Giga Wrecker

Game Freak's ambitious puzzle-action platformer has a neat hook that never quite comes together.

When it's not giving the world more reasons to 'Catch 'Em All', Game Freak continues to deliver interesting and unexpected forays into other genres. Much like Tembo the Badass Elephant before it, Giga Wrecker Alt. is a quirky left-turn that takes the exploration staples of a 2D Metroidvania and combines it with a destructible environment puzzle system for some creative and hugely rewarding puzzles. Combat is quite forgettable, but sucker-punching a boss with a giant ball can be ridiculous fun when you pull it off. It's looks might not be that memorable, but it's still a worthy way to make a mess on Switch.

Giga Wrecker has the attractive presentation and unique blend of genres that make for a cult classic, with only a few slip-ups getting in the way of true greatness.

Creators of Pokémon or not, some interesting ideas can't override the terrible execution in this staggeringly ugly 2D platformer.

Despite a lack of originality and questionable controls I found myself coming back to Giga Wrecker Alt to tackle that puzzle, overcome that boss or just explore its world. If you are looking for a ground breaking new entry in Game Freak's reserve or something similar to the Pokémon titles then this may not be the title for you.

Giga Wrecker Alt. is still a solid Metroidvania game, even though we're getting more of them nowadays. Even though the collision and physics can sometimes be wonky, the puzzle platforming is inventive and matches well with the combat, which goes at a nice flow once you master the rhythm of the controls. Despite some blurry parts here and there, the graphical art style is good, and the soundtrack is absolutely perfect for the genre. The additions made at the sacrifice of the level builder are worth the exchange, so adventure fans will find Giga Wrecker Alt. to be well worth checking out.

A true love letter to the platform games of old, if you are looking for a fresh challenge and can forgive its predictable narrative, Giga Wrecker Alt will be a treat for you.

Giga Wrecker Alt. is a fun action platformer that represents a fresh direction for Game Freak outside of the Pokémon realm.

Giga Wrecker Alt is an experimental game by Pokemon developer Game Freak. despite some issues, the game is a fine blend between environmental, physics-based puzzles and entertaining story about evil machines. however, it is aimed at those who appreciate a slower experience.

A good metroidvania that proves that Game Freak is able to make different types of games than Pokémon, despite it's not visually interesting and even confusing at times.