Shift Happens Review

Co-op Conundrums and Mass Mayhem

last updated Jan 18, 2024

With friend in tow, 'Shift Happens' is a quirky puzzle-platformer that will both test and entertain – just be sure to keep the backstabbing to a minimum.

Size Does Matter

Grab a buddy and get ready for some mass-shifting shenanigans in 'Shift Happens,' a game that tests not just your platforming chops but the strength of your friendships. In this co-op centric puzzle platformer, you and your pal play as Bismo and Plom – two blobby beings with the ability to swap sizes. This core mechanic is just enough to sprinkle a fresh coat of paint over the familiar run-jump-puzzle formula. Most of the time, it works like a charm, offering a mix of head-scratching puzzles and moments of sheer 'aha!' triumph. Solo mode exists, but if you play alone, you miss out on the magic (and occasional frustration) of true cooperative gameplay. Remember: with great mass comes great responsibility... and the occasional uncalled-for betrayal.

Sonic Booms and Blob Tunes

Brace your eardrums for an auditory experience that's more background than boombox. The blobs bounce, boop and buzz along to a soundtrack that’s cute, catchy but not particularly memorable. It's the audio equivalent of a gentle head pat: nice enough in the moment, but not exactly life-changing. Sound effects are suitably squishy and satisfying, though – there's something endlessly amusing about the gloopety-glop noise of Bismo and Plom's size-swapping. It’s a good job too, as the audio loops could've used a bit more meat on their bones. Whether the soundscape leaves you grinning or simply content, it's a journey best enjoyed with a friend's laughter (or curses) chiming in.

Aesthetic and Athletics

Visually, 'Shift Happens' won’t be rewriting any graphic design books – the aesthetic is serviceable with occasional flashes of creativity. Think of it like that solid B-grade project you did in school: it gets the job done without extra frills. Performance-wise, the game runs pretty smooth—on the condition you've rubbed your lucky rabbit's foot. Glitches can happen, physics might freak out, and if you're in the unlucky camp, you'll be experiencing some unscheduled trips to orbit or falls through the map. Still, these bugs are more like the occasional house fly rather than a full-blown infestation. If you can roll with the sometimes wonky physics, the game’s charming character designs and vibrant worlds provide a pleasant backdrop to the puzzle-filled action.

Cooperative Conundrums

Co-op is clearly where 'Shift Happens' shines like a polished gem – albeit one with a few rough edges. Certain mechanics, like the way you interact with the world and its objects, could use a touch more refinement, but they're functional enough to not interrupt the fun often. Playing online can be akin to an accidental teleportation experiment, given the occasional desync and lag issues, but it’s generally a blast when it's not stumbling over its shoelaces. Solo players, think back to those school projects where you did all the work yourself – it's possible, but you might miss having someone to share the load (or blame). When the game clicks, it's an absolute delight of cooperation, but when it stutters, you might need a good dose of patience (or a stiff drink).

The Jiggle Physics Effect

While 'Shift Happens' plays it safe in terms of platforming innovation, it does throw in just enough novelty to make you rethink your approach to each new puzzle. As you chuck and catch each other across gaps and hazards, it's easy to appreciate the developer’s aim for simplicity laced with potential for complexity. Challenges ramp up gradually, making both the victories and the inevitable blunders feel earned. All told, there's a decent buffet of stages to conquer, whether you're breezing through the story or testing your skills (and friendships) with the extra challenges and collectibles. Game Cover Art

STEAM RATING 81 .78% Developer Klonk Games Publisher Daedalic Entertainment Release Date February 22, 2017

Verdict and Summary

Overall, 'Shift Happens' is an endearing addition to the local co-op pantheon. With friend in tow, it's a quirky puzzle-platformer that will both test and entertain – just be sure to keep the backstabbing to a minimum. The game does have its quirks. Though its minimalist design and occasional glitch may test your grace, its charm and cooperative hilarity tend to smooth over any ruffled feathers. If you snag it at a discount, you’ll enjoy a side-splitting adventure that proves there’s plenty of fun in being the big blob (or the little one).