Squidgies Takeover – Conquer worlds and look cute doing it!

I’m always on the lookout for the next “quick play” Nintendo Switch game to keep me entertained on those long train rides to work. Gaming on the go has become much easier thanks to all the new, home-grown games popping up on the Switch of late. Developed by Tasmanian team Giant Margarita, Squidgies Takeover is a cute and challenging puzzle game that has had me spending countless hours trying to solve every last stage.

Having played the demo a month ago at PAX Australia, I was excited to get my hands on the full game when it was released this month on November 14th for Switch. The premise of Squidgies is quite easy to follow; players must send the ‘Squidgies’, adorable little alien blobs, to find new home planets using their unique properties to shape-shift into various forms. These forms will help the vulnerable Squidgies swing, harden, and catapult past various dangers found within the game, warping you to your intended new home planet.

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Squidgies Takeover, despite its very cute appearance, pulled no punches when it came to creating some really perplexing stages and satisfyingly complex puzzles. Personally, I love a good puzzle game since they tend to challenge my regular way of thinking and I always enjoy that satisfaction of finally clearing a difficult stage. Having played through most of the game, I took some time to replay through my completed missions and attempting to complete the additional “feats” – extra challenges that added a whole new level of difficulty. On top of this came the online leader-boards which has had me coming back at least once a day to try and perfect some of my personal bests.

There were a few missed opportunities that could have made the game a little bit more enjoyable. Despite clearing most of the 80+ stages available, there were some puzzles that proved the better of me when it came to getting perfect scores. It feels as though the game and its players would have benefited with a little ‘hint’ option, providing those less cerebral with assistance when they get stuck. My other main qualm was the fact I cleared the game in less than a week. I wish that there were more stages to play with, however it has been confirmed more are on the way, and at the very least the online leader-boards helped retain daily replay.

Squidgies Takeover is an adorably difficult puzzle game that anyone looking for some healthy brain-training can easily pick up and play. It’s perfect for on-the-go little bursts of gameplay, allowing players to enjoy a quick couple of puzzles with each visit. Anyone looking for their next fix of puzzle solving goodness need look no further than Squidgies Takeover!