Clive 'N' Wrench Reviews
Clive 'N' Wrench is not a good game, there is no way around that. When the Switch is home to some of the greatest 3D platformers ever made, Clive 'N' Wrench stands out for all the wrong reasons. From terrible controls to poor visuals and performance, we're sad to say that there is very little redeemable about the game on Switch. The entire project feels like a glorified demo made for a game design class, rather than a completed project that belongs on store shelves. The attempt is admirable, but after a decade's worth of development, Clive 'N' Wrench turned out as an incredible disappointment. With so many other ways to get your 3D collectathon platforming fix on Switch, your time and money are best spent elsewhere.
I can tell that there was a lot of love put into Clive 'N' Wrench, and this is impossible to ignore. It's an amazing feat to make a game, especially one as complex as this one, but even still, there are many areas where Clive 'N' Wrench falls flat. There are moments of greatness, such as in the well-crafted platforming sections, but overall it's an underwhelming experience with lacklustre animation and a soundtrack that fails to impress.
Despite its rough edges and myriad of issues, the heart that's present at the centre of Clive 'N' Wrench is evident throughout, and it's safe to say that this is a labour of love and homage to a genre that enjoyed its peak around 25 years ago. And while there is praise to be had in certain respects - indeed, fans of the genre may well find some merit here - Clive 'N' Wrench is ultimately a little too raw and unevenly cooked to be put on the pedestal alongside its famed influences.
It’s clear to see that Clive ‘N’ Wrench is undoubtedly a product of passion and a huge amount of love has gone into it. It is undeniably charming with many fun aspects and platforming fans will find lots to enjoy. Certainly entertaining enough to while away a few afternoons and very impressive work from a solo developer. However, its inconsistencies are hard to ignore and prevent it from reaching its true Switch platforming potential.