Clive 'N' Wrench Reviews
When Clive ‘N’ Wrench works, it is possible to get a glimpse of something that is a very close approximation of a quality fifth gen 3D platformer. In its current state, Clive ‘N’ Wrench is rough around the edges and requires patience to contend with its less refined qualities. With more finesse and more time in the oven, this could be a cult classic.
So despite my breakdown I want to say that this was mainly made by one person, which is a feat. I would argue that Silactro also is a solo dev and makes better pastiches of the same genre, but I also want to be fair because I don’t think this game is unsalvageable. While I don’t expect major changes to my first issue, I do think the second issue of technical problems can be ironed out so in case the dev reads this, I will redo this review if the game is fixed (whenever that may be). As for right now though I cannot recommend this to anyone when better games trying to for the same things are readily accessible, cheaper, and more successful at doing being a 3D platformer.
I genuinely feel rather bad going on and on about the game's flaws, but the most exceptional thing about Clive 'N' Wrench is the effort that went into bringing it into existence. I'd love to say that it's a great, or even a good, game, but it's pretty unexceptional even by the standards of low-budget indie 3D platformers. There just isn't anything to recommend this game on its own merits, and it is buggy enough that it's hard to even recommend it as a curiosity.
While it has its issues, Clive ‘N’ Wrench is a charming, cheeky and fun 3D platformer that pays homage to the greats that came before it. It doesn’t even attempt to innovate, instead attempting to replicating aspects of the 90’s classics with varying degrees of success. If you’ve got fond memories of Banjo-Kazooie, this one’s aimed at you.
It is an ungodly flawed game in need of some patches, without a doubt. Some of its design choices are questionable, to say the least. Yet, somehow, I still liked Clive ‘N’ Wrench way more than expected. By no means was this up to par with some of the other love letters to the collectathon genre released over the past decade, but its charm and creativity somewhat outweighed its cons.
The worst part about Clive 'N' Wrench is that there's no way it could be recommended, at least not in its current state. As I wrote way back at the start of this review, it's a one-man passion project, and you hate to criticize something that someone has spent more than a decade working on. But the simple fact is that it's just not very good, and it's certainly not something you need to spend your time or money on right now.
The duo's adventure in Clive 'N' Wrench should please both the generation that loved the golden age of 3D platform games and their children who enjoy a good mascot game.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
At first, I hated Clive ‘N’ Wrench, I didn’t see any appeal and thought it was a terrible game. As I played it and got used to the controls I found myself enjoying some aspects of the game because it is an attempted homage to one of my all-time favourite genres. If like me, you’re a fan of 3D platformers from yesteryear, you’ll find SOMETHING that attracts you to Clive ‘N’ Wrench. Unfortunately, the title has too many issues to really flourish and reach its full potential. For a debut effort, the developer did a lot right and a lot wrong, all I can hope for is that they focus on what they did right with this one and knock it out of the park next time.
An unfortunate pairing of classic 3D action and less-then-reliable controls dooms this all-ages platformer
Its potential flaws could easily compromise the final verdict, but Clive 'N' Wrench won me over thanks to his charisma and robust exploration proposals in spacious worlds, offering a fun action game that revives the golden times of 3D platformers. So, cheers to Clive and Wrench, who form an unusual animal combination to save the day in different windows that take us back in time.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
A very enjoyable 3D platformer let down by a host of technical issues. Clive 'N' Wrench is well worth playing, but you may want to wait for some patches.
In comparison, the most unique thing that Clive ‘N’ Wrench has going for it is its focus on speed and its wider pool of moves, which doesn’t feel like a defining feature. How much that bothers you is going to depend on what you go into Clive ‘N’ Wrench expecting. If you’re hoping that it’s going to revolutionise or build upon the collect-a-thon platforming genre, you’re going to be disappointed. If you’re just looking for a simple, nostalgic adventure that calls back to the platforming days of old, then you’ll Clive ‘N’ Wrench might be worth grabbing a backpack for, but its dated design makes it a tough recommendation for anyone other than the genre diehards.
Clive 'N' Wrench might take inspiration from classic 3D platformers, but it doesn't take the best practices, resulting in a dated and at times frustrating gameplay experience.
Clive ‘N’ Wrench features a monkey and rabbit duo on a quest through time. Is this homage to retro 3D platformers a classic in its own right, or is it better stuck in the past? Find out in this Rapid Review.
Clive N' Wrench may not include perfect gameplay, but there is more than enough to enjoy for a memorable and nostalgic experience that harkens back to the classic 3D adventure days of yesteryear. Our review:
Clive 'N' Wrench probably won't set your world on fire, but it's an enjoyable enough 3D platformer with plenty of colourful doodads to collect.
Clive 'n' Wrench is a true love letter to the great platform games of the 90's, mixing all that was best in them. Simple, captivating, extremely fun and with an addictive soundtrack, it ends up being a must play for fans of the genre. Even with problems, Clive 'n' Wrench manages to show a lot of potential and, above all, transports us back to the golden age of the genre.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
I do not think that this game is entirely bad or a complete mess, but it is the missed potential that stings. It is a plea to sometimes take a step back and fundamentally understand what your work should be about. Sure, there is enjoyment to be had, but much like a fast food meal I will not be thinking about Clive 'n Wrench much in the future.