When you think of platforming games, you begin to travel retrospectively to your childhood. We get the big name titles, that remind us why platformers truly are the king of handheld games, and original home consoles.

Games like Metroid, Crash Bandicoot, and Super Mario Bros. gave us the success we retain in our skills today, and is one of the main reasons we mastered the Konami code for future titles.

Swapper is the latest iteration of this inherited success, and has earned it’s place amongst our hearts. Developed by Facepalm studios, Swapper has come into prominence just by using the simple platforming elements that we saw In games like Super Metroid, and Sonic the Hedgehog.

The face of death?

Navigating the gloomy space station you’re dropped into, you use your gun to create clones of yourself, to swap out with In times of danger, or out of necessity to solve puzzles. You’re able to solve puzzles, unlock hidden areas, and discover new powers just on exploration alone.

The story is very compelling, and deeply engaging, something you wouldn’t find in too many Indie games these days. Being able to understand the dark tone, and melancholy setting, it’s fair to realize why they didn’t give you a human protagonist.

The score, and the movement, pair with each other, to create the unique narratives that the game delivers handsomely.The definite hints at their inspiration couldn’t be more clear, (I just wondered why they didn’t give him a blaster like Mega Man) and we can see them all.

You need to clone yourself to advance in The Swapper (and to stay alive for that matter).

Mega Man, Metroid, and Alien isolation are just a few that I noticed, hopefully you’ll discover them all. The PS4 version offers much crisper graphics, and a superior sound setting for the experience, and the PS Vita version is perfect for on the go gameplay.

I hope that a mobile version comes to mind in the near future, as Swapper is an excellent title. Although it offers no replay value, its cheap price tag make it more than worth it. If you’re looking for a new game to kill time with, and will keep you relaxed throughout its campaign give Swapper a try.

Pros:
+ Great theme
+ Awesome gameplay and dark undertones

Cons:
– No replay value, or alternate endings

Title: The Swapper
Developer: Facepalm Games, Curve Studios
Format: PS3
Genre: Puzzle/platformer
Resolution: Highest possible for the PS3
Release date: 2014-08-06
Difficulty: Normal
Spent time: +8 hours
Average grade internationally: 90% Gamerankings.com
PEGI age rating: 12+
Price: $20 via PSN