Completely Stretchy review

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As a seasoned gamer who has traversed the digital landscapes of countless worlds, I can confidently say that Completely Stretchy is a delightful addition to my gaming library. With its quirky characters and charming aesthetic, it’s like stumbling upon a forgotten arcade game from the 80s that you just can’t get enough of.

Not only has this year seen an abundance of intense and thought-provoking games, but it’s also been a time when gaming embraces its fun and absurd aspects. For instance, we had Thank Goodness You’re Here, a humorous game where you find yourself in the midst of two competitive pie companies in northern England. Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip took us on a journey about a goofy little character aiming to reach space by speeding up a giant tower. And now we have Completely Stretchy, a game centered around controlling a long, blue arm used for navigation.

Initially, our protagonist didn’t possess the large blue arm; quite the contrary, at the game’s outset, their arm was ordinary in terms of length and color. During work under Dr. Grimble at the Elektro factory, a mishap during routine testing resulted in a massive explosion that transformed one of their arms into an elongated, unstable appendage. This unfortunate incident also led to the escape of the Elektros, small, fuzzy, living organisms. With your newfound abilities, you’re given the task of locating these escaped creatures across the three Grombi Isles. This seemingly straightforward mission offers an opportunity to traverse this peculiar world and assist its peculiar inhabitants in a manner only possible with an adaptable limb.

Initially, you’ll be able to try out your recently acquired Elastic Abilities as you depart from the dilapidated lab. With your distinctive blue hand, you can adhere to any surface and maneuver around it like a web-slinger. If you time your release just right while letting go of that surface, you’ll propel yourself through the air, reaching your goal swiftly. It won’t be smooth sailing in every scenario, and there might be instances where it proves challenging to handle, but that’s what adds a unique flavor to the gameplay experience.

After exiting the lab, you’re welcome to roam the initial Grombi island at your convenience, seeking out Elektros. With its charming pastel scenery and numerous structures to scale, it’s a joy to glide through this mid-sized open space, searching for the fluffy creatures dotted about. Additionally, there are many optional tasks available to complete that assist your fellow Grombi in their quirky chores.

The first task I engaged in was hand-delivering a parcel, however, the recipient of this specific item requested it not to be placed on the ground under any circumstances. Given my sticky grabbing arm, I believe you’ll concur that it was an ideal job for me. The assortment of peculiar and sometimes anthropomorphic inhabitants on the island also tasked me with various jobs: one needed assistance operating machinery by pushing buttons at precise moments, another required help in locating missing children scattered across the island. These tasks, though simple, offered a couple of Elektros as rewards, making them an enjoyable way to pass the time.

Upon gathering a particular number of Elektros and bringing them back to the lab, you’ll receive your first arm upgrade as a reward. This enhancement will add small blobs to your arm, increasing its length and stickiness, allowing you to grapple for an additional period before falling to the ground. Additionally, you’ll unlock access to two other Grombi Isles. One of these islands is more rural, while the other is industrialized. On these islands, you’ll discover even more fizzy Elektros and various tasks to complete. The cycle repeats as you progress through your adventure.

In this wholly flexible realm, you’re invited to journey and mingle with the residents, all without fear of genuine setbacks. Here, there’s no need to fret over falling damage, tasks often have minimal consequences if they fail, and if the pressure becomes too much, you can simply glide about instead. You might stumble upon a clandestine dance venue pulsating with breakdancing Grombi and thumping beats, or discover a secret robbery-in-progress at the bank’s entrance. Regardless of your destination, you’re bound to find intriguing sights to see and collectibles to gather, so why not spend a few hours exploring this charming universe at your leisure?

Although I greatly appreciated my adventure with Completely Stretchy, there were several challenges I faced during my journey. The most frustrating problem was the map, which had a minuscule marker indicating my location that I found difficult to spot, regardless of the circumstances. Believe me, this issue is more irritating than it seems. There’s also an obligatory late-game mission where you must travel to different spots across the islands, but without any specific markers on the map and only vague instructions, it becomes a real chore. The tasks in the game aren’t all equally well-designed; by my third hoverbike race, I was growing tired of dealing with the inconsistent controls.

Totally Elastic offers an enchanting journey through a game filled with enjoyable movement mechanics and a whimsical, humorous environment to traverse. Despite some navigational challenges, it provides a hassle-free, relaxing experience that’s simply pleasant to tinker with. If you’re searching for a stress-relieving way to pass a few hours, you could certainly find worse options.

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2024-12-20 13:46