Armadillo Run

5 Excellent, Minimalist Physics Puzzle Game
Since the release of Armadillo Run there has been an explosion of physics-based puzzle games. And yet despite all this competition, a strong case can be made that Armadillo Run is still the champion of the genre.

The game is divided into disjoint levels and the goal of each is the same: somehow move the armadillo (who looks a lot like a basketball) into the target circle and keep him there for a few seconds. The “few seconds” part is not a mere detail. Critically, this prevents you simply hurling the armadillo repeatedly at the target area until you happen to hit. Do that and he’ll fly or bounce straight out, which gets you nowhere.

The gameplay itself is all based around construction. Armed with a selection of different materials and tools you spend your time building contraptions which you hope will get the job done. However, you’re building to a fixed budget and each component carries a cost. This constraint is a fantasically elegant way to create interesting gameplay. Where some physics games have to present you with extremely inconvenient terrain to offer any challenge – which often makes it very obvious what you need to do even when you can’t quite manage – Armadillo Run frequently presents intriguing puzzles simply by making your budget slightly too small.

The difficulty curve is for the most part well set and the length of the game is about right. Whilst it isn’t especially long the puzzles would risk becoming irritating if they became any harder.

The one potential flaw in the game is in its presentation. Whilst the graphics are smooth and beautifully clear the style is austere and functional. For some players, beautiful art and well chosen background music are an indispensable part of a good gaming experience. For those players, Armadillo Run may seem a bit dry.

Overall, strongly recommended. If you’re not sure if the game is for you, the demo should give you a pretty good idea.