Rochard review

Rochard is a side-scrolling science fiction platform game developed by Recoil Games that focuses on the manipulation of gravity.

John Rochard, leader of the most unfortunate team of astro-miners Skyrig Corporation has ever employed, discovers an ancient structure hidden deep within an asteroid. The team reports its discovery to their boss Maximillian and soon afterwards, John’s team goes missing without a trace and he finds himself stranded on the asteroid, fending off attacks by space bandits. As John searches for his missing team, he quickly realizes that dangerous forces are at work, determined to use the discovery for their own sinister means.

John is equipped with a G-Lifter: a modular mining tool hosting various subsystems like a communication device and flashlight, but is predominately a remote gravity controller that allows the player to grab, shoot or drop certain objects like crates, explosives containers etc. The gravity beam can also manipulate and move various large objects such as big mining lasers, cargo containers etc. The player has the ability to upgrade the gravity beam several times to gain new abilities. After an upgrade the G-Beam is powerful enough to lift John in low gravity, allowing him to dangle and swing from specific objects. In addition, the G-Beam can be used as a weapon against flying droids, automated turrets and eventually (after upgrades) human enemies.

Players can change the gravity between “normal” earth like gravity and low gravity by holding the L1, LB or Shift button. Controlling the gravity is a key gameplay feature and allows the player to: jump higher or recoil jump, lift heavier objects, alter trajectories of thrown objects and move through the air using fans or by swinging on the gravity beam. In some cases, levels have sections where the gravity is inverted. In some levels the player can invert the gravity by himself.

Rochard combines increasing challenging environmental puzzles rich with story, action and humor. The gravity manipulation was noteworthy; especially the G-lifter for it's unique abilities. I enjoyed this game because it was fun to play. Undemanding and relaxed; I found myself revisiting it time and again when I needed a break from other more frustrating games.

Check out "The First 60 Minutes of Rochard."