Gimmick! Special Edition - Game Review

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Veteran Game

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Published on July 6, 2023 5:02:44 PM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liBebEU-PUw

Game:

Gimmick! (1992)

Category:

Review

Duration: 4:12

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Gimmick! Special Edition - Game Review

Welcome back, my Veteran Game family! Today, we're diving into the wondrous world of retro gaming with the fantastic re-release of a true hidden gem - Gimmick! Special Edition.

Gimmick! was originally released on the Famicom and had an extremely limited run on the NES, notably making its mark only in Scandinavia as Mr. Gimmick. The brainchild of director Tomomi Sakai, it is a celebrated jewel in the crown of Sunsoft, a company that gave us fondly remembered titles like Batman, Gremlins 2, Panorama Cotton, and Waku Waku 7.

Gimmick! is a title that came late in the NES life cycle but refused to be overshadowed by the emerging dominance of the Super Nintendo. In fact, the game is a technical marvel, showcasing intricate graphics and a captivating soundtrack, a testament to Sakai's dedication and the tremendous effort that went into its creation.

In Gimmick!, you step into the tiny shoes of Yumetaro, a cute green creature who is unintentionally given to a young girl as a toy. When our unsuspecting heroine finds herself whisked away to another dimension, Yumetaro takes it upon himself to bring her back, thus commencing our extraordinary adventure.

This platformer is celebrated for its fiendishly designed levels that demand both strategic thought and twitchy reflexes, thanks to the clever use of physics. The game consists of six stages, each meticulously crafted to push players to their limits. And for those of you seeking a real test, a speed run mode is included to add that extra level of challenge.

Yumetaro's primary weapon in his quest is his magic star projectile. This delightful ability is not only useful for dispatching enemies but also allows you to reach otherwise inaccessible areas by bouncing it off the scenery and hopping on for a ride. It takes a good deal of trial and error to understand the star’s trajectory and utilize it effectively, making it a truly multifaceted tool that serves both as your offensive and defensive arsenal, and a means to unearth secrets sprinkled throughout the game.

Each level in Gimmick! houses a hidden magical item, which when found, grants you extra lives and a substantial score boost. Collect all six treasures without using any continues, and you will face the true final boss, leading to the most rewarding ending. These hidden sections within sections demand exceptional reflexes, making the exploration an enticing game within the game.

The Special Edition of Gimmick! is a commendable port by BitWave Games. It includes a host of additional features such as achievements, an art gallery, save state functions, and a rewind feature, extremely useful for mastering those particularly tricky sections. The presentation remains relatively simplistic, staying true to the original. Though the art gallery could have been a bit more substantial and the lack of CRT filter options is slightly disappointing, the overall package is quite satisfying.

Gimmick! is a brilliant encapsulation of what made the 8-bit era so extraordinary, full of vibrant creativity and mind-bending challenge. However, be prepared as Gimmick! stands as a beacon of old-school difficulty. It's a game that will truly test your resolve, a notch above what most would consider challenging. But then, isn't overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds part of what makes gaming so enjoyable?

And that's it for today's review of Gimmick! Special Edition, my friends. It's been an absolute pleasure sharing this journey into the nostalgic world of 8-bit gaming. If you enjoyed this review and found it helpful, don't forget to give that like button some love and subscribe for more game reviews and updates. Do let us know in the comments if you plan to embark on Yumetaro's challenging adventure or if there are other games you'd like us to review.

Keep those controllers warm, and remember: no game is too difficult for a true veteran! Until next time, happy gaming, everyone!

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