While it may not be able to match
the sheer number of games as Xbox LIVE Arcade, nor play off of the nostalgia
factor as well as the Wii Virtual Console, the Playstation Network has been a
haven for unique and clever titles. One such title on the platform is PixelJunk
Eden. A quirky little game with a great aesthetic and engaging gameplay,
PixelJunk Eden is one of the best exclusive games available on the service, and
well worth a look from any PS3 gamer.
Now, the developer, Q Games, is
launching the first expansion for the game, PixelJunk Eden Encore. A collection
of five new maps and a few new gameplay features, Encore’s content makes a fine
addition to the PixelJunk franchise, and worth a download for hardcore fans of
the original.
For those who maybe haven’t played
the original PixelJunk Eden, you play as a Grimp, a small creature responsible
for gathering pollen to help create and grow plant-like structures. By jumping
and using a tether to swing around, you must gather pollen in order to open up
seeds before your synchronization meter runs out. As you play the game, enemies
will factor into the equation, trying to prevent you from fulfilling your goals.
Encore offers five new maps, or
Gardens, for the player to check out. The stages each boast their own unique
looks and gameplay, but generally feel a little bit easier than those in the
original game. The new stages are pretty varied, including one that activates
anti-gravity briefly, one with sinking rocks, and even one with portals that you
have to navigate through.
Aside from the new maps, you also
have a new move at your repertoire, known as a smart bomb, which will go off
when you open three consecutive seeds and takes out all of your on-screen
enemies and releases their pollen. If you manage to collect all 25 spectra,
you’ll also gain another ability which allows you to fire your string at objects
in order to swing off of them.
Graphically, the game hasn’t changed
much with the new content, but it still looks fantastic. The sublime art
direction in PixelJunk Eden is one of its strongest factors, and this extends to
Encore. The new levels look fantastic, and are just as fun to look at as they
are to play.
The new content isn’t exactly
groundbreaking, but it does warrant the $5.99 price point for fans of the
original game who are looking to extend their PixelJunk Eden experience.
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Gameplay: 8.5
Encore adds five great new maps and a few new gameplay elements, making it worth
a look for fans who couldn’t get enough of the original title.
Graphics: 8.9
The game still boasts the great art style as the original title, albeit with
some nice new elements in the maps.
Sound: 8.5
Aside from a few new and remixed music tracks, the sound is mostly the same as
the original game.
Difficulty: Medium
Concept: 8.5
While not groundbreaking by any means, Encore offers some great new levels for
fans of the original game.
Overall: 8.5
At $5.99, PixelJunk Eden Encore is a great deal if you’re looking to extend your
PixelJunk Eden experience.
