Snipperclips Review: A Cut Above
Nintendo’s release of the Switch console introduces some new and interesting capabilities that enable players to play together. Mixed with the modular controls that split apart to form two controllers and the ability to take the console on-the-go, the Nintendo Switch can provide developers with the tools to take multiplayer gaming to new heights. In order to showcase these features, Nintendo has released a small launch title for the Switch called Snipperclips: Cut it Out Together — a couch co-op puzzle game that includes up to four players working together with hilarious results. In turn, Snipperclips is the one title not named Zelda that’s a must own for new Switch owners.
Snipperclips is an innovate take on the co-op puzzle genre by introducing players to two cute little paper characters that must work together to solve physics-based puzzles. Players will accomplish their goals by overlapping one another and literally taking snips out of each other, cutting and changing each other’s form in order to manipulate objects, form images or guide items to a specific goal. Objectives are usually clear from the start, despite a few puzzles that take some experimentation in order to understand what the goal actually is. As a result, the game promotes teamwork and problem solving while also throwing in a dash of silliness that will make you chuckle all the way to the solution.
For example, the puzzle may ask players to guide a ball to a hoop, which sounds simple, but requires the two players to work together by possibly cutting enough out of one character to form a bowl to hold the ball while the other player carries him/her to the basket. Some puzzles require players to snip pieces off one another in order to form objects placed in the center of the level. One interesting puzzle even asks the players to cut paths for a small character and guide them to collect gems. Some later stages tend to repeat puzzle types but with harder solutions, which I would rather have seen something new instead of just a harder version of something I’ve already done.
The game is presented in a graph paper art style that looks similar to a child’s school notebook. Each character includes many funny facial expressions and goofy reactions to being cut into pieces by one another. A large amount of whimsy was injected into Snipperclips which adds to the ridiculousness of what each player is trying to accomplish in each stage. I often smile and giggle at situations I’m thrown into; for instance, when I’m standing on the back of my buddy’s character, trying to lift a bowling ball while each character strains and struggles visually in order to clear the objective. Ducking down to snip off chunks of the second player while their character looks oddly satisfied by what is happening to them always results in a good laugh. Overall, the goofy nature of Snippleclips will have you and your friends laughing through all of the game’s challenges.
With the press of a button, players can regenerate back to their original form in case experimentation takes a turn for the worst and requires players to start from scratch. Even the level design can be typically reset, which allows players to take another stab at the challenge without reloading the entire level. Snipperclips is designed in a way that keeps players engaged and working together without giving them a point of failure that always results in reloading the game or outright stopping play until a puzzle is solved. Due to smart design decisions, Snipperlips never strays away from being fun and hilarious while keeping players constantly trying new things without repercussions.
A large chunk of Snipperclips can be played by yourself if you wish, while many of the puzzles that require two or more players can technically be played solo by swapping between two Joy-Cons too. In solo mode, the player simply presses the X button to switch back and forth between the two characters on-screen. The problem here is that while Snipperclips CAN be enjoyable to play by yourself, it really kills the creativity and enjoyment of working together with a friend in order to achieve your goals. Swapping back and forth between two characters becomes very tedious with some of the puzzles in the game, which can be downright frustrating at times. Having a second player jump on and control the other character simultaneously will not only make the game easier and more enjoyable to progress through, but also cuts out the tedium of constantly making small adjustments to each character until you fumble your way to the solution.
No matter how you play Snipperclips, whether it be with a single Joy-Con or a Pro controller, the game handles and responds very well. The B button makes your character jump, the A button clips paper from the other player, the Y button regenerates your original form, and the triggers are used to rotate your body. I played for a lengthy amount of time with a single Joy-Con and had no issues with comfort or responsiveness. The only complaint I have is that holding down on the analog stick and tilting left and right to crawl can force the player to stop moving due to thumb slippage on those small analog sticks found on the Joy-Cons. Folks with large hands may want to use the Pro controller if you find the Joy-Cons uncomfortable. The Joy-Con straps are definitely handy here too.
At an affordable price tag of $19.99, players receive a good amount of content and fun for their money. The game has 30 core puzzles that can be completed by yourself or with a buddy. Party Mode includes 12 puzzles that can be played with two to four players which include larger and loftier goals than the core stages do. Also, Snipperclips includes a Blitz mode with three mini games for up to four players. These mini games include a basketball mode, an air hockey mode and a sudo-fighting game that allows all four players to frantically snip away at each other until the last man standing. No matter which mode I chose, I always found fun and laughter in all of the challenges and mini games included in the package.
Snipperclips is fun, goofy little cooperative puzzle game with a ton of charm and enough content to keep you and your friends busy for several hours. It’s a creative co-op title unlike anything I’ve seen before. While I wouldn’t recommend purchasing it to play by yourself and some repeat puzzle types are disappointing, Snipperclips is still easily one of the best titles on the Nintendo Switch at the moment and deserves to sit alongside Breath of the Wild on your Switch’s home screen.
