The Daily Click

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Author:	Hill Gigas
Added:	07/12/2007
Overall:
Average:	7/10

Here is an interesting puzzle adventure called Once in Space. The screenshots don't do it justice because of the nature of the graphics. When you see the screenshots, you will just see white dots everywhere. But when you play it, you see how everything moves and dances like a symphony. It's a very pleasant game to experience. I like the title screen very much, and liked it even more when I figured out how to use it. Try to have some patience while figuring this game out. Controls are not explained well for anything in this game. But hang in there, because there is a really fun and challenging game here! This game is full of challenging puzzles and unique gameplay. Also, thanks to some really soothing graphics and sound, you'll probably be in a dream-like trace as you play!

Gameplay is pretty fun once you get used to it. The platforming engine itself is very solid, but for a game like this even the slightest quirk can cause lots of needless deaths. Jumping, for example, is too fast and too uncontrollable. You'll try to jump from under a ledge only to rocket up into the ledge, hit it, then fall like a brick into the abyss. Gravity shifting was also not properly explained. I had to try several times on the first level to figure out how exactly to change the gravity. You have to hold control while walking over the red curbs. Saying "push ctrl" doesn't cut it.

Graphics are very simple, yet very beautiful at the same time. Its all dots and white lines, but everything moves with a certain grace. You really feel like you are floating in space somewhere while playing this game. I enjoy the graphic style very much.

Sounds are also great. The music is original and very soothing while you play. The music and sounds add to the sense that you are floating in some cosmic realm. It added a great sense of depth to the game.

Lastability will depend on your love for puzzle games. There isn't a plot or story mode, and you just move from one puzzle to the next. After each puzzle you go back to the title screen. So for the casual gamer, lastability might not be as high. Getting sent back to the title screen is a big incentive to stop playing. I think the game would be better served by having one level lead into the next in a simple story mode of some sort. This would add even another layer of depth to an already good game.

Once in Space is a very unique and interesting klik game. I enjoyed playing it for a while, and I'm sure most other people will really enjoy it as well. Graphics are fun, the sounds are top notch, play control is solid even if a bit frantic, and it will really make you think. Some levels seem impossible and take a while to figure out, which speaks highly of the level designer. He must be a pretty smart cookie in my opinion. Highly recommended for puzzle fans.