Red Game Without a Great Name Review

WARNING: Red Game Without A Name may leave players feeling frustrated and small.

Red Game Without a Great Name is a challenging 2D puzzle arcade game where players play a mechanical bird who must journey through a hostile Steampunk environment to deliver a message by using its teleportation power to avoid obstacles. Originally released as a mobile game, Red Game Without a Great Name can now be found on the Nintendo Switch.

The controls of the game are quite simple. Players must use the Switch’s touchscreen feature to touch and swipe the mechanical bird so he may teleport to avoid obstacles, pick up three cogs and deliver their message. Unfortunately, there is no use for the joy-con controllers so the player must use the Switch as a hand-held device. Initially, there are a few tutorial levels to help establish the limits in which players can maneuver. At first, the game seems simple, however, as players continue to move through levels the obstacles tend to become more difficult and can leave the player feeling frustrated. The higher the level the more likely players will die.

Although the game is quite difficult, there are some power-ups players can find and use to their advantage. Some power-ups include steam, which can be used to change flight direction, and cracked icons that allow players to destroy certain obstacles. Nevertheless, these power-ups can end up putting the player in a tough situation if used incorrectly. For example, when using steam players are forced to change flight direction. If players cannot find more steam than they are forced to constantly fly in that same direction. This can lead players to fly towards traps and other dangerous obstacles. This game can be quite a challenge and players must use their wit and quick reflexes to complete these levels.

Red Means Anger

The theme of the game is quite simple. It is a frustrating puzzle game that is centred on an anger-induced colour, and that colour is red. With its difficult puzzles that can lead most players to the verge of rage quitting, the game’s design seems to fit the theme quite well.

Like mentioned before the game is centered around the color red. However, it also has a steampunk, silhouette style that personally reminds me of Limbo. Although I personally am quite annoyed of this game, what makes me come back to it is the design. It can be quite appealing to the human eye. Along with its beautiful red design, the game also has this cheerful music that somehow fits quite well.

Overall, with its contrasting combination, of anger and joy, the game is oddly fun to play. Players may feel the need to put it down once in a while so they may release some rage. But in the end, it can still have players coming back for more.