male bear named Banjo and his friend, a large female red bird named Kazooie, both of whom are controlled by the player. Banjo originally made his debut as a playable character in 1997 as part of the cast of Diddy Kong Racing. Throughout the various games, they are tasked with thwarting the various evil schemes of a witch named Gruntilda. The first game, Banjo-Kazooie, was released in 1998 to critical acclaim and was followed by three sequels and a spin-off racing game.

<i>Mr. Driller W</i> 2009 video game

Mr. Driller W is a 2009 puzzle video game developed and published for the WiiWare service by Namco Bandai Games. The eighth entry in the Mr. Driller series, gameplay revolves around clearing each level by destroying, or "drilling", large formations of colorful blocks. Players have an oxygen meter that acts as a time limit, and constantly depletes; air is replenished by collecting air capsules, and is depleted further by destroying brown "X" blocks.

<i>Rayman Legends</i> 2013 video game

Rayman Legends is a platform video game developed by Ubisoft Montpellier and published by Ubisoft. It is the fifth main title in the Rayman series and the direct sequel to the 2011 game Rayman Origins. The game was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and PlayStation Vita platforms in August and September 2013. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions were released in February 2014, with a Stadia version released in November 2021. A Nintendo Switch port, titled Rayman Legends Definitive Edition, was released in North America, Europe and Australia on September 12, 2017.

<i>Runner2</i> 2013 video game

Bit.Trip Presents... Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien, generally shortened as Runner2, is a 2013 side-scrolling platformer developed by Gaijin Games. The game is the direct sequel to Bit.Trip Runner and has been released as a downloadable title available on the PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360 and Wii U consoles, Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux and on iOS, as well as PlayStation 4 in 2016 and Nintendo Switch in 2024. The PC, Mac, Linux, and Wii U versions were self-published by Gaijin Games, and the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions were published by Aksys Games.

<i>A Hat in Time</i> 2017 video game

A Hat in Time is a platform game developed by Danish game studio Gears for Breakfast and published by Humble Bundle. The game was developed using Unreal Engine 3 and funded through a Kickstarter campaign, which nearly doubled its fundraising goals within its first two days. The game was self-published for macOS and Windows in October 2017, and by Humble Bundle for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles two months later. A version for the Nintendo Switch was released in October 2019.

<i>Ori and the Blind Forest</i> 2015 video game

Ori and the Blind Forest is a platform-adventure Metroidvania video game developed by Moon Studios and published by Microsoft Studios. The game was released for Windows and Xbox One in March 2015, and for Nintendo Switch in September 2019. Players assume control of Ori, a small white spirit, and Sein, the "light and eyes" of the Forest's Spirit Tree. Players are tasked to move between platforms and solve puzzles. The game features a save system called "Soul Links", which allows players to save their progress at will with limited resources, and an upgrade system that allows players to strengthen Ori's skills and abilities.

<i>Ark: Survival Evolved</i> 2015 video game

Ark: Survival Evolved is a 2015 action-adventure survival video game developed by Studio Wildcard. In the game, players must survive being stranded on one of several maps filled with roaming dinosaurs, fictional fantasy monsters, and other prehistoric animals, natural hazards, and potentially hostile human players.

<i>Super Bomberman R</i> 2017 video game

Super Bomberman R is an action-maze game developed by Konami and HexaDrive and published by Konami. The game was first released worldwide as a launch title for the Nintendo Switch in March 2017, and later for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One in June 2018. Part of the Bomberman franchise, it is the sixth installment of the Super Bomberman series and the first game in the series to be released in twenty years. It is also the first Bomberman entry in the franchise to be developed for consoles following the dissolution of original series owner Hudson Soft in 2012.

<i>Super Luckys Tale</i> 2017 3D platform video game

Super Lucky's Tale is a 3D platform game developed by Playful Studios and published by Microsoft Studios for Windows and Xbox One. It is the sequel to Lucky's Tale, a virtual reality 3D platformer for the Oculus Rift. The game was released as a launch title for the Xbox One X on November 7, 2017. The game received an overall mixed reception from critics. It is followed by an expanded version of the game titled New Super Lucky's Tale, which saw releases for various platforms between 2019 and 2020.

<i>Yoshis Crafted World</i> 2019 video game

Yoshi's Crafted World is a 2019 platform game developed by Good-Feel and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. The eighth main installment in the Yoshi franchise, it is the spiritual successor to Yoshi's Woolly World. The game was revealed at E3 2017, and was released worldwide on March 29, 2019. It follows the Yoshis as they venture to collect the scattered gems of the Sundream Stone, which has the ability to grant wishes, before Kamek and Baby Bowser can.

<i>Puzzle Puppers</i> 2017 video game

Puzzle Puppers is a puzzle game developed and published by Australian indie studio Cardboard Keep. Puzzle Puppers was released in January 2017 for mobile platforms and Microsoft Windows, and later released on the Nintendo Switch in February 2018. The game received mixed reviews from critics, who often appreciated the dog themes and core gameplay mechanics, but felt the game lacked in content and variety.

<i>Ittle Dew 2</i> 2016 video game

Ittle Dew 2 is an action-adventure game developed by Swedish indie studio Ludosity and originally published by Nicalis, and the sequel to the 2013 title Ittle Dew. Ittle Dew 2 was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on November 15, 2016. An updated version of the game entitled Ittle Dew 2+ was released for the Nintendo Switch on November 14, 2017; the updated content was eventually released on the Windows version on May 26, 2019. The Nintendo Switch is the only platform that received a physical release of the game.

<i>Bright Memory</i> 2019 video game

Bright Memory is a first-person shooter game developed by FYQD Personal Studio.

<i>Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair</i> 2019 video game

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is a platform video game developed by Playtonic Games and published by Team17. As a spin-off to Yooka-Laylee (2017), the game was released digitally for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One on October 8, 2019, followed by a version for Amazon Luna on October 20, 2020.

<i>Ice Age: Scrats Nutty Adventure</i> 2019 video game

Ice Age: Scrat's Nutty Adventure is a 2019 action-adventure game developed by Just Add Water and Climax Studios, published by Outright Games. It originally released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Windows, with a Google Stadia port in 2021. It is based on the Ice Age franchise by 20th Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios, and was the first video game in the series to be released following Disney's 2019 acquisition of 21st Century Fox. The game focuses on Scrat, who has to complete obstacles, puzzles and beating some old foes in an attempt to retrieve The Acorn.

<i>Spelunky 2</i> 2020 video game

Spelunky 2 is a 2020 platform video game developed by Mossmouth and BlitWorks. It is the sequel to Spelunky (2008) and was released for PlayStation 4 and Windows in September 2020, for Nintendo Switch in August 2021, and for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S in January 2022. The game received critical acclaim upon release.

<i>UnderMine</i> 2019 video game

UnderMine is a roguelike action dungeon crawler video game developed and published by Thorium. It was released for Microsoft Windows and Xbox One on August 6, 2020, which followed an early access release in August 2019. It was released for Nintendo Switch on February 11, 2021, and for PlayStation 4 on March 30, 2021.

<i>Kao the Kangaroo</i> (2022 video game) 2022 video game

Kao the Kangaroo is a platform video game developed and published by Tate Multimedia. It was released in May 2022 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. It is the fourth installment of the franchise, a reboot of the series, and the first title released after Kao the Kangaroo: Mystery of the Volcano in 2005.

<i>Double Kick Heroes</i> 2020 video game

Double Kick Heroes is a video game developed by Headbang Club, which combines rhythm game and shoot 'em up mechanics. It was released for multiple platforms in August 2020.

<i>Astria Ascending</i> 2021 video game

Astria Ascending is a 2021 role-playing game developed by Artisan Studios and published by Dear Villagers. Set in the fantasy world of Orcanon, the story of Astria Ascending follows a group of demigods called the "Fated Eight". They act as the agents of the goddess Yuno, who presides over the integrity of a multicultural society governed by a doctrine known as the Harmony and populated by sentient beings of various species.

References

  1. ↑ Wallace, Mitch. "'Snake Pass' Review: A Slippery, Serpentine Escapade". Forbes. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
  2. ↑ Brown, Mark (14 December 2017). "How Snake Pass Works | GMTK Most Innovative 2017". YouTube. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  3. 1 2 Otero, Jose (4 April 2019). "Snake Pass Review". YouTube. IGN. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  4. 1 2 "Review: Snake Pass". Destructoid. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
  5. 1 2 Kayser, Daniel (16 February 2017). "POWERED BY UE4, SNAKE PASS TO LAUNCH ON PLAYSTATION 4, XBOX ONE, NINTENDO SWITCH AND PC IN MARCH". Unreal Engine . Retrieved 19 February 2017.
  6. 1 2 "The Making Of Snake Pass". Nintendo.co.uk. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  7. ↑ Wise, David (16 February 2017). "Music of Snake Pass with David Wise". Twitch . Retrieved 20 February 2017.
  8. ↑ Robinson, Martin (2 January 2017). "Sumo Digital's Snake Pass is coming to Switch". Eurogamer . Retrieved 19 February 2017.
  9. ↑ "SNAKE PASS SET TO LAUNCH". 15 February 2016. Retrieved 20 February 2017.
  10. ↑ Doolan, Liam (18 August 2018). "Sumo Digital's Snake Pass Is Receiving A Physical Makeover On Switch". Nintendo Life . Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  11. 1 2 "Snake Pass for Switch Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive . Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  12. 1 2 "Snake Pass for PC Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive . Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  13. 1 2 "Snake Pass for PlayStation 4 Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive . Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  14. 1 2 "Snake Pass for Xbox One Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive . Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  15. ↑ "Snake Pass Review - Review". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
  16. ↑ "Review: Snake Pass (Switch eShop)". Nintendo Life. 31 March 2017. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
  17. ↑ "Snake Pass Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
  18. ↑ Tarason, Dominic (3 September 2018). "Hundreds of free games with only a few bits missing from the GMTK 2018 game jam". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 7 August 2019.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.