Exquisite Thumbnail...Indeed

Review by crunchynut on Friday, June 15th 2012

[Apathy Reviews]

Hello everyone, this is the first of hopefully many Apathy reviews. Today's review will be on SCH1z0 CAgE by Jcaldwell.

The Review

From the word go, SCH1z0 CAgE dumps you into a world of pain. Traps at every corner, and more puzzles than you can poke a stick at. This game is so full of action and excitement you'll be playing it until your hands drop off. However it doesn't take a genius to realize how epic the game is straight from the thumbnail. The idea of it is simply brilliant, and is in as one of personal favourites.

The Story

"Madness isn't a disease....it cannot be cured. It doesn't stop the doctors and their treatments though: electrocution, physical violence, drugs....none of it keeps back the demons. You know this place will kill you if you stay, but how do you escape?"

Reading this story instantly adds a vibe to the game, a real feeling of anxiety. Alongside with the thumbnail, this game has a dark atmosphere, which is pulled off by very few members. Elements like this make for a fun and brutal game, which is exactly what this game provides.

Traps

This game is thriving with new traps, every corner is a new exciting challenge that can only be pulled off with wits. Jcaldwell has even added a few little sequences that I have never seen before, including the hall of pushers, which requires a fair bit of quick thinking. Jcaldwell starts you off surrounded by turrets, which can quickly drain your life or even kill you. However after a few attempts you can bypass them quite easily, with minimal damage dealt.

One of my favorite things about this game is the puzzle with the magnet. Seems simple at first, but it comes back into it later in the game and is fatal. jcaldwell has thought this out brilliantly, but thats all I will give away for the moment.

Action

This game isn't just all traps, it's loaded with action. Strategically placed enemies surround you throughout your travels, and if your not careful it won't be the traps that will be your demise. The placement is very consistent, and it keeps a fast-paced flow to the game. Jcaldwell has also added a wide variety of enemies to keep you entertained all the way through. There really is never a dull moment in SCH1z0 CAgE.

Difficulty

Ill warn you now, this game is not for the average Sploder member. It will take a real Sploder veteran to beat this game, in fact the only person who has beaten it is Jcaldwell himself. At least he's proved it's possible, amirite?

Bosses

This game has some interesting boss sequences, I won't give any spoilers, you will simply have to play them yourself. But I will tell you this, you will be pushed to the brink of your own sanity.

Lag

Sadly, this game does suffer from lag. It's nothing over the top, but sometimes it can be a real nuisance. It really is the only bad thing I can say about this game, and it caused many deaths on my part.

Map Layout

Beside from the thumbnail, this map is very detailed and attractive. You just cant go wrong with this game. There is no repetitive sequences, everything you do is always phresh and unique. The layout of the game will keep you intrigued all the way through, I promise.

Scores

Traps - 10/10

Puzzles - 10/10

Enemy Placement - 9/10

Boss Battles - 8/10

Difficulty - 10/10

Layout - 8/10

Lag - 5/10

Overall - 9/10

Finishing Statement

Overall this game is simply amazing, it deserved it's feature and in my opinion deserves even more praise than it already has. Well done Jcaldwell.

What is Apathy?

Apathy is a Sploder community orientated game label and reviewing centre. This is one of many epic games that is to be released under Apathy games.

~Apathy Games Thread~ - http://forums.sploder.com/comments.php?DiscussionID=265222&page=1

~Apathy Reviewing Centre~ - http://forums.sploder.com/comments.php?DiscussionID=271565&page=1#Item_1