Platforms PC/Linux/Mac/Ouya
Developer Extend Studio Publisher ORiGO GAMES
Genre Puzzle-Platformer Platform Played On PC
While not as dominant as first-person shooters or racing titles, puzzle-platformers have always been an important part of the gaming industry. Sometimes, customers want to do more than simply gun-down countless soldiers, aliens etc., or racing through yet another checkpoint. Enter So Many Me – a charming 2D puzzle-platformer, which focuses on the power of doppelgängers (aka the power of clones). While some aspects might seem a bit infuriating, overall, So Many Me is an important addition to its genre. Here’s why…
So Many Me‘s story is as basic as they come – an unknown hero (a green, blob-like fellow named Filo) must rise, in order to save the world of Xio. Fortunately, the game is well aware of its premise, and so it never takes itself too serious (hence references to Pokémon, or the fact that Filo admits to several clichés related to the usual saviour of lives).
Contrary to the usual adventure, though, Filo can’t save the land on his own. In come his fellow ‘mes’ (that’s the apparent plural for ‘me’) – an assortment of copies capable of possessing different powers. So Many Me is divided into several worlds, each containing eight levels to traverse. Entering each new world will reset the number of clones to zero, so you’ll have to reacquire them. While the first two-three are imperative for solving puzzles, later twins are completely optional. That said, players are encouraged to collect them as well, because later challenges will prove easier with the added number.
Early in So Many Me, players will unlock a hub-world, from which they will access later levels, while also being able to upgrade their ‘mes.’ Collectibles scattered throughout levels will allow you to purchase various said upgrades. They’re not crucial for completing any level, but, as with the extra number of ‘mes,’ these upgrades will certainly make your job easier; specifically those which help you navigate the environments faster.
So Many Me relies not only on one’s wits, but also on timing and reflexes. As such, unlike most other puzzle games, platforming plays a major role in Extend Studio’s latest creation. This is why, sometimes, you may feel like you’ve passed a certain level by chance, rather than by careful planning. Finishing levels isn’t particularly difficult; the real challenge comes when you decide to collect everything there is in them.
As I mentioned above, all clones are capable of acquiring several powers. The default one allows each ‘me’ to transform into a stone-block, in order for the others to bypass different obstacles like pits, spikes, the few enemies there are, and more. Each world introduces a new power, though they never transcend worlds; except the turning-into-stone one. Other skills include turning into a trampoline, a flying glove box, and another one which puts enemies to sleep, while also neglecting other obstacles in the environment. During certain levels, all ‘mes’ can also morph into a dinosaur, a bird, or a tank, each allowing you to pass certain challenges.
While some features could have been better explained, overall, the basic idea is to use each of these powers – alongside the morphing capability – in tandem with the “stone” power. Some solutions in So Many Me are so obvious that you simply won’t see them from the get-go; once you get the hang of each power, though, it’ll get better; except for the traditional boss-fights. I understand the necessity of ending each set of levels “with a bang,” but these confrontations are rather tedious.
On the presentation side, So Many Me is a treat to look at and listen. The peaceful soundtrack goes hand-in-hand with the colourful, charming, overall lovely art-style. The environments range from summer and autumn fields, to a volcano, a world in the clouds, and a few others. You might get angry on a specific puzzle, but the visuals and audio will certainly make up for that.
All in all, So Many Me is worthy of your money and time; especially time. It features lovely characters, challenging puzzles, lots of levels to complete, and a beautiful art-style. There are a few noticeable quirks – like the boss-fights – but the positives certainly outrank the negatives. If you’re not afraid of using your brain, So Many Me is ready to test you.
The Good
+ Challenging Puzzles
+ Lots of Levels
+ Gorgeous Environments
The Bad
– Boss-Fights
– Some Puzzles Can be Completed by Chance
