Take a mad scientist, who can't take rejection well, add a hint of revenge, and the result is A Virus named Tom. Tom is a smart nanobot controlled by the player, meant to infect technology. Can this virus spread into the hearts of gamers or will this latest invention from Misfits Attics be left on the shelf?
Presentation:
Only a minute into the game, and I was immediately impressed with what I saw. This is a puzzle game, but I got more then expected and exactly what I wanted. I grabbed my controller and worked out the keys in a few seconds. I waited a moment to watch the colorful cartoon scenes and listen to the upbeat music. Shortly after, I jumped into the Single Player Story.
When beginning a game, your treated to a well thought out comical story. The opening schematic tells of the origin of Tom. He's a clever little virus, but really only clever as the one controlling him. After completing a series of challenges, it opens up a video showing the chaos of your handiwork. This becomes a good driving force to complete the puzzles.
You might want to know this. It was a little creepy when Mega-Tech Management (the ones trying to stop you from spreading the virus) slowly worked from complements to affection in their emails. You'll know what I mean when you play. They'll do anything to stop the virus.
Gameplay:
You start off, by selecting the portion of technology you want to infect. Once inside, the controls are simple, because there is not much you need to do. All that's required is to green light the circuitry by aligning them together. Sometimes I would overshoot my target area, but I got used to the sensitivity and speed of Tom the more I played. The puzzles themselves seemed really difficult, but I always managed to surprise myself and complete them at the last second. Sometimes, something that appeared really challenging would get solved just in time and I'd feel really good about myself.
The game managed to mix things up with anti-virus bots, extra circuitry, and even more difficult problem solving. There are also new tricks Tom can use to stay ahead of Mega-Tech. One of them is, bringing in a second Tom to play with you.
Coop is a welcome aspect to this game and increases it's replay value. There is only local coop supported, so gathering with friends is necessary. What's nice about coop, is the twists it brings to a few identical puzzles and new ones at that. Some puzzles require complete reliance on the other player, or things won't get solved.
I guess that means that playing coop with your grandma, may not be ideal. It didn't take long for me to hate player collision detection.
Closing Comments:
A Virus Named Tom is a rewarding and fun experience. For a puzzle game to survive, it needs to push the boundaries. A Virus Named Tom has done that. I didn't have a chance to play with more than two for coop, but the game supports 4 and is sure to be a blast. I'm still wondering if additional players will mix up the levels even more. Battle mode wasn't as exciting, but enjoyable and a great way to get your own piece of revenge.
Rating | Description
9 - Presentation
Really good first impression with an attractive menu, easy controls, and puzzle solving that makes you feel good when completing.
9 - Graphics
Great graphics and wonderful story cartoons. Just nothing that made us go Ahhhh.
8 - Sound
Varied soundtrack and on spot sounds.
8 - Gameplay
Fun alone and better with a friend. A little annoying with player collision detection. Unique challenges for multiple players.
7 - Lasting Appeal
For a puzzle game, this takes it as far as it can go with single player, coop, and a battle mode.
8.9 - Overall
The overall score is not an average, but it does reflect how much we enjoyed the game. Games between the score of 7 - 9 are favorable. Games that get a rating of 9.0 are a must buy.
