Fusion Retro Books


Miss Input

Categories: Review: Software
Publisher: Chupigames
Machine: Amstrad CPC464/664

 
Published in AMTIX CPC 001

Miss Input

Poor Jonny, there he was minding his business when an earthquake struck - how unlucky! It opened up a chasm, and he fell to its dark, murky depths. He'll need to use his wits and agility to get out of this place. Thankfully, he has infinite lives at his disposal.

With over 25 caves, Jonny must figure out a route to the exit - this will require him to precision jump, wall slide and leap, and even defy conventional gravity, forcing him to do things upside down. Each level is designed in a way to cause countless deaths and repeats to progress further. Failure-based learning has never been so apparent on our beloved Amstrad. Not only are there static hazards, but there is also a host of monsters that will thwart his progress; this is especially true of the Ghost Eye that makes a bee-line for Jonny at some pace.

There are power-ups to collect - double-jump icons and gravity-altering arrows - and these open up the game further. With plenty of practice, this will be sure to become a speedrunner's playpen.

Gordon

Miss Input

The minimalist colour palette is akin to the aesthetic that many modern indie developers go for when creating a retro-inspired game. The scant colour choice of red, white and black contribute to the claustrophobic feel of the caverns.

Each level is well designed, and it will take many attempts to master them. It's a precision platformer that fans of modern titles such as Super Meat Boy and VVVVVV will find themselves very familiar with.

The enjoyment comes from being au fait and comfortable with the controls. As a player, you will retrospectivity be thinking that you could have done the route better, and in that, replayability is encouraged.

Miss Input

The game does get a bit repetitive though, so if you aren't a fan of this type of game and don't want to challenge yourself, you may get a little bored. The tedium is not helped by the terrible in-game tune that completely farts in your eardrums.

Zoe

This three-colour gem shows you don't need flashy graphics with high-budget effects to make a great game. You just need a great level design, super-responsive controls and a character that looks like you haven't quite tuned your screen in properly.

If there is any game that will make you want just one more go, it's this one. You will lose a life with every slip of the finger, every slight lapse in concentration, every mis-timed jump - and when that happens, you'll say "one more try". Then you notice eight hours have passed and you can't feel your legs any more.

Verdict

Miss Input

Presentation 73%
They often say simple is the best, and in the case of Miss Input, the presentation is just that.

Graphics 79%
Again, nice and simple with just three colours being used to create all the sprites and levels, which is all you need.

Sound 45%
Poor. Very poor. Thankfully plays at a low level, although you're better off just switching it off altogether.

Miss Input

Addictive Qualities 72%
Frustrating at times, but you'll find the hours just disappear as you want to have just 'one more go'.

Lastability 74%
A good challenge that will keep you entertained for a long while.

Overall 69%