Chronovolt Review

Game Info

Developer(s):  playerthree
Publisher(s):    player three
Platforms:         PS Vita
Release Date:  NA – TBA, EU – 21st November 2012 

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Chronovolt has been described as a ‘steampunk platformer’ and while it certainly does fit the bill to a degree, I’d describe it more as rolling a ball around tight ledges and hoping it doesn’t fall off kind of game.

There have of course been games like this before, so what’s different? The trick with Chronovolt is that by collecting blue tubes with the same name as the game’s title, you can control time.  Two fingers on the screen will reverse time while a tap on an enemy will disintegrate them.  Touching a platform will freeze moving objects into place.  It’s a neat little system and it does work well.

The camera however is not so great, you can control it fully with the right stick and even adjust the elevation using the face buttons but it just doesn’t cut it.  Often the actual levels or background scenery would get in the way of me trying to see just where exactly I’m going.  Having a good camera is crucial in a game where moving over narrow ledges is crucial to progression.

You’ll find three worlds here, each different and more difficult than the one before but you shouldn’t see anything too taxing.  You can also choose different balls or ‘Chromospheres’ as I believe there called but you will have to pay extra for these.  Yes you might have got this game free on PlayStation Plus but to get special Chromospheres you’ll need to pay £0.99 for a game pack.  Luckily though you can beat the game with the default one.

Each level in the world is scored out of three stars, the standard for smallish games like this one.  Stars are earned for completing the level, collecting all the Chronovolts and beating a set time.  More stars unlock more levels as is the case with these types of games.

Enemies as well tend to get in the way.  Numerous times I was faced with a narrow ledge or an opening floor trap only to find an enemy around the same spot.  Often I would destroy the enemy but by the time I was around the trap a new enemy had respawned halting my progress again and often sending me to my doom.

Other than the normal story mode there is also asynchronous multiplayer, send your friends a time on a level and when they get the message they’ll try and beat it.  It’s just a simple game getting one over your friend and it’s a nice addition but nothing to get excited about.

Chronovolt isn’t a bad game for £4.99 but it’s certainly not a good one either.  It will pass some time and if your a PlayStation Plus member it’s certainly worth checking out for free.