Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Somersault offers a fresh twist on the classic side-scrolling platformer by giving you indirect control over the hero, Bally. Instead of running and jumping with traditional buttons, you must guide Bally’s rolling form by drawing paddles in midair. The mechanics are reminiscent of Breakout variants, where the precise length and angle of each paddle stroke determine the strength and direction of Bally’s movement. This system rewards experimentation: a longer paddle swing might send Bally soaring across a gap, while a quick flick can ricochet him off walls into hidden areas.

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The game begins with a concise tutorial that introduces the basics of paddle-drawing, the rainbow preview line, and the nuances of holding the mouse button to create flipper-like adjustments. Once you’ve mastered these skills, you embark on a journey through 21 handcrafted levels spread across five distinct worlds—forest, candy, psychedelia, crystals, and machines. Each world brings new hazards, from spiky vines to bouncing jelly blocks, challenging you to adapt your paddle technique and timing to stay alive.

Along the way, you collect rings and hearts to replenish Bally’s limited lives, while avoiding enemies and environmental dangers such as water pits, fire traps, and mechanical crushers. Despite the indirect control, the responsiveness of the paddle system feels intuitive, and the rainbow preview makes it easy to plan your next bounce. The balance between precision and spontaneity keeps each level feeling fresh and engaging.

Graphics

Somersault’s visual design is one of its standout features. Each of the five worlds adopts a distinct color palette and theme, ensuring that you’re never playing the same looking level twice. The forest realm bursts with lush greens and dappled sunlight, while the candy world dazzles with pastel hues and sugary structures. Psychedelia, true to its name, surprises you with swirling backgrounds and trippy patterns that pulse in time with the music.

Beyond the bold color schemes, Somersault employs smooth, fluid animations that breathe life into Bally and the surrounding environment. The rolling ball morphs subtly as it speeds up and slows down, and collisions with paddles or enemies are accompanied by satisfying bounce effects. Decorative elements—like drifting clouds in the machines world or sparkling crystals in the third realm—add depth without cluttering the play area.

The user interface is clean and unobtrusive. The rainbow preview line helps you visualize your next move without covering important on-screen information. Health and ring counters are tucked neatly into corners, leaving the center of the screen free for action. Overall, the graphical presentation strikes an excellent balance between vibrant artistry and functional clarity.

Story

At the heart of Somersault is a simple but charming rescue tale. You play as Bally, a brave little character whose friends have been snatched by a mysterious villain. What starts as a straightforward mission—save your pals—soon unfolds into a whimsical journey through varied landscapes, each tied to one of the captive friends. The narrative emerges through brief character vignettes between worlds, giving you glimpses of Bally’s companions and the stakes of your quest.

Although the story is not overly complex, it provides just enough motivation to keep you invested. The short cutscenes strike a good balance between adding personality and maintaining gameplay momentum. Dialogue is lighthearted, often peppered with humor to offset the occasional challenge of a tough level. This approachable storytelling makes Somersault friendly to all ages.

World themes subtly reinforce the narrative—rescuing a candy-obsessed friend in the sugar-coated realm, for example, or navigating crystalline catacombs for the gem collector. These thematic ties help each world feel purposeful rather than merely decorative. By the time you confront the game’s final challenges, you’ll feel a genuine sense of camaraderie with Bally and his friends.

Overall Experience

Somersault stands out as an inventive platformer that reimagines player control in a compelling way. The paddle-drawing mechanic is both accessible for newcomers and deep enough to reward mastery. Whether you’re charting simple bounces or executing precise flipper-style shots, the game continually offers new opportunities to refine your skill. The 21 levels provide a satisfying length of play, with difficulty ramping up at a steady, fair pace.

The combination of colorful graphics, catchy audio cues, and light narrative makes Somersault an enjoyable adventure for gamers of all ages. Its five worlds deliver plenty of visual variety, while the ring and heart collection system encourages exploration and replay. If you’re someone who appreciates platformers with a unique twist and don’t mind a learning curve in your control scheme, this title is an easy recommendation.

On the other hand, players expecting a traditional run-and-jump experience may need a moment to adjust. The reliance on mouse-based paddle control can feel unfamiliar at first, and precise timing becomes crucial in later levels. Yet overcoming these hurdles only adds to the game’s sense of achievement. Overall, Somersault offers a refreshing, polished take on platforming that’s well worth your time and patience.

Retro Replay Score

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