Glover, a creation from the joint efforts of Interactive Studios, Piko Interactive, and QUByte Interactive, has now made its way to the Nintendo Switch. Let’s delve into what makes this 3D puzzle platformer intriguing in our detailed review.
Originally developed by Interactive Studios, previously Dizzy Entertainment and later Blitz Games, this studio was brought to life in 1990 by the Oliver Twins—best known for their renowned Dizzy series. In Glover, your adventure unfolds as you guide the titular character, a magical glove, through various levels filled with challenging puzzles, all while maneuvering a ball from start to finish.
Back in 1998, Glover was launched with Hasbro Interactive on the Nintendo 64, followed by its PlayStation debut under the Atari Interactive name. Fast forward to 2025, and Glover is reintroduced on the Nintendo Switch, thanks to QUByte Interactive’s Classic series, inviting players to revisit the vibrant Crystal Kingdom.
In this enchanting narrative, the misadventure begins when a wizard’s failed potion causes an explosion, sending mystical crystals scattering. In a quick-witted move, Glover transforms these crystals into rubber balls, preventing disaster. This glove isn’t acting alone, however. Its counterpart Glovel falls prey to the wizard’s cauldron, transforming into the villainous Cross-Stitch, setting the stage for a captivating rescue mission.
Your task spans across six diverse worlds: Atlantis, Carnival, Pirates, Prehistoric, Fortress of Fear, and Out of This World, where you must retrieve the kingdom’s lost crystals. For completionists aiming to conquer every aspect, there are collectibles called Garibs scattered throughout each level, alongside six bonus stages—one per world—waiting to be mastered.
Controlling Glover is intuitive yet engaging. With the left analog stick, you navigate Glover, while the right stick lets you adjust your view. The camera zooms with the X button, and you perform jumps or double jumps with the A button. Dribbling the ball utilizes the B button, and a dramatic ground pound can be executed with ZR. Need to climb onto the ball? Simply press L. Precision in your gameplay is crucial, involving ball throws (hold B) and strategic slaps (hold A) to overcome wider gaps. Additionally, pressing R lets you swap between ball forms, adding a layer of strategy to your adventure.
This revival of Glover, priced at $19.99, offers more than just nostalgia. Explore the Extras section post-game to admire the artistry behind its bosses, characters, and world design in the Gallery—a special treat for fans and newcomers alike.
In summary, while Glover embraces its classic roots, this old-school approach may not suit everyone’s modern gaming tastes. Nevertheless, it stands as a charming testament to the era of 3D platformers, now ready for a new generation on the Nintendo Switch.
Review provided courtesy of a Nintendo Switch copy from QUByte Interactive.