Game Classification

Nimbus is a game where the player controls a small, flying craft through different environments. The introduction shows how a pink ship, presumably his girlfriend, is abducted by a giant, metal, floating eye. The ship travels through different levels to reach a "finish line" to progress, but it has no means to propel itself. The player has to use objects in the environments such as cannons, magnetic streams, bumpers and bouncing pads to gain some speed. Once it is moving the player has to make most of it and accelerate further by diving by gravity, or decelerate by moving upwards while slightly dipping the nose up and down to change direction. By quickly switching direction it is possible to gain velocity and maintain the speed for some time, usually to reach a new object. Movement is key, because as soon as you land without any further means of gaining speed, the section needs to be restarted.

The game is largely a bright, colourful 2D puzzle platformer where certain sequences need to be discovered, keys remove barriers, or the ship needs to be manoeuvred into a specific position. There is often a focus on physics where the player has to bump balls out of the way or push objects. Later levels introduce reversed gravity and more complex puzzles where spheres need to be moved to activate switches. At the same time however it also has elements of a racing game, as quick reflexes are required to move the craft around, avoiding spikes and other hazards, and it is possible to maintain the momentum of speed by quickly using the available aid in the environment. The game also encourages the aspect of speed by offering worldwide leaderboards where the best times are compared.

The main game is divided into different levels that are selected from an overhead map similar to the Super Mario Bros. games. Players can discover hidden passageways and alternative routes on the map. There are also coins hidden in the levels that unlock new crafts and decals to customize the ship. [source:mobygames]

Distribution : Retail - Commercial
Platform(s) : PC (Windows)

Links

• http://www.mobygames.com/game/nimbus/