Introduction
Basic information
Developer: Interactive Studios
Full name: Glover
Release date: 1998
Released on: Nintendo 64
Cross play: no
Genre: Puzzle, platformer
Additional information: Did you know this game was released on Halloween?
Initial thoughts
Glover always seemed like a peculiar platformer. I remember owning it as a kid but barely playing it. All I recalled was the game’s central mechanic of rolling a ball to the end of each stage. Curiosity piqued, I wanted to see why I barely played this game. Was it not fun? Or was my mind simply not ready for it?
Story and setting
Plot overview
The story kicks off with a magical wizard who, due to a potion mishap, transforms into a glove named Glover. An evil glove emerges and scatters the kingdom’s emeralds, setting up Glover’s quest to retrieve them.
World building and immersion
The narrative sets a traditional rescue plot within a whimsical world where gloves have sentience. Each level introduces unique environments that add a layer of charm despite the dated graphics.
Character development
Character development is minimal. Glover’s journey is straightforward with few narrative twists or deep character arcs.
Emotional impact
The story is lighthearted and offers just enough motivation to keep players engaged. However, it lacks the emotional depth that modern games often provide. For obvious reasons, I will take this into consideration with the rating.
Rating for story and setting
I have visited multiple aspects of the story and after some thought and objective thinking, I rated the story and setting with a 6.5
There is enough to keep you rolling forward, that is good enough I guess!
Gameplay and mechanics
Core gameplay mechanics
Glover’s gameplay revolves around manipulating a ball to navigate through various levels. Players can roll, bounce, and throw the ball, transforming it into different forms to overcome obstacles. I can already hear you thinking. Easy as pie, well, sorry to break the bad news. This game is as hard as a ball of steel.
Difficulty and balance
The game presents a fair amount of challenge, but the difficulty can spike due to the game’s controls. Boss levels demand a mix of all learned skills, adding to the overall challenge. Bosses are going to trample all over your face!
Pacing of the game
The pacing suffers slightly due to frustrating controls and level design that can become tedious. Players must complete worlds in a fixed order, which might not suit everyone. It was difficult to make a non-linear game back in the day.
Innovation and uniqueness
Glover introduces innovative mechanics, but the execution is marred by janky controls, especially when throwing the ball or navigating water sections. Oh my god, the water sections, nightmares are coming!
Controls and user interface
The controls are one of the game’s weakest aspects. Throwing the ball onto ledges and handling inverted controls on water can be particularly frustrating. The user interface is functional but lacks modern polish. If I could turn back time and give this game modern controls, I would, it would make the game, fucking awesome!
Microtransactions
Microtransactions available: No
Rating
After combing through many of the mechanics, the pacing and other factors of this game, I rated the gameplay and mechanics with an 7.0.
While old and challenging to play, I have to admit, it is quite fun and frustrating at the same time.
Graphics and art style
Quality of graphics and art direction
For its time, Glover’s graphics were adequate, but they haven’t aged well. The environments are distinct, but the overall visual appeal is mediocre by today’s standards.
Technical performances
The game runs smoothly but suffers from a notoriously frustrating camera system. The camera frequently gets stuck or shows obstructed views, detracting significantly from the gameplay experience. It even goes through walls!
Environment and design uniqueness
Each world has a unique design, adding variety to the game. However, the graphical fidelity and art direction do not hold up to contemporary standards. If only they had aged better.
Rating
It took me some time to give the graphics and art style an objective rating. There are many things to consider, but ultimately, I rated this section with a 4.5.
Sadly, Glover did not age very well.
Sound and music
Music score and how it contributed to the game
The soundtrack is average, with each world featuring different tunes. The music complements the levels but isn’t particularly memorable.
Sound effects quality
Sound effects are functional but unimpressive, doing little to enhance the overall experience.
Voice Acting
Not applicable.
Rating
After a lot of consideration, I rated the sound and music section with a 4.5
It falls into the same category as the graphics.
Multiplayer components
Online gameplay experience
Not applicable.
Replayability
Game Length and content volume
The game offers a decent length, but the frustrating controls and repetitive gameplay can make it feel longer than it is. There is not much more I can add, except for the fact that for a Nintendo 64 game, it had decent length.
Extra Content
Glover includes bonus levels and puzzles, but they are often too complicated and poorly explained, which may deter players from fully engaging with them. Besides that, it is almost impossible to unlock them unless you fully devote your life to mastering the janky controls.
Replay value
Replay value is limited due to the game’s frustrating mechanics. While there are additional challenges, they don’t offer enough incentive for a second playthrough.
Rating
After thoughtful consideration, I decided to rate the replayability and game length of Glover with a 7.
I think, if there would be a remaster, or a remake with decent controls, it could actually be a hit.
Suggestions and comparisons
Suggestions and feedback
One memorable aspect was the ability to transform the ball into different forms. However, the most frustrating moments involved the camera issues and the difficult ball-throwing mechanics. Despite these challenges, completing a particularly tough level felt rewarding.
Comparisons
Compared to other platformers of its time, Glover stands out for its unique mechanics but falls short in execution. Games like Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie offer more polished experiences with better controls and more engaging narratives.
Personal experiences and anecdotes
There were plenty of fun experiences, like exploring while you are a T-Rex, or a hybrid velociraptor. Knowing the films by heart now, it was also fun to see them again in the Lego format. I did miss the last movies, but all in all, it was a great co-op game with some frozen velociraptor in the mix. Not a very clever girl!
Rating
Initially, I rated Glover with a personal rating of 6.8, based on my vague childhood memories. After revisiting the game, my rating dropped to a 5.5, primarily due to its outdated mechanics and frustrating controls.
Last words
Pros
- Unique dual-movement mechanics
- Distinctive world designs
- Variety of ball transformations
- Creative level design with interactive elements
- Nostalgic charm for retro game enthusiasts
- Difficult puzzles with minimal guidance
Cons
- Mediocre graphics and soundtracks
- Extremely annoying camera
- Janky controls
- Lack of freedom in level progression
- Difficult puzzles with minimal guidance
Glover’s attempt to innovate is commendable, but it falls short due to its problematic controls and camera issues. While it might appeal to fans of retro platformers, most players will find it more frustrating than fun.
Final Rating
6.0
Please let me know what you think of Glover in the comments!
I hope you enjoyed reading this review, I hope to see you in the next review!
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Last weeks, this one was one of screenshots. Its graphic reminded me like Alaaddin Game.
Maybe because of the world I recorded the video in?
I didn’t know about this game, and i read this review and I think, we need remake of glover. I like this game.
I love this game and glover reminded me like crash bandicoot.
Never heard about this game before, seems to have some good ideas
I like this game when I read review.
I never owned a N64, so I’ve never played this game. For it’s age I personally think the graphics are totally fine. Looks cute, but not quite my genre. Still good to see old games that still get some love.
I do like checking out old games!
never heard of it. looks like a very interesting game concept. I like the idea 🙂
clancy controls and N64? sounds familiar
curse water level? also sounds familiar 😀
Didn’t knew this exist. Looks promising tho 👌
Yep, a very N64 thing to do, lol.
Being frustrating is mostly due to being old with a janky camera, lots of games on N64 had one in third person.
If this game doesn’t get a remaster, we’d at least need to get a port to more modern platforms so we can mod it ourselves. :3
Interested in checking the game out after reading this review 🙂