Black Diode

Platformers are as classic as it gets in the world of video games, since they were quite popular even three or four decades ago. Hence, it’s no wonder that the genre stuck around for so long, especially since it can be designed in so many ways. On top of that, it can still be innovated if you have the right ideas, and there are more than enough creative persons out there.

Black Diode is a 2D platformer with a few puzzles and a fair bit of exploration involved as well, in which your goal is to make it over a variety of obstacles and reach the end of each stage as quickly as possible. There are no time limits to worry about, on the other hand, so you can take your time as well if you just want to make sure you are not taken by surprise.

In essence, each obstacle challenges you to either navigate tricky platforming bits that require exact jumping, or you have to activate various devices in order to avoid traps and create additional ledges for you to jump on. It’s a simple formula in theory, but once you start playing and see how quickly you have to move in some cases, it stops being so simple.

Each level features a different layout, but the style is pretty gray and unimpressive most of the time. Granted, you are supposed to be inside a circuit, so it’s no wonder that everything is pretty boring and simple. Every now and again you stumble onto other obstacles and traps, on the other hand, so it’s a nice change of pace that helps you stay excited about the adventure ahead.

As for the graphics, the 2D artwork is not bad at all, but again, it can be pretty dull most of the time. There are no intricate particle effects either, and it’s actually quite difficult to tell what the main character is supposed to be. On the other hand, the soundtrack is quite pleasant, since it goes pretty well with the general mood of the game.

Even if it’s not the most original platformer out there, Black Diode is still quite challenging and fun most of the time. On top of that, it presents you with a theme that’s not usually seen in video games, even if it doesn’t impress through anything.