Test Subject Green
Science is truly wonderful. If it weren't for science, for instance, we wouldn't have freeze-dried ice cream, that most wonderful of treats. We'd have to content ourselves with normal ice cream like the ancient neanderthals did. We can also thank science for Test Subject Green, the brain-twisting sequel to Nitrome's puzzle platformer Test Subject Blue.
As before, you play as Test Subject Blue, a little blob of enzyme riding around in a prototype mech suit and completing tests for a benevolent scientist. The [WASD] or [arrow] keys are used to steer Blue around and jump, while the [spacebar] fires Blue's blaster. The blaster is handy for self-defense but is fairly slow to fire, so it's often easier for Blue to just avoid enemies. The goal in each level is to grab a key and head to the exit. Naturally this is harder than it sounds. The most common obstacles that complicates your task are green portals that follow an odd sort of physical logic; entering through the bottom of one will pop you out of the top of another, for instance, and vice-versa. Likewise, entering through the left of one will lead to the right of another. Figuring out how these portals work is crucial to success.
After the benevolent scientist is taken out of commission by a shady rival, however, the obstacles are ramped up a bit. Lasers are fairly commonplace after the first few levels, for instance, and generally you'll spend a lot of time figuring out how manipulate them to make your way through. You'll also battle a variety of green enzyme minions that drop from the ceiling, fling chunks of themselves at you and generally make problems.
Analysis: Nitrome fans have come to expect quality from the developer and Test Subject Green does not disappoint. The puzzles are difficult without edging into frustration platformer territory and while Blue can be killed in a single hit, none of the enemies or obstacles feel cheap or unfair. Patience and a steady hand will always win the day here.
There are few complaints to be had about this game. There's not a huge amount of variety in the gameplay, especially if you've played Test Subject Blue, but by the time the game begins to wear out its welcome you'll be finished with it. It's a well-polished and complete title. Test Subject Green features the adorable cartoon art style and animation that Nitrome is known for. Blue in particular is lovingly animated; it displays a variety of adorable quirks as you hop around, such as slamming itself against the side of its suit to fire the blaster. The game's story is told through short blurbs between each level; it's not Shakespeare but it certainly works.
Platform fans are bound to enjoy Test Subject Green while puzzle lovers won't be punished for a lack of twitch reflexes. It's an excellent hybrid of the two genres made possible through the power of science, much like astronaut ice cream is a delicious fusion of strawberry, vanilla and chocolate. Aren't you glad we live in this modern world?
Walkthrough Guide
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Test Subject Green Walkthrough
Level 01
Straight-forward - just follow the teleporters. Level 01
Level 02
You can usually pass underneath a drop enemy before it reaches you. Level 02
Level 03
A typical Test Project - jumping through teleporters and backtracking. Level 03
Level 04
Bouncing enemies can be unpredictable, but are easy to avoid. Level 04
Level 05
Avoiding the drop enemies is either about speed or timing. Level 05
Level 06
If you move fast enough, the pitching enemies won't hit you. Level 06
Level 07
The first of the laser-switch puzzles. Shoot the buttons to change the laser angle. Level 07
Level 08
It is unnecessary to shoot the big buttons, but hit the small button. Mirrors deflect bullets. Level 08
Level 09
The first level where you turn different block types on/off. Level 09
Level 10
The first real timing-orientated level. Don't try to rush it. Level 10
Level 11
It's all about shooting at switches and then jumping just as the platforms change. Level 11
Level 12
This is simple - just time jumps to avoid the laser. Remember to duck. Level 12
Level 13
It's advisable to first kill all the pitcher monsters before going for the gold piece. Level 13
Level 14
It's all about changing teleporters at the right time. Level 14
Level 15
It's actually pretty simple. You only need to hit the big switch once. Level 15
Level 16
Meet the mimic goo. Just keep ahead of it and time your encounters. Level 16
Level 17
Use the mimic in your favour by shooting at the right time. Level 17
Level 18
You only need to hit each switch once. Level 18
Level 19
This one is tricky. Backtrack through the teleporters several times. Level 19
Level 20
The first moving teleporter. Jump when the teleporter is aligned with the one you are facing. Level 20
Level 21
It's all about waiting for the moving teleporter to line up. Level 21
Level 22
The large button has to be hit three times. Level 22
Level 23
Just keep moving and take out the pitcher enemies when you can. Level 23
Level 24
Each switch should be used once. Level 24
Level 25
Time your jumps with the firing bullets and keep ahead of the mimic. Level 25
Level 26
You have to destroy both of the sentry guns before you can continue. Level 26
Level 27
Every button will only need to be hit once, except for the bottom button, which is hit twice. Level 27
Level 28
The floating enemy can be defeated by having him spit a bullet at you - duck and let it go through the teleporter behind you. Level 28
Level 29
Lots of backtracking, but each switch only needs to be hit once. Level 29
Level 30
No teleportation required. Watch out for the mimic at the bottom. Level 30
Posted by: James Francis
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May 20, 2011 6:28 PM