Snake Pass Review

Platforming without arms or legs might seem like an odd concept, but Sumo Digital’s Snake Pass forces players to think like a snake. Featuring physics-based climbing action, do Noodle’s limbless adventures make for a good time?

Snake Pass Review

Fans of collectathon platformers like Banjo-Kazooie or Donkey Kong 64 will know what to expect in Snake Pass. The peace of Haven Tor has been interrupted by a mysterious creature, and it’s up to the snake Noodle and hummingbird Doodle to save the day. To do this, they must collect the keystones in each level and traverse different worlds. It’s a pretty lighthearted tale told briefly with text boxes, and it frames the game quite well.

To collect said keystones, Noodle must slither his way around each floating world and make his way to the top of structures. Traveling as a snake can be a bit more tricky than Mario or Sonic’s journeys, as Noodle must latch himself on to different bamboo poles to climb structures.

This can be hit and miss. There is a difficulty curve in Snake Pass, one that might not appeal to everybody. To climb structures, players must wrap themselves around each structure, lifting Noodle’s head and tightening the grip just right. It’s easy to mess things up and fall down, but with unlimited lives and plentiful checkpoints, it’s not too bad. The hummingbird sidekick can help out by lifting up Noodle’s tail, but that only helps out so much.

It’s just a shame that Noodle moves so slow. Players can move somewhat faster by slithering in a serpentine pattern (makes sense), but even that will have players begging for a faster speed. Climbing structures takes some time too – this is one of those games that’s a slow burn, which may not appeal to those looking for fast-paced action.

Noodle and Doodle travel through a variety of different worlds among its 15 levels, each including a different element. One area might be filled with water, while another has gusty winds. While this variety is welcome, most follow the same “floating jungle with bottomless pits” design philosophy with minor tweaks. It often feels like the levels are more sandbox-like in nature than fully fleshed out worlds. It leads to some repetition as well, as all levels follow the same pattern and objectives throughout. The same goes for its general design. The game is bright and colorful, but menus feel like they were taken from a mobile game.

Those looking for replayability will be pleased to know the game has some legs (pun intended). Players can unlock Time Trials for each level and also track down a bevvy of blue orbs and Gatekeeper Coins in each level. Those who want to nab every last doodad will be satisfied with the amount of shiny baubles here.

Snake Pass is not for everybody. Fans of collectathons and colorful worlds will find much to like, but those looking for something a bit more fast paced might be turned off by Noodle and Doodle’s antics.