Shiftlings
By Michael Lafferty,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Solid puzzler hampered by sophmoric humor, bad controls.
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Shiftlings
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What’s It About?
SHIFTLINGS is a two-dimensional platform puzzler that allows players to control one of two aliens attached by an air hose as they work across 50 levels repairing the galaxy. In the single-player mode, players can jump between the two characters, while multiplayer allows them to choose their favorite. The air hose transfers gas (as in, flatulence) between the two, inflating one suit and deflating the other. The caveat is that the inflated character can't jump very high or squeeze into tight places but can be used as a trampoline for the non-inflated character; the air hose also limits the distance the two can move apart.
Is It Any Good?
Shiftlings offers up a different take on the two-dimensional platform-puzzle-game genre. Since the two characters are attached by the air hose, and gas can be transferred back and forth to inflate a suit, teamwork and strategy have a strong role. Fifty levels of gameplay also are a plus, and it doesn't take long to up the ante, so to speak, in terms of difficulty. Visually, it's a pleasing game; the bright graphics and colorful levels are eye-catching, and if the galaxy is so broken that these two aliens need to fix it, at least they're fixing the pretty portions of the universe. The downside, though, is that the keyboard controls are anything but intuitive. At times, it feels like you're doing acrobatics with your fingers to hit the right key combos. When you combine this with the ever-increasing difficulty, you'll beg for a controller to simplify the gameplay. The tongue-in-cheek humor -- especially the fart jokes -- also gets stale after six levels or so. Overall, Shiftlings has a great look and is challenging, but some gaps steer it away from being exceptional.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the humor in the game, which can sometimes be crude. What makes something funny? What is the line between humor and inappropriateness?
Talk about the value of teamwork. Why is it important to work together with others as a team? Are there moments when it's better to go alone?
Game Details
- Platforms: Nintendo Wii U , PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Sierra
- Release date: March 3, 2015
- Genre: Puzzle
- Topics: Space and Aliens
- ESRB rating: T for Suggestive Themes, Crude Humor, Use of Tobacco and Alcohol
- Last updated: August 24, 2016
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