Pixel, the latest in the Akido games series of titles on Xbox Indie Games, shows that the company have no intention of slowing down on releases. And if the game is an example of the stuff they can churn out in such rapid succession then we’re happy for them to keep doing it.
Taking control of your pixelated cat, the game is a clever platformer with a graphical style that is to simply die for. Sharing the same retro look that existed in Jump!, this time it takes it to the next level with a rich combination of white and neon backgrounds. The end result is something akin to a modern day Game & Watch title. It’s a bold style that not only catches you attention from offing, but it also continues to delight as you progress through the game, exhibiting its own charm and identity.
The mechanics are simple and straightforward enough to anyone who’s played a 2D platform title before. Run and jump on the heads of the pixelated enemies to make your way to the end of the level, making sure not to come into contact with any of them and frittering away all your hearts.
Pixel’s simplicity belies the fact that it is very easy to control, another testament to how professional it all feels. While the basic mechanics are quite simple and don’t offer anything new, the game keeps things interesting by introducing various puzzles. These involve making use of the left trigger to examine certain part of the stages which opens up the block puzzles where you must guide your way around the patterns to reach the switch object hidden somewhere within. In certain parts this is necessary to progress to the next level, while in others it uncovers powerups or replenishes hearts.
Putting it in writing can’t really do the game any justice as Pixel is simply sublime. Not only fun to play, but in terms of style, ideas and price, it puts some of the output on Xbox Live Arcade to shame. Once again Akido have produced a title which showcases how Xbox Indie Game can, and should, be done. Long may their output of this quality continue.
