Not gonna lie, I was really hoping this game was going to be one of those barely functional, bug-riddled games. If that were the case, I would have had a field day with the puns. Unfortunately, all we're left with is a game that's designed to be frustrating rather than a game that's just not very well designed.
Aesthetically, the game is quite similar to 0xCELERATOR, which was one of the least aesthetically pleasing games on this list. Actually, though, Buggy X isn't that hard on the eyes. It's presented in a kind of blueprint style that takes me back to the good ol days of playing Spy Fox where they had that mysterious blueberry flavored blueprint stuff...man, I should replay that game...
Where was I? ah, yes. Buggy X really wanted to test my patience, it seems. The game is unforgiving to say the least. I swear there are certain levels that you will fail straight away if you aren't perfect. And when I say perfect, I mean perfect. One nanosecond of delay can mean the difference between life and death in certain stages (*cough* level 7 *cough*). This is mostly because of the absolutely asinine braking mechanic. I get that the designers were trying to do something new, and yes, the levels are designed around the braking mechanic, but when would it ever seem like a good idea to have a simple press of the down arrow key instantaneously cancel all momentum? This should have been some kind of secondary function, not the main method for braking. It works in the air, too, which just defies the natural human urge to follow the laws of physics. Often I found myself braking in anticipation only to have my car stop moving midair and gracefully fall into the void.
Maybe I'm just being a baby about this. Maybe this game is only meant for true hardcore gamers who can conquer any challenge. But you know what? I've been gaming for 17 years (literally my entire life). I should be able to at least stand a chance, or I'm sorry, but your game is just not very well designed. I have no problem with unrelenting difficulty if it actually feels rewarding to carry on, but in Buggy X, the only part that feels good is actually making it to the finish line.
Okay, okay, that was a bit harsh. Manipulating the braking mechanics to your advantage takes a lot of skill and pulling it off can be quite rewarding, and in all fairness, they do provide a ghost for you to follow which always completes the level perfectly, meaning you wont have to waste brainpower trying to solve some of the less fair stage puzzles. In all honesty, it's not a bad game until you hit level 9, which made me ragequit faster than a rabbit soaked in kerosene during a forest fire. It's one of those levels that makes you play it at its own pace. You know, the kind where you're constantly standing still waiting for elevators and stuff. The first 8 levels are at the very end of the "challenging but fair" spectrum, and if you're willing to put your skills as a gamer to the test, I say try it out. Do yourself a favor and skip level 9, but check out level 10 when you're done with the first 8. Let's just say it made me smile. Though if any of you out there send me a video of yourselves getting a gold medal on level 10, I will personally mail you a tray of home-baked cookies.
This game was pretty close to getting my seal of approval, but it just took a few too many steps away from fairness and into frustration. Good effort, but it doesn't quite do it for me yet.
Until next time, stay calm and don't cut yourself with the shattered remains of your keyboard.
Links
ARRRGH WHYYY: https://www.digipen.edu/?id=1170&proj=24354
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