The image above shows the level editor mentioned earlier. As you can see, there are quite a few puzzle elements, and even logic gates at the bottom of the element palette there. Yes, you can wire various puzzle elements together, as well. The editor is similar to using Microsoft Paint. Just select a puzzle element, and then paint it wherever you want within the world. The editor also has scroll bars if the level is too big to show all at once. It is also possible to create level groups like the campaign the game comes with. That requires editing a text file that tells the game what levels are in the level pack and in what order they should play. You can find information on that in the game’s Steam forum here.
The graphics and gameplay may be simplistic, but this is made up for with the sheer depth of the game. The controls work pretty well since they, too, are simple. You may think you know everything there is to know about the game, but the levels will keep you scratching your head. The game has many different types of levels, from ‘race the clock’ style stages, to dodging enemies, and all kinds of other stuff. It is quite satisfying when you discover the solution after being stuck on a level for a while. Sometimes, a level might even seem impossible at first, but there is always a way. This also means that both games can keep you busy for quite some time before you’ll completely beat them. The two Chip’s Challenge games together have nearly 350 levels in all. You might think the replay value would be low, but, in fact, it’s not. You’ll never remember the solutions to all the problems in every level, and level editors always add to a game’s replay value, too.
I should also mention that, along with these two games, there is a 3D game that is a re-imagining of these games. It is called Chuck’s Challenge 3D and is $6.99 on Steam. It has a level editor with Steam Workshop support, and its editor is free. There are a couple of DLCs for the game, but they are quite cheap. Chuck’s Challenge 3D has full 3D graphics, and you can zoom in and out. There is an all-new story following a new playable character in this game, as well. I just wanted to mention this game since it’s very closely related to the game’s we’re reviewing here today.
Overall, Chip’s Challenge and Chip’s Challenge 2 are both excellent puzzle games. If you like puzzle games, you should definitely check them out. They will keep you busy for quite a while. Together, the two games could keep you busy perhaps two weeks or more depending on how much time you spend playing each day. As you get later in the game, you will start spending a lot more time on each level as they get trickier and harder. As with any game, some levels can be annoying, but, overall, advancing in the game is quite fun. Clearing a level gives you a very nice feeling of accomplishment when you get into the trickier levels. And, of course, there’s always that light bulb moment when you figure something out that’s been stumping you, allowing you to advance in the puzzle. These games are truly a blast from the past and will give your gray matter a nice workout. Chip’s Challenge 1 & 2 put you in the shoes of a nerd on a mission to prove his smarts and defeat all of the puzzles that lie ahead, so he can be with the girl of his dreams!
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Review copy provided by publisher
