Gish Shows Odd Physics-Based Indie Platforming Flair

Thanks to Gamers With Jobs for its group review of Chronic Logic's PC "physics-based [2D] platform game" Gish, which was briefly mentioned on Slashdot Games earlier this week. The reviewers seem impressed, arguing: "Gish is one of the few 'modern' platformers I can think of. What I mean is that it actually uses modern technology to enhance the gameplay, instead of making prettier versions of NES games", and highlighting "the spectacular physics engine, which they use to full effect in the puzzles and enemies." The article also points to a downloadable demo of the product, as well as a recent interview with the creators, in which Gish's developers, Chronic Logic, "the crew behind the acclaimed Bridge Builder/Pontifex series", are further quizzed.

Comments

Re:A+ for effort D- for implementation

[ColdForged]

The jump system is truly awful - it can take ages to build up the proper jump height, and it is easy to make a mistake. Really unforgiving.

As I said in the first part of the review, it does take a while to get used to the jumping mechanic -- and some spots are harder than others to get the oscillation going, like next to a wall -- but soon enough it's very easy to immediately get an oscillation going right off the bat, on demand.

That's the essence of the game: controlling a ball of tar that responds in predictable ways to gravity, elasticity, friction, and momentum. Dumbing down the jumping mechanic would make it essentially just another Mario clone.