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. XboxAddict
    Apr 12, 2012
    90
    Simply put, it's a fantastic and simple puzzle game that allows you to freely think of a solution, rather than being forced into a predetermined one. For the 800 Microsoft Points, it gets a solid recommendation from me towards any puzzle lover.
  2. Gamestyle
    Apr 12, 2012
    90
    The Splatters is a game that from first view feels like it should have been made for iOS rather than XBLA, but from the moment you start playing you will not regret your purchase. Game play is challenging but without ever become dull or too complex. It is only 800 Microsoft Points too and very much worth every penny you will pay.
  3. Destructoid
    Apr 9, 2012
    90
    Despite a few nitpicks here and there, I can't compliment it enough. The Splatters is a truly wonderful game, one that reminds us how terrific a platform Xbox Live Arcade was during its prime and still has the potential to be. Go add points to your account and download this immediately.
  5. GamingXP
    May 23, 2012
    88
    The Splatters is a physic driven skill game with much style and lovely design. Download it – because you shouldn't miss it!
  6. Official Xbox Magazine
    Apr 9, 2012
    85
    If stupendous puzzler Peggle and the cute gelatinous hero from de Blob had a teleportation accident à la Jeff Goldblum and the common household pest in The Fly, then The Splatters would be the result - except it'd be totally awesome and not a hideous Brundlefly monstrosity.
  7. Gaming Nexus
    May 3, 2012
    83
    Don't let The Splatters' obscure XBLA release and goofy first impression scare you off. It's much better than the churning majority of physics puzzle games stinking up app stores and digital services these days. What you'll find is a quirky, funny arcade game that takes a lot more skill and timing than you'd expect. For puzzle and arcade fans it's definitely worth the 800 MS point price of admission.
  8. 4P.de
    Apr 20, 2012
    82
    The Splatters is an incredibly charming physics lesson that puts equal emphasis on puzzles and skills. Unfortunately it is quite short and lacks variety.
  9. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    May 30, 2012
    80
    Equal parts fun and frustrating. [June 2012, p.103]
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  10. Vandal
    Apr 30, 2012
    80
    A very good game, that despite not being perfect it achieves to entertain, offers three modes of play and great gameplay. It is simple but visually attractive, and quite an addictive game.
  11. VideoGamer
    Apr 19, 2012
    80
    SpikySnail's Niv Fisher worked on physics-based sims in the medical field before trying game design, and it's the impressive physics that really make The Splatters as fun as it is.
  12. Game Informer
    Apr 17, 2012
    80
    The Splatters' simple mechanic of flinging liquid to destroy bombs feels like a cross between Angry Birds and Peggle in all the right ways. You have a lot of control over the direction of your flying splatters, but an element of luck (maybe too much) determines how many bombs you are able to take out. When you mess up, blaming the game is easy, but the successful runs make it worth trying again over and over.
  13. Game Revolution
    Apr 13, 2012
    80
    That gripe aside, for a simplistic puzzle game for such a low price I can't find much of anything wrong with The Splatters. The control is tight, it looks great, contains a significant number of puzzles, and it's light on bells and whistles. It's everything to expect from the price point but is definitely an amusing way to spend a few minutes at a time, not meant to suck hours and hours into.
  14. Edge Magazine
    Apr 12, 2012
    80
    The Splatters ultimately feels as much like the heir to Trials HD as to Rovio's feathery world-beater. Maybe it belongs on XBLA after all.
  15. IGN
    Apr 9, 2012
    80
    A fun and addictive take on the physics puzzle genre, and one that brings something new and unique to the genre. While the whole of the experience isn't very long and there are a few frustrating control issues here and there, it's still an engaging experience with plenty to draw fans of the genre looking to get their hands dirty.
  16. Worth Playing
    Apr 27, 2012
    75
    All in all, The Splatters is an interesting puzzle game that is more fun to play as you gradually grow to understand it. It doesn't always do a great job of explaining itself to the player, and it can be frustrating to learn, but when everything clicks, you'll definitely have some fun with it. It's certainly not a flawless experience, but it is worth checking out.
  17. 3DJuegos
    Apr 18, 2012
    75
    The Splatters is a fantastic and simple puzzle game recomended for any puzzle lover.

User Reviews

All reviews »
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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