Fugdale’s Funhouse

Review: In this sequel to Wone, (reviewed here), you face greater challenges with the same familiar concept. Sean Cooper, who incidentally has a fantastic flash-based website, threw in a few more bells and whistles in this version of the game. You will first notice the vast number of levels included in the game–19 total, ranging from warm-ups to the impossible. The courses display on a grid and as you complete levels you will open up a few others to choose from. Each level has it’s own challenges and tricks.

Game play feels very similar to the first version. You control a single tire or wheel. As you press left or right on the arrow keys your tire will roll in the same direction and pick up momentum. Use the ramps and curves on the course to propel your tire to other areas up above or down below. Along each course lie several gold bubbles. Collect all of them on a course to unlock the exit doorway. Then you must reach the exit and press the ‘x’ key to get out. Along the way, look for special gold stars tucked away in hard-to-get-to areas of each course. Additionally, you might luck out and find four colored squares hidden somewhere in the game, but not necessarily on each level.

The mechanics of the wheel feel very responsive. You can pick up speed pretty easily and when the wheel spins and hits a surface it rebounds and skids with a screeching sound. It reacts very realistically to its environment. Sometimes trying to reach certain areas of each course can really get your blood boiling. Even the first few levels hold quite a challenge, so prepare yourself for many attempts at getting through each course.

This game does give you a little help this time. On some levels you can grab a bungee chord and use your space bar to shoot it into the air to attach to the ceiling (like Spiderman). Then you can climb and descend easily and swing back and forth to reach other areas. This addition provides a whole new dynamic to an already great game. But, with this new feature, come further dangers. Since you now have the power to latch on to what’s above, you must remain aware that often nothing lies below to catch you; so make sure you keep that bungee active.

Everyone should try the Wone games at least Wonce (get it?). They may not appeal to some gamers, but others will love the challenge. I happen to love the game, but Wone2 has not treated me very nicely so far. I’ve still to get past the easy levels, so I cannot report about what other surprise lurk in the higher levels. Why don’t you give it a try and report back?