Full Bore is an indie 2D puzzle platformer developed by three-man studio Whole Hog Games. The game was Kickstarted just over a year ago to the tune of $16,383.
In Full Bore you take the role of either Fredrick or Hildi, both are boars obviously. Full Bore has lovely 2D 16 bit pixellated graphics that not only add a retro feel, but add a degree of both humour and charm to the title.
Environments look great, with some really well designed levels and nice use of lighting. Levels are colourful and vibrant and the whole game is easy to look at. The soundtrack of the game is wonderful, created by Miguel Acuña and the Adjective Plural Noun. It boasts a great variety of tracks that range from happy-go-lucky to dark and atmospheric.
The game controls are simple and easy to use, movement is controlled with WASD. The space bar is used to make the boar stomp, which can crumble loose blocks of ground and for move certain blocks. Sadly there’s no jump feature, which on one hand is unnecessary for the way the game is designed but I would have liked one. One thing I like is that you get all the abilities you need in the game at the start, as levels increase in difficulty it’s all about using your brain rather than just using in-game abilities.
Full Bore isn’t just a level by level platformer, you have a world to explore.
Full Bore has three main elements to its gameplay: puzzles, platforming and exploration. Full Bore isn’t just a level by level platformer, you have a world to explore. By entering different doors and entrances you can go to different locations.
To manage where you are and find your way around, you have the handy tool of a world map so you can track your way back should you need to. As you explore, you’ll come across computer control panels, books, and characters, all of which you can interact with and will progress the game’s story, offer information, and some funny jokes.
It brings back memories of playing Fez for the first time
Full Bore is a highly polished indie title that is packed full of character, humour and a bloody good challenge. It brings back memories of playing Fez for the first time and I would certainly argue that it’s up there with Fez in terms of indie titles in the puzzle platforming genre.
All in all if you’re a fan of puzzle platformers or just charming indie titles in general I would certainly recommend picking Full Bore up, there’s plenty here to get your money’s worth and you’ll get a laugh or two out of it.
