When I first heard that Rochard is a puzzle platforming type of game that is exclusive to the PlayStation 3, I became intrigued at what the developers back at Sony created for this downloadable title. Once I got my hands on it, I realized that this game has a lot in common with other games within the genre. The result is an entertaining and thoughtful game that draws inspiration from other classic titles while standing out as a unique title thanks to the game’s focus on puzzles and platforming and titular main character.

You play as John Rochard, a space miner working for the interstellar mining company, Skyrig. His mission is to look for rare astronomical minerals, but after four years on the job, Rochard and his team have not found any. On the verge of losing his job, luck finally strikes his team as they finally find valuable minerals, which cause a series of unfortunate events for Rochard and his team. It’s up to Rochard to rescue his team from a gang of space bandits and discover the truth of the minerals his team has found.

You can use your environment to defeat foes.

As you play the game, veterans of classic puzzle platformers will instantly recognize the heavy inspiration Rochard draws from other games in the genre. The game drips with a look and feel that is very similar to Xbox Live’s Shadow Complex and Nintendo’s Super Metroid. You control Rochard and help him platform across dangerous obstacles, solve gravity defying puzzles, and fight against waves of goofy space bandits, all while searching for hidden goodies throughout levels and performing actions that defy the laws of physics. Rochard plays very similarly to the former titles but stands out amongst the two with its focus on puzzle solving and platforming action and its unique titular character.

John Rochard is quite possibly the one key component of the whole package that helps this game stand out amongst the rest. He is not the usual action hero type of protagonist that is commonly found in other games. Rochard is an ordinary, plump human being with no super power characteristics that are found in other action heroes, and that’s a good thing. All he needs is his gravity defying G-Lifter that can grab the heaviest objects and enemies from afar with ease and his offensive Rock Blaster and he can take on waves and waves of enemies. It’s refreshing to see an ordinary protagonist take on a job that is usually reserved for exaggeratingly muscular men and scantily clad women. Rochard is an easy-going character and is one that can be more easily relatable than other characters in other games.

Lots of explosions abound.

Visually, the game isn’t a mind blower as other titles but gets the job done and is pleasant to look at. The game has some memorable tracks and some solid voice acting that gets the idea of the characters through to the player. The game features an animated visual style and design that works well with the light-hearted tone of the game and gives it that charm that other comparable games lack.

For only $10, Rochard is a well-balanced and enjoyable adventure with thoughtful puzzle designs and endearing characters. The game lasts about 6 to 7 hours and is a little on the short side, but the large amount of hidden collectibles, upgrades and challenges to beat the game as fast as possible give the game some extra legs. The game is satisfyingly fun and is a blast to play, but long load times between chapters are the only gripes I can find with this game. If you’re a fan of Microsoft’s Shadow Complex or Nintendo’s Super Metroid, Sony has you covered with Rochard. Even if you haven’t played the former titles, this game deserves its $10 asking price and then some. Who knew playing with gravity could be so much fun?

Final Score: – 9/10