Gimmick! Special Edition Review (Steam)

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For this Gimmick! Special Edition Review, where we get to save the day as a star-shooting, platform-bouncing cutie pie in Gimmick! Special Edition. SUNSOFT’s beloved physics-based action platformer finally bursts onto current platforms enriched with a rewind feature, a time attack mode, online leaderboards, and modern extras.

Gimmick! Special Edition Review Pros:

  • Classic 8-bit graphics.
  • 192.15MB download size.
  • Steam achievements.
  • Own in-game achievements.
  • Full controller support.
  • 3 save slots.
  • Graphics settings – resolution, fullscreen, and v-sync.
  • Online leaderboards.
  • The extras menu houses original scans of the game packaging, Cartridges, and game manual.
  • Remastered version of the NES game.
  • Beautiful Chiptune soundtrack.
  • Three game modes – normal, serious, and speed run mode.
  • Six wallpaper options.
  • Game rewind system.
  • Can state save and load whenever.
  • The overall menu that you can bring up at any time and here you state save/load, change mode, and read the game manual.
  • English and Japanese text options.
  • Platformer gameplay.
  • Supports playing with a keyboard.
  • Serious mode is where you are going for all the achievements and you get a tick box on your wallpaper.
  • Two endings.
  • Has a slight Kirby feel to it.
  • Gameplay is a solid platformer where you can spit out stars that kill enemies but you can also use the stars to jump higher.
  • Really high difficulty.
  • One button rewind system makes it easier but not that much easier.
  • Feels like a modern retro game.
  • Kill enemies with stars or by jumping on them.
  • Game modes can disable features like rewind and state saves.
  • The speed run has the traditional checkpoint timings counter on the side of your screen.

Gimmick! Special Edition Review Cons:

  • Very difficult.
  • Takes a while to get used to the mechanics.
  • No English manuals.
  • Cannot rebind controls.
  • Doesn’t have any history sections/press material.

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Gimmick! Special Edition:

Official website.

Developer: CITY CONNECTION

Publisher: Bitwave Games

Store Links –

Steam

  • 8/10
    Graphics - 8/10
  • 8/10
    Sound - 8/10
  • 7/10
    Accessibility - 7/10
  • 7/10
    Length - 7/10
  • 8/10
    Fun Factor - 8/10
7.6/10

Summary

Getting to play this game in 2023 is a thing of beauty within itself, players finally get to play a game that is notoriously difficult and not that readily available. This is a game that instantly makes you smile with its chirpy soundtrack and bright Chunky graphics, the gameplay is very tight but does come with a learning curve you can jump but to kill enemies you have to charge up stars and throw them. Over time you learn about grabbing potions and doing crazy stuff but the core gameplay is a platformer that Rivals Megaman for difficulty and design. I loved being able to jump in when I want but man I suck at the game and I love it. A lot has been added to the original game like rewinding and state save so it will be possible to finish but even then. One for true retro fans and new fans alike.

Jim Smale

Gaming since the Atari 2600, I enjoy the weirdness in games counting Densha De Go and RC De Go as my favourite titles of all time. I prefer gaming of old where buying games from a shop was a thing, Being social in person was a thing. Join me as I attempt to adapt to this new digital age!