Alpha Test/Prototype Review: Scrap Garden
If one were to look at the history of gaming and understand that there was in fact a beginning, platformers would be the most memorable. Not only did platform games really start to define the video game world, but they have found a way to also revolutionize it and have therefore become a constant staple in the video game world. "Scrap Garden," even in it's Alpha Demo state has also found a way to leave its mark, even though it is so early in production.
For starters, the graphics are so very well put together. It really defines itself in the way the setting looks and conveys a very clean palette to the player. The colors of the landscape are simple and not overpowering, yet they also seem to pop in places. This said, they also enhance a feeling of despair. Immediately, the player understands that there is something amiss in the tired little town where our hero wakes up and its this simple color scheme that guides the player on their journey.
There are a number of features that make this demo actually feel like a completed item. The one feature that stands out first and foremost (especially in an Alpha Demo) is the simple fact that it is compatible with an XBOX 360 controller. The reason why I find this important, is because there are so many games out there, which are completed products, that don't have full-controller support. This is a huge step in the right direction, especially when it comes to playing a 360-degree platformer as it allows pretty much anybody to jump right in and start playing without the confusion of controls.
While the controller adds the true feeling of "gaming" to Scrap Garden, there is also a lot that can be said with the player's ability to actually interact with the environment. There are several different instances in which this is important. Whether it picking up an object to use as a stand to reach a higher level, or using that same object as a hurled weapon, Scrap Garden does a wonderful job of presenting a sort of freedom for the player to achieve the same goal in several different ways.
Environment interaction, although key to any game nowadays, isn't complete without a sort of "mini quest." And yes, Scrap garden delivers on this note as well. The mini quest presented in the gameplay is simple, but quite important. Simply put, the player must gather up little red crystals in order to advance into the next chapter. These crystals can be rounded up in a variety of ways, from simple free-world gathering, to smashing boxes, to even killing enemies, Scrap Garden shows just how important it is to truly explore the surroundings.
Finally, there is the icing on the cake: cinematics. While cut-scenes are inherently taken for granted, it says volumes that the creators are actually taking this into consideration for something as simple as a demo. It gives the player something to latch on to and really rounds out the overall experience by helping the player to understand the story before it's actually been told.
Taking all of the above into consideration, Scrap Garden is most definitely on its way to being a great product once it is fully completed. And as many are anticipating its arrival, Scrap Garden will most certainly deliver on its end when the time comes for a "Full-Game" Release.
For more information on Scrap Garden, or to download the Alpha Demo and play it for yourself, please visit:
