The Linux Game Box #5: GNU Robbo

I took a pause from playing to Mass Effect 2 on the Xbox360 to give a try to another Linux game in the series.

This time the game’s called GNU Robbo, a reimplementation of an old 1989 game for the Atari XE/XL console.
GNU Robbo is a puzzle game in which you control a robot aiming to escape mazes by solving puzzles and collecting items.
GNU Robbo project is being developed and kept alive by Arkadiusz Lipiec, Marcin Klimczewski, enjomitch and Cyprian Zawadzki

Title: GNU Robbo
Genre: puzzle game
License: GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE Version 2, June 1991
Website: http://gnurobbo.sourceforge.net/

Installation requirements --> 9

The web site has a page dedicate to the multiple version of the game for each specific OS. For Linux packages are already ready to be installed via synaptic. Instruction for installing via RPM are listed in the help page of the website.

Gameplay fun --> 9

The player controls a robot that must escape from a maze by collecting a certain number of screws in order to open the gate leading to the following level. By doing so the robot must find its way by moving blocks, destroy others with its laser gun and avoid threats like laser beams and monsters. As far as I have played, the difficulty curve is very flat but the simplicity of the concept and gameplay make the game highly addictive. At certain times I found myself unable to quit trying pass a certain level where, despite of the simplicity, I was getting continuously killed by one of the swarming monsters.

Graphical appeal --> 8

GNU Robbo is the reimplementation of a game released in the late eighties. This mean that the graphics is recreated as it was in the original game. The player mustn’t expect a renewed graphics, therefore any confrontation to 21st century games is out of line. By keeping this in mind, I judge the graphics delightful and worth its purpose.

Sound delight --> 2

At this stage of the development sound is almost non existent. It is possible to enable it but it must be done by changing parameters and recompiling the game. Instruction can be found in the help file.

Story enchantment --> 4

I give the game a 4 because there’s no story, not even a skeleton of a story in the game. The only thing the player can glimpse comes from the game design itself. You’re a robot, you’re somehow mazed and you must escape.

Bonus points --> 7

The game includes an editor that can be accessed by pressing Toggle Designer control. The editor allow the user to modify an existing level or create a new one from scratch.

OVERALL SCORE --> 6.5

For what concerns some important aspects the game is neat and worth to be played. Should the project in the future succeeded in including music and sound by default and just a draft of a story, GNU Robbo could really kick a**