The Splatters

 Xbox 360
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 32
  3. Negative: 1 out of 32
  1. GameCritics
    May 7, 2012
    40
    In closing, as said before, it's nice for a game to be simple and get right to it, but only the very few combo-obsessed high-score junkies will follow The Splatters all the way to the end.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 2 out of 18
  1. Xborn74
    Apr 11, 2012
    8
    "The Splatters" is an XBLA game developed by SpikySnail Games, and produced by Microsft which costs 800ms points.

    The game is very    "The Splatters" is an XBLA game developed by SpikySnail Games, and produced by Microsft which costs 800ms points.

    The game is very reminiscent of a classic and popular game, Peggle, mixed with the new games that deal with physical, being a good and addictive game option: you use gelatinous creatures that are thrown, being slip and spilled into the structures of the stages, to clear of them of bombs. Particularly, in everything from gameplay and presentation, to the general structure of the menus reminded me of one more game for iPhone / iPhone and other derivatives, than consoles themselves, though it can play perfectly on them.

    The game musics are lively, made with synthesizers, much like Peggle in this aspect (the way they are made and themselves - but without the music by Beethoven): the sounds are well done too, with creatures shouting happily to be thrown among funny noises.

    The game features graphics and graphical effects (like slow motion) very similar to Peggle too: the details in the graphics are in the structures mostly in front of the screen, while the backgrounds have a blurry look. It is also nice to see an effect of fragmentation on the bombs, after destroying them, which seems fine glitter in the screen.

    Although not spectacular graphically, the foundations of the game are in the gameplay, which makes it a great casual puzzle / action game: you use a virtual slingshot, which is used with the analog stick to aim and throw the creatures, according with force, that you determine by the time you press the A in the controller.

    More ahead of the game, the creatures develop new powers to diversify what we can do besides throw them, such as changing the gravity and rewind time, as well as having special maneuvers such as changing the direction of your motion, reverse the direction in which all fly in the screen, etc.. - and everything counts to perform combos, that increase the final score - just like hitting two different sets of pumps with the same gelatin.

    At the end of each stage, you are graded according to your performance (points), from 1 to 3 stars, and these grades will release new stages and characters features to play - all account for achieving this, as special maneuvers and combos performed, as well as how many golden gelatin's you catch, while you slide and fly in the scenario (which is limited to the same screen).

    The big problem is that the game after a while ends up being repetitive, because the action comes down to the same thing, just changing the stages and game modes, although having new abilities to use in the cleared stages to get the maximum score. Nevertheless, it's a nice choice for a puzzle game: my score is 8.3 / 10.0.    … Full Review »
  2. electriclight41
    Jun 3, 2013
    8
    Featuring elements from different puzzles games like Peggle and Angry Birds, The Splatters is a fun and unique diversion. It's easy to pick upFeaturing elements from different puzzles games like Peggle and Angry Birds, The Splatters is a fun and unique diversion. It's easy to pick up and play a couple quick puzzles, or you can focus on conquering a series of harder ones. The momentum-changing mechanic is an interesting way to solve stages, though some are frustrating. Once you do beat them, they're satisfying. Definitely worth downloading.… Full Review »
  3. Darkholegames
    Jun 28, 2012
    8
    The Splatters is a fun mind puzzle game. The objective is to complete each stage by sending your colored explosive paint like blobs intoThe Splatters is a fun mind puzzle game. The objective is to complete each stage by sending your colored explosive paint like blobs into certain objects that are placed throughout the map.The Splatters is a Xbox Live Arcade game made by SpikySnail. You can purchase this game off the Xbox Live Arcade Marketplace for just 800MSP ($10.00). Lets break down this game full of craziness.

    ​Gameplay / Stages: Each stage has more than one round. At the beginning of each stage you will be presented with instructions on how to play that current stage. During each of the rounds the objects on the stage will change. If you are to unable to clear the stage you will be presented with a cheat sheet. It will show you exactly how to pass the level. TIP: using the level is key

    ​Controls: The controls are very simple. You use your (L) analog stick to control which way the yellow arrow points. The yellow arrow is like your guide to where you want the blob to go. Next you use the (A) button to power up and release your blob and watch it splatter all over the stage in many awesome ways.

    ​Characters / Blobs: Each round and stage has different color blobs that are always smiling. They show no fear haha.

    ​Abilities: During certain stages you will be introduced to new and challenging ways to complete the stage. For example: Air Strike. This is where you direct your yellow arrow where you want to go, hit A then hit A again while directing the second yellow arrow to a new direction, but you have to it in a split second and at the right moment otherwise you fail and have to try again. Yeah it gets much harder as you progress haha.

    ​Design / Levels: The design starts out very simple and slightly get a little harder. What really makes them challenging is the content within and the abilities you are given for that current stage.

    Interface: Very simple concept. You have your main screen which shows your score and next to that is your combo multiplayer. See simple :)

    Abilities: I know we touched this aspect before, but the idea behind giving the blobs abilities is pure genius. It brings a real challenge to the game and makes the player use their mind. It is also fun to just play around with the ability on certain stages and not care to complete the level because you get to see your blob do funny movements.

    ​Overview: This game is pure genius, worth every penny & is a 9/10. If your looking for a family friendly mind puzzle time killing game-gasm then this is your game. No game or level will ever play the same and you are offered so much in the full game version. I highly recommend you purchase this game because you will never want to stop playing; I promise you. SpikySnail did an amazing job on this and I hope to see more of their work in the future.    … Full Review »
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