Gobliiins Collection Review

If you want a step-down memory lane and a rather unusual puzzle experience, then Gobliiins Collection will be right up your street. This odd, funny, and often testing problem-solving title will push you all the way. However, the humour is fantastic, and I laughed more than I like to admit. Furthermore, once I got my head around each challenging moment, I felt a euphoric sense of relief.

Red Art Games has developed this retro puzzle experience. Moreover, it utilises point and click mechanics as you explore either fixed screen levels or minor multi-screen affairs. The latter makes things much harder as you try to work with each character and solve every environmental and often cryptic puzzle. If you have played this throughout the years or are a master of the genre, you’ll fly through each chapter. However, newcomers must expect plenty of trial and error as solutions are rarely obvious.

This approach is incredibly frustrating, but to be expected from an abstract collection of games. The original developer focused on weird moments, cutting one-liners, and a wicked sense of humour to overcome the infuriating elements. This may not translate well to a modern audience, but I was amused, nonetheless.

Gobliiins Collection offers minor story moments.

There are 5 different games to play that range from the early 90s all the way up to the early 2020s. This vast difference in gaming design is reflected in the playstyle, story, and characters on offer. Moreover, the early instalments lack finesse and a sense of guidance. I’d say that gamers from that era were clearly made of stronger stuff. This isn’t to say they are not manageable; I’d just expect it to be somewhat clunky by modern standards.

Gobliiins Collection combines an array of different protagonists across unique environments. With interesting puzzles, mind-bending moments, and almost impossible-to-merge lines, you’ll be tested from the opening scene. This won’t be for everyone, and many players will reach for a guide. Yet, if you can resist and you have the patience, you’ll enjoy some wacky, joyful, and genuinely amusing encounters.

Modern touches.

Gobliiins Collection has been given some modern updates and some nice elements for franchise fans. Neither of these things piqued my interest, but I’m certain that lovers of the series will enjoy the interviews and other content. I was keen to relive each title I had previously played. Alongside this, it was interesting to tackle the earlier games that I had missed.

I would say that this gaming collection isn’t as polished as its peers. Other point-and-click puzzle games are much easier to handle. Additionally, the surreal nature of the action doesn’t help things. The problems are usually extremely odd, and trial and error becomes your best friend. This will not appeal to methodical people, and many will be disappointed by the bizarre layers they must unravel.

Gobliiins Collection is old-school and vibrant.

I knew that the early 90s games would look a little rough on a larger screen. Sadly, things appear a bit blown out and stretched. However, this didn’t bother me. I loved the vibrant border and the pixelated edge. As you move to each of the later iterations, things become more detailed and easier to look at. This attention to detail makes the puzzles easier to work with, and the games are more enjoyable, therefore. The audio is upbeat, silly, and fun to listen to. A chiptune and childish edge dominate proceedings, and this helps to smooth out the often-frustrating moments.

Gobliiins Collection could have done with a tutorial. The opening games are often confusing, and the lack of guidance doesn’t help. However, once you get your head around what is required, you’ll focus on the weird humour, puzzle-solving, and surreal nature of the action. This 5-game collection is a great value for money. There are over 20 hours of puzzling madness, and more for those who are new to the genre. If you love retro gaming, you’ll adore it, and if you are looking for a change of pace, you’ve come to the right place.

Gobliiins Collection is weird but wonderful.

Gobliiins Collection is a strange selection of games. The bizarre action, witty dialogue, dated visuals, and mind-bending moments will divide its audience. However, if you fall for its charms, you’ll enjoy a spectacular and difficult puzzle title. Accordingly, I think it’s great, and I recommend grabbing a copy from the Xbox store!