Armadillo Run

Infobox VG
title = Armadillo Run


developer = Peter Stock
publisher = Independent
distributor =
designer = Peter Stock
engine =
version =
released = 22 April, 2006
genre = Puzzle
modes = Single player
ratings =
platforms = Microsoft Windows
media =
requirements =
input = Mouse, keyboard (hotkeys)

Armadillo Run is the title of a puzzle game created by Peter Stock. The game is currently in version 1.0.5, and is only legally available from the [http://www.armadillorun.com/ Armadillo Run website] .

Objective

The aim of the game is to get Armadillo, a yellow basketball-like object (a stylized representation of a rolled-up armadillo) to the blue goal (an "Interdimensional Portal") by creating a structure using various materials that, when activated, will get Armadillo to the goal while keeping within a sometimes strict budget. The gameplay can be described as a mix of Bridge Builder and The Incredible Machine, and is certainly inspired by Rube Goldberg. Its creator, Peter Stock, cites Bridge Builder and Stair Dismount for the construction and dynamic natures of the game, respectively. [ [http://www.fun-motion.com/interviews/armadillo-run-interview/ Interview with Peter Stock] ]

Gameplay

The main game has 50 "normal" levels to complete, and several bonus levels if the player has enough money to unlock them.

Every level usually begins with the Armadillo, the goal, various nodes and, most of the time, some pieces which cannot be moved. The larger nodes are fixed in place; these are very strong, and are used as mounting points. The player has access to rope, metal bars, metal sheets, cloth, rubber, elastic and rockets. The player can also change the tension of most of the components, as well as setting a timer for some of the components to break. In some levels certain features or materials are not available. It is up to the player to ensure the structure not only gets the Armadillo to the goal, but holds it there for five seconds.

Each material also has a cost associated with using it, and the player has a certain amount of money to use for each level. If they create a structure that gets the armadillo to the goal, but costs more money than the player has for that level, the player will fail that level. Because there are a virtually infinite amount of solutions to completing every level, players are encouraged to try to come up with the cheapest way possible to finish the level.

Armadillo Run also has a level editor, and encourages players to share their levels with each other through the Armadillo Run website. Players can also share their solutions to levels through the website, so that if they are truly stuck, they can see how others have completed that level and attempt to complete it with more money left in the bank.

Players can also create levels where the viewer does not need to edit anything (and sometimes cannot.) These levels display ingenious ways to complete the level, with everything from simulated rollercoasters to abstract car chase sequences, and show extensive use of the games physics engine.

Reception

The game has been well received by reviewers; Metacritic puts its average review score at 88%. [ [http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/armadillorun?q=armadillo Armadillo Run] at Metacritic] It also earned a Gold Award from Game Tunnel, [ [http://www.gametunnel.com/articles.php?id=485#armadillorun Armadillo Run review] at Game Tunnel] and an 88% from PC Gamer UK. [PC Gamer UK, September 2006, pg 96] It was also nominated for the 2007 Independent Games Festival for both the Seumas McNally Grand Prize and Design Innovation awards. [ [http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=12052 2007 Independent Games Festival Finalists Announced] , Gamasutra]

References

External links

* [http://www.armadillorun.com/ Armadillo Run Official Website]
* [http://gamasutra.com/features/20060619/stock_01.shtml Postmortem writeup] at Gamasutra
* [http://www.fun-motion.com/physics-games/armadillo-run/ Review] at Fun-Motion