VVVVVV, the indie platformer that launched a thousand gravity-flipping adventures, is marking its 14th year in the gaming world with a significant update. Renowned for its unique mechanics and retro style, the game has become a staple in the platform genre, revered by many for its challenging and innovative gameplay. This update is more than just a celebration of longevity; it catapults the game into new territories and onto new devices.
The game’s creator, Terry Cavanagh, has introduced an array of updates that not only make the game more accessible to a broader audience but also enhance its compatibility, specifically with the Steam Deck. VVVVVV is now Steam Deck verified, which confirms that users can have a seamless gaming experience on Valve’s portable gaming device. The update also includes full-screen mode supported as default when launched on the Steam Deck or in Steam Big Picture mode, making its retro visuals more immersive on modern screens.
One of the most celebrated features of this update is the addition of professional translations into a variety of languages. The game is now accessible in 21 new languages including widely spoken ones like Arabic, Spanish, French, Russian, and Chinese (both simplified and traditional), as well as less common ones like Welsh, Irish, and Esperanto, among others. This expansion in language support opens the game to a much wider global audience, allowing more players to enjoy the title in their native language.
VVVVVV is a platformer unlike many others. Instead of the traditional jumping mechanic found in most games of its genre, VVVVVV requires players to manipulate gravity. With a press of a button, players flip the protagonist, Captain Viridian, between the floor and ceiling to navigate through a series of increasingly complex and hazardous environments. It’s a simple but profound twist on the platforming formula that has captured the imagination of gamers since its release.
The update also includes a full 2.4 changelog that features a wealth of bug fixes and improvements. These tweaks and overhauls ensure that the game keeps up with modern standards and provides the best possible experience without tarnishing the original charm and challenge that has defined VVVVVV over the years.
It is astounding to note how VVVVVV has not only stood the test of time but also continues to be developed by volunteers who enhance it by working with its open-source code. The game was made open-source by Terry Cavanagh in 2020, an initiative that demonstrated his commitment to the game's community and its lasting legacy. Since then, the code has been freely available for anyone interested in contributing to the game’s development. The last major update prior to this one arrived in 2021, introducing a smoother 60fps gameplay, new graphics options, and fixing a stack of previous bugs.
The simplicity of VVVVVV's design, complemented by its spectrum-inspired graphics and energizing chiptune soundtrack, underscores why it is often lauded as a quintessential platformer. The game's appeal isn't just nostalgia for a bygone era of gaming; it’s also the ingenious design that combines minimalistic controls with sophisticated and enjoyable levels. This formula has ensured its place on lists of the best platformers even after fourteen years.
With the plethora of languages now supported and the verified Steam Deck compatibility, VVVVVV is set to reach and resonate with even more players. Perhaps more remarkably, the community-driven upgrades continue to breathe new life into this classic, allowing veterans and newcomers alike to explore its gravity-defying challenges afresh. It stands as a shining example of the lasting impact an indie game can have and how a passionate community can keep a beloved game continual and relevant for years to come.
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