ID@Xbox is the program name of choice for independent developers to publish their own games on the Xbox One platform. One of the latest games to be released is platformer Chariot from Frima Studios. Chariot promotes local co-operative gameplay which sees a Princess and her fella push a Chariot (which is actually a funeral wagon) containing the remains of the dead King through the royal catacombs so that he can be laid to rest in a gold filled tomb. There is 'looting' along the way and plenty of physics based puzzles to conquer through each level.
The whole premise of the game seems a bit odd to me. I would much prefer my platform games to just be a character jumping and beating enemies through levels. Maybe it stems from my early days of Mario and Sonic. It feels like a bit of a chore to push and drag a Chariot around with me. That being said, it has been implemented quite well with respect to the physics on the Chariot and the rope that you carry to drag it round with you. I didn't have a co-op partner to help me with the game. This didn't stop me from being able to play through, but there are sections which are impossible to complete without a friend.
So lets rewind a second, and take a look at what the game is about – the Chariot itself. What we have is 2 big wheels that allows it to be pushed up small ledges, or dragged up larger edges. All of the puzzles are based around it, and you cannot go far without with Chariot without a countdown clock appearing on screen, if it reaches 0 you'll go back to the last checkpoint (which are plentifully spread around the levels). The physics implementation is pretty spot on, you'll find yourself catching your Chariot mid air with ropes, and getting pulled away from a ledge if you're too close to the edge or don't time your pulls and releases on the rope correctly. And these are just the basic levels. Soon into the game you'll get surface that you can walk on but the Chariot can't access, and vice versa). And then combinations of both that will see you winding your rope in and releasing and catching your Chariot with quick pulls of the triggers and bumpers. In terms of level design, they are very well thought out in fairness, the inclusion of the different walkways mixes things up nicely, and figuring out how to open doorways with timed pressure sensors and other puzzles keep it fresh as you move through the game.
I mentioned loot earlier. People expecting RPG style stuff will go away disappointed. You collect fairly standard platform stuff. The games version of 'gold' is scattered throughout levels. There are also scrolls to collect which will unlock new items you can use through your playthrough which add extra ways to solve puzzles. If you let the Chariot drop or hit a wall too hard it will create a noise which can attract the looters. You'll need to fend these off with your sword to avoid losing the collected gold.
Visually, the game is very crisp and colourful, implementing bold colours across the levels which are highlighted more by the dark background of the catacombs. It's cartoony which suits the vibe the game gives off with it's humour and gameplay. It makes for a family friendly adventure that is likely to find suitors across all ages.
I think playing co-op would open more options, and definitely open new areas and add something extra to the game – there are some loot pieces that will be missed on just a solo play through, so it's a shame I couldn't try that side of the game. In, while this isn't really my type of game, and not one that I'll regularly come back to – I really do find that Chariot a chore (but maybe that's me with my nostalgia of platformers I grew up on), I can see that this game will be a success with platform fans, especially with two controllers and local co-op. So if any of that last sentence fits you, then give this game a look.
**Thank you to the XCN (Xbox Community Network) for the opportunity to review this game**