Silly, free-form puzzle-platforming fun.

Each level is its own mini-sandbox with a bunch of characters and elements scattered around for you to make do with, but there's more careful design at work than it might appear at first. The progression of areas as well as the construction of the levels themselves is good at gradually training you in without the need for any real explanation, and although there's plenty of trial-and-error-type stuff, that seems by design as well, and the punishment for failure (starting the small level over) is never harsh enough to make that too annoying. When you get stuck, you'll get what they're going for eventually if you keep at it, or just stumble onto the conclusion while messing around and having fun. Those moments feel great.

There is plenty of, um, "distinct British humor" to ... enjoy in here, but thankfully the level progression is more than enough reward in itself - it's always fun to see what kind of new playground is up next.

There's tons of jank befitting its loosey-goosey nature, and it's about exactly as ugly as you would expect a game of this - let's say provenance - to be, but it's a goofy good time on your N64!

Most N64 “hidden gems” are pretty well known at this point, but Space Station Silicon Valley is still one of the best examples of the phrase.

SSSV operates around the GTA-esque theme of hijacking different robot animals, which range from basic penguins to hyena-motorcycle hybrids. In addition to making each level and mission feel unique with the different abilities and powers of each creature, it adds an extra layer of strategy to every mission. Instead of simply pushing a block on a switch or hitting a button, you have to consider which animal is best for moving and fighting through a given area, along with carefully positioning the robots for ease of swapping control between them. The game’s glitchy physics can complicate some missions, but most of the bugs can actually be used to the player’s advantage.

The game also stands out from other N64 titles with its unique graphics and sound design. SSSV’s cartoonish visual style has aged better than nearly any other N64 game, with sharp character models that make the most of low-poly limitations. Despite the simplicity, each robot animal stands out with their own distinctive shape and color scheme. Another great touch is the diegetic music, controlled by the numerous speakers throughout the levels. The volume naturally fluctuates as the player gets closer to the in-game source of the sound, and any noise can even be silenced by destroying the amps. Between a unique visual style and clever use of sound, SSSV is a surprisingly immersive experience.

Since there isn’t an in-game map or guide to thoroughly explain how all the animals and levels work, you’d definitely be justified in using a walkthrough for the weirder puzzles (especially since a cheat code is required for 100% collection). This is still the first game I’d recommend someone try out if they want to dig into the more obscure sections of the Nintendo 64 library.

To me personally this is THE hidden gem of the N64. The game is a wonky, creative, unexpected and funny experience that’s hard to forget. As a walking microchip you take control of various robotic animals that range from rocket shooting dogs to spring powered sheep. And in doing so you try to fulfill the objectives of each level. I think what I found most fascinating about this game though, is its secret objective in every level. There is no help in what to do, but exploring the level to the fullest and trying to be creative is heavily rewarded.

The controls are somewhat odd sometimes, the graphics only mediocre, there are some weird difficulty spikes, in other words: the game is far from being perfect. But it is simply good fun, the music is a banger, and you gotta love the animals bopping their heads to the music!

Another hidden gem on the N64. This mission-based platformers is pretty engrossing. You play as this electronic spider that can possess other electronic animals on this planet. Each level throws you into a space where you have to complete multiple objectives. I love the humour; it's dry, witty, and super British. My favourite animals to control are the vultures, elephants, laughing hyenas, and penguins. Best world is probably the snow world, but the jungle has some great puzzle solving as well. The final world, the desert, is the weakest and at this point the gameplay is less enjoyable. The level design in the desert feels rushed and less inspired than the rest of the game. The bonus stages are horrendous. Screw that goddamn flying level and the shooting gallery. Those levels are true patience-testers. I like the music and I love how it's diegetic. There are speakers throughout the stages, so you know where the music is coming from. I love the collect-a-thon aspect, particularly figuring out how to get the trophies. The bonus level for collecting all the trophies is underwhelming though. Highly recommend playing this quirky game if you're into platformers.

Best Parts:
• Most of the snow levels
• The mission where you destroy all the speakers
• King Rat mission
• The design of the sheep

Replay It? - Yes