Gameplay Today - Because You're Always Gaming

Ms. Splosion Man is a sequel to the smash hit, Splosion Man, which came 2 years ago. The game was developed by Twisted Pixel, a company that is known for the game mentioned above, The Maw and Comic Jumper. This title takes the concept of the original Splosion Man and adds on to it a lot. For those not familiar with it, the basis of the original is you are a scientific experiment that can explode and you must escape a lab. In this game you play as the result of an accident that occurs after Splosion Man was done away with.

This game is an air platformer with puzzles thrown in that is just about as difficult as the infamous Super Meat Boy. The levels are not too difficult early on but by the time you are halfway through the second world you will be pulling your hair out. The same basic rules from Splosion Man apply such as you can only ‘splode three times before needing to recharge and if you are hit while you need to recharge, you die. There are walls that allow you to ‘splode infinitely while in front of them and there are ice vents that completely drain your abilities. Throw in scientists doing everything in their power to try to destroy you, and you have Ms. Splosion Man.

The multiplayer in this title allows up to 4 people to play simultaneously to help each other complete the levels. The multiplayer, at least in my experiences, was flawless with no lag whatsoever. When you play cooperatively the developers added even more challenges to try to stop you from beating each level. These new challenges require everyone to work together to get past them.

Ms. Splosion Man uses the same engine that all Twisted Pixel games use known as BEARD. This gives it a very cartoony look but it is not necessarily bad. It complements the light-heartedness of the game and changes what would be gore into humor. The game runs very smooth and is flowing with very little, if any, clunkiness to it.

This game has extremely good sound quality. The soundtrack is completely original and, just like the first title, is near perfect. The songs never seem to get old and are very pleasing to the listeners’ ears. The sound effects are timed perfectly with all of the actions within the game. The entire time you are playing Ms. Splosion Man is spouting off song lyrics to some very popular girly songs from different generations. While this could seem sexist it is portrayed in such a humorous way and is just light-hearted humor at that.

Just like every Twisted Pixel game, this title has a menu devoted solely to unlockables. These unlockables range from concept art, to music to themes for your Xbox. This nice addition gives players even more incentive to beat the game, as more things become available for purchase (with in-game credits) after you do so.

Ms. Splosion Man is an amazing game and easily one of the best XBLA game’s in recent years. It comes in at the average price of only 800 MSP ($10) and it more than worth it. This game is enjoyable by nearly anyone. Ms. Splosion Man is highly recommended to purchase as soon as it is possible.