forma.8 from Mixed Bag is a Metroidvania-style release on Nintendo Switch you should check out. Read our Forma.8 review to find out why!
In forma.8 you play as a small and spherical mechanical being who, for some reason, has been sent flying down into a planet, probably on a potential mission… only to end up crashing into a big structure. You’re separated from the rest of the spherical robots on your group and must, therefore, find a way to rejoin them to complete whatever it is that you’ve been sent out to do.
It turns out that you’re an exploration probe called forma.8 (hence the name of the title), and you must find a mysterious energy source before it is too late. Can you make the most of what little resources you have to find what is desperately required?
Controls are very simple and to the point, as so is exploration in the game since you can fly around anywhere you want with the left analog stick! Pressing the L button opens up an overlay that shows you your current energy, the total number of collectibles found, as well as a map you’ll slowly complete as you explore each area. The map will also show you where you need to go, which is certainly handy if you ever feel lost. It’s not as detailed as the map for other Metroidvania releases, but it gets the job done.
A few minutes into the game you will find one of your companions who, unfortunately, didn’t manage to survive the trip. Luckily he left behind an ability for you that can be activated with the B button, sending out a powerful close-range shockwave. And if you explore some more, perhaps you might find another companion with a handy energy that will grant you the ability to set some very strong bombs with the Y button. Are there more abilities to find after this one? You’ll need to play the game to find out!
Every now and then you’ll run into self-contained “time trial” areas in secret or previously out of reach locations. For these, you’ll need to touch a blue fire sphere that will ignite Forma.8 so that you can race against the clock as you try to light up every single black sphere in the area before time runs out. Do it right, and you’ll be rewarded with a collectible for your trouble. The first one is easy to do, but the rest will require more precise runs from you. There will be a lot of trial and error involved for these as you try to shave a second or two of each of your runs until you can get the timing just right.
forma.8 is a fun and charming Metroidvania release with plenty to offer. It might feel short for some of you since it will probably take you 5-6 hours to complete, but that only means it’s an entertaining release that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Disclaimer
This forma.8 review is base don a Nintendo Switch copy provided by MixedBag.
