Looking back at the earliest 3D platformers is always interesting to see how designers planned out new ways to handle an extra dimension of gameplay. For the most part, just the extreme cases of success and failure like Super Mario 64 and Bubsy 3D (probably in that order) are talked about at all. However, examples that fall right in the middle can be just as intriguing.
When it comes to Chameleon Twist, the approach to platforming is fairly basic and follows the conventions of a straightforward 2D level with a single beginning and end. The only thing that's really changed by this being in 3D is the additional z-axis in the platforms being crossed. However, the controls for this 3D space are what create one of the most unique aspects of Chameleon Twist. The tongue allows for some very bizarre but really fun mobility across the stage, either vertical pole-vaulting or horizontal sweeping. It's all fairly responsive and with just a little planning lets you whip around gaps and enemies. The level design doesn't offer much challenge until halfway through, but eventually the game provides some fresh puzzles that require you to draw out unusual tongue shapes to precisely slip across barriers. As a nice extra touch, the tongue can even lick up small enemies and fire them out as a rapid projectile, which is a really fun way to clear out obstacles. The way the tongue is used to navigate and interact with obstacles is definitely a surprisingly creative addition for 3D movement.
To contrast, Chameleon Twist also shows its age with some other decisions that make it feel archaic at times. One aspect that quickly becomes apparent is the camera. Instead of following right behind the player, or offering a bird's-eye view, Chameleon Twist sticks the camera in the corner of whatever room you're in. At best, enemies or collectibles might be hidden off-screen. At worst, you'll probably miss many jumps or tongue spins from not being able to see what's right beside you. There is another camera option that tries to be more free-roaming to where the character moves, but it often doesn't offer a different angle from the fixed view. Another dated aspect is just how short the game is - just six levels about 15 minutes each. It really feels like the developers ran out of resources and time once they realized how much more effort it can take to fill up a 3D level compared to a 2D one. Because of the linear design and low difficulty for most of the game, there isn't a huge draw for replaying levels either.
Regardless of the flaws, Chameleon Twist can be a quick and unique game for 3D platformers fans. However, I could only recommend it to those who have already built up a tolerance for the shenanigans that often came with the early years of the genre.
When it comes to Chameleon Twist, the approach to platforming is fairly basic and follows the conventions of a straightforward 2D level with a single beginning and end. The only thing that's really changed by this being in 3D is the additional z-axis in the platforms being crossed. However, the controls for this 3D space are what create one of the most unique aspects of Chameleon Twist. The tongue allows for some very bizarre but really fun mobility across the stage, either vertical pole-vaulting or horizontal sweeping. It's all fairly responsive and with just a little planning lets you whip around gaps and enemies. The level design doesn't offer much challenge until halfway through, but eventually the game provides some fresh puzzles that require you to draw out unusual tongue shapes to precisely slip across barriers. As a nice extra touch, the tongue can even lick up small enemies and fire them out as a rapid projectile, which is a really fun way to clear out obstacles. The way the tongue is used to navigate and interact with obstacles is definitely a surprisingly creative addition for 3D movement.
To contrast, Chameleon Twist also shows its age with some other decisions that make it feel archaic at times. One aspect that quickly becomes apparent is the camera. Instead of following right behind the player, or offering a bird's-eye view, Chameleon Twist sticks the camera in the corner of whatever room you're in. At best, enemies or collectibles might be hidden off-screen. At worst, you'll probably miss many jumps or tongue spins from not being able to see what's right beside you. There is another camera option that tries to be more free-roaming to where the character moves, but it often doesn't offer a different angle from the fixed view. Another dated aspect is just how short the game is - just six levels about 15 minutes each. It really feels like the developers ran out of resources and time once they realized how much more effort it can take to fill up a 3D level compared to a 2D one. Because of the linear design and low difficulty for most of the game, there isn't a huge draw for replaying levels either.
Regardless of the flaws, Chameleon Twist can be a quick and unique game for 3D platformers fans. However, I could only recommend it to those who have already built up a tolerance for the shenanigans that often came with the early years of the genre.