Bizarre but enjoyable puzzler
A sort of variation on the Lemmings theme of point-and-click puzzling, the Gobliiins series is an interesting excursion into a bizarre and humorous world and which is well worth seeking out. This first game in the franchise lays down many of the basic elements for later games, Gobliins 2 and Goblins 3, and sees players in control of a team of three goblins, each with their own unique abilities. The goal of the game is to guide them through a series of linear, single-screen levels by making use of their abilities to solve the various puzzles they encounter. The reason for all this is rather bizarre but involves a voodoo doll, a mad king and a helpful wizard. The gameplay is straightforward enough, with the various goblins having skills like punching and climbing for Asgard the warrior, with Ignatius the magician able to use spells to move objects or make them grow and Oups the only one who is able to pick up and use items. The puzzles are played out against a variety of colourful and well detailed environments and provide plenty of head scratching moments to keep your brain exercised. There's a good sense of humour on display here too which helps make the game even more entertaining, with the goblins themselves having plenty of personality. The interface and controls are a little less than intuitive, which gives the game a slightly steeper than expected learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, there is a lot of puzzling enjoyment to be experienced here. The Lost Vikings is a similarly themed game that is also worth checking out.
