Slyly Self-Referential Puzzle Platformer
In Lighthouse Lunacy you play a fella named Fred who runs around a lighthouse--actually, along platforms fixed to the site of a lighthouse, jumping from one level to another. The puzzles mostly involve getting boxes to the bottom of the tower--which sounds simply, but actually some of them are fiendishly difficult. Luckily, this is quite a polished game--you have any number of retries, and if you fail sufficiently often, the game will show you the solution.
The puzzles themselves are well executed--the developer is obviously a student of the genre--but what really makes the game shine is the framing device. Fred is quite aware that he's in a video game; he's moonlighting for extra cash, and is employed by "the game designer," a shadowy figure at the top of the tower who makes his life a living hell by facing him with these damn puzzles. Between levels, the two bicker enjoyably with each other--so enjoyably, in fact, that getting to the next such segment is a draw to completing the puzzles.
A sense of humor in games is, alas rare--and when attempted, the humor is often lame. That's one thing that makes Lighthouse Lunacy a particular pleasure.
The developer says:
A humorous story about a video game mascot and his designer told through a game of puzzles and jumping.
Boost your problem solving skill in this innovative mix of the world's first video game puzzle (which one? it's in the game!) and old school platform jumping. The comic book story of Fred, the reluctant video game mascot, and his boss the game designer is artfully interwoven with the actual game play and level design.
Features
- Beneath the harsh attitude Fred is, perhaps, a loveable guy. Still, he is caged behind a glass fence for a reason.
- Merely a voice from above? The unsociable game designer hides somewhere inside his ivory tower and it's up to you to find him and reveal his true identity.
- Super intuitive gameplay. You will grasp the rules in 10 seconds!
- Each level will challenge you in a new way. No fillers!
- Outside-the-box-thinking (rather than tedious try-every-possible-combination) is rewarded.
- Not only puzzles. Some levels require a bit of dexterity, others even test your reactions. Don't worry... Fred'll help if you get stuck!
Reviews
"Many games have got me interested. A fair few have been so addictive I kept playing them after I finished the review. I can't think of any at the moment, however, that have made me laugh quite like this one - certainly none featured the main character complaining that his boss can't draw hair and then his being turned into one of the bats from Pong. This is a well named and well crafted game worth a look from everyone."
- Bytten
Awards
Silver Star, Bytten level design.