Snail Mail (video game)
| Snail Mail | |
|---|---|
 The cover art for the original Windows XP version of the game. | |
| Publisher(s) | Sandlot Games |
| Platform(s) | Wii Microsoft Windows OS X iOS Android |
| Release | December 3, 2004 |
| Genre(s) | Racing |
| Mode(s) | Multiplayer |
Snail Mail is a video game which was released by Sandlot Games for PC on December 3, 2004.[1] It was later released for the Wii through the WiiWare service, and also on iOS.[2] The game is a fast-paced racing game where the player must guide a snail named Turbo, with a jetpack strapped to his back, through the various levels in the game, avoiding various enemies and obstacles.[3][2]
Gameplay
The game features the main protagonist, a snail, whose task is to deliver mail throughout various worlds and levels. Set in space, the game features cel shaded graphics.[4] Snail Mail offers three different modes of play; postal mode, time trial mode and challenge mode. The snail (named Turbo, the purple one pictured on the cover art of the game) has to navigate throughout the levels whilst avoiding various enemies and obstacles, using a jetpack which is strapped on to its back.[2] In multiplayer, other players use different colored snails to do the same thing. The levels are filled with powerups, as well as packages that can be collected. There are 50 levels in the game altogether.
Reception
The game received mixed reviews from critics. A review by Nintendo-video game review site, Nintendo Life on the other hand, praised the art style and the colorful visuals.[2] The same review however, mentioned how awkward the controls in the game were, which impacted on the gameplay. The review also found the levels to be too similar and repetitive to make the game an enjoyable one. In addition to this, the review noted that the graphics occasionally made the game difficult to play, for example the way that the camera in the game moved with the player.
TouchArcade gave the iOS version mostly positive feedback, saying that "everything about the game was fun".[4] IGN also reviewed the iOS version of the game, and gave it in an 8/10.[5]
On July 5th 2018, independent developer AlexHoratio made a request to the now-defunct Sandlot Games to purchase the intellectual property rights to Snail Mail. To date, the request has remained unfulfilled.[6]
References
- ^ "Snail Mail [Download]". Amazon. December 1, 2004. Retrieved April 13, 2016.
- ^ a b c d Reed, Phillip (June 24, 2011). "Snail Mail Review – WiiWare". nintendolife.com. Nintendo Life. Retrieved April 13, 2016.
- ^ "Play Snail Mail for FREE!". FreeRide Games. Retrieved April 13, 2016.
- ^ a b Patterson, Blake (November 26, 2008). "'Snail Mail' from Sandlot Games: An iPhone Gem". TouchArcade. Retrieved April 30, 2016.
- ^ Buchanan, Levi (December 12, 2008). "Snail Mail iPhone Review". IGN. Retrieved April 30, 2016.
- ^ "Why I Deserve The Rights To Snail Mail". YouTube. Retrieved July 6, 2018.