Badland: Game of the Year Edition
Overview -
'Badland' was released on iOS about two years ago, where it received critical acclaim and many awards. The Game of the Year edition on consoles includes all of its DLC, a visual touch-up, and co-op and multiplayer modes.
Video Review
'Badland' has been ported to the Xbox One with marked HD improvement in its simplistic, beautiful forest palette. The subdued, artistic backgrounds remind me a lot of 'Ori and the Blind Forest', along with the cutesy models of 'Angry Birds' or 'Patapon'. Despite its minimalist presentation, the machines and thorn bushes which serve as the enemies still manage to look suitably sinister. They are all in black, and contrast sharply against the more colorful background environments. What little story 'Badland' has is doled out through those backgrounds. As the machines slowly invade the forest, fewer animals can be seen.
Audio Review
What 'Badland' lacks in music it makes up for with its charming, eerie forest sounds. Between the desolate plinks of rainwater, distant wildlife, and grinding machinery, it’s like a nightmarish version of Sounds of the Rainforest.
Final Thoughts
The conversion from the smartphone to the Xbox is not perfect, but 'Badland: GOTY Edition' brings a decent, inexpensive, and fun platformer to the table. It is addictive in spite of its eccentric and sometimes maddening tics. While the single-player is the best part, the co-op is no slouch.
