ilomilo is a puzzle game involving two little friends named ilo and milo. Both of them keep losing each other and its up to you to help them find a way way together again.
The game plays a bit like Kula World which was released back on the PSOne albeit it looks much better graphically. Let’s take a look at the HOTs and NOTs of ilomilo.
HOT
Presentation
The artwork and presentation of ilomilo is unique and beautiful at the same time. The level design is similar to that of Kula World where there are a number of blocks that you can walk over and defy the laws of gravity.
Some of the environments surrounding the areas of the playing field are diverse too. ilomilo will be getting themselves lost in the park, underwater and a few more natural locations.
Gameplay
The comparisons between Kula World and ilomilo are unavoidable as both games play exactly the same, except in ilomilo you will be controlling two little characters in lieu of a beachball. The other great thing about ilomilo is that there is no time limit in solving the various levels that await you. The time limit seen in Kula World was a big pain. Some of the obstacles that prevent you from making ilo meeting up with milo are innovative and it will require you to think and use your logic to overcome them.
Puzzles
This leads me to the next section of the review as the creativity put into this game is amazing. You have to walk together utilizing both ilo and mlio in order for them to meet each other. Some of the earlier puzzles are easy such as pick up a block and place it inside the gap to get to the other side. As you progress further into the game the levels get a bit more complex and much more fun to play.
One of my favorite parts in the game was in one level where you had to ride on top of a bull like creature to get to where your friend was. Another highlight is when you will have to use the elevator cube to transport yourself to higher places. It can be dizzying at first but this type of gameplay is rarely used these days and I applaud the developer for its innovative style of gameplay in this game.
Multiplayer
Although only one character can be shown (and controlled) at one time the fact that a friend can help you out WILL be of great help. Especially when it comes to a puzzle game as two heads are always better than one. However, make sure whoever your partner is is a good puzzle solver. You don’t want a player wandering off somewhere aimlessly and hindering your chances of solving the puzzle!
NOT
Replayability
If there’s anything wrong about puzzle games is that once you’re finished with them there’s little incentive for you to play through the levels ever again. Once you know how to solve the puzzle it’s way too easy and quick to play it again not to mention quite pointless. You can however, try and redo some of the levels to see if you can muster a higher score but only hardcore gamers would have the mentality to do such a thing like this.
Short
There are only a handful of stages available in this game. Although some levels will take a bit longer for you to solve than others, this still does not prolong the actual length of the game. Hopefully some form of DLC is released in the future so we can get to play more levels but that sort of thing is rare for an Xbox LIVE Arcade title…
Verdict
ilomilo is an innovative and creative game that fans of the old Kula World game will love and appreciate. It is one the more unique looking games I’ve played and the game can be enjoyed by just about anybody. Although the length and replayability of the game is somewhat of a letdown, the gameplay itself is great especially during multiplayer. One of the best Xbox Live Arcade games and highly recommended. If you’re an open minded gamer you’ll fall in live with this game if not, I’m sure it will grow on you.
[Editor’s Note: ilomilo was reviewed on the Xbox 360 hardware. The game was provided to us by the publisher for review purposes.]
