by:	July 20, 2006

Ninjabee have seemingly done it again. They have drawn from their quirky yet highly talented team and created something which is so unique and charming, it simply cannot be missed. While Cloning Clyde is simple in premise, it manages to utilize a wave of different idea’s and become an enthralling and at time hilariously funny rollercoaster ride through the world of Clyde and his clones. It’s fitting that a small independent developer like Ninjabee can come up with something so individualistic from any other game out there. If you are sick of rehashed shooters, sports games or even racing games, Cloning Clyde is most certainly for you. Plus, where else can you kick chickens for only 800 Microsoft Points?

The story of Cloning Clyde is so dumb it will have you thinking what twisted mind actually came up with it, and that in itself is a compliment of the highest quality because it is so funny. The simple-minded Clyde will do anything for twenty bucks, and when a mysterious organization known as Dupliclone Inc tells him they can provide that for a few tests, he jumps at the opportunity. A while later however, and Clyde realizes that these weren’t simple tests, as he has infact been cloned extensively. Trapped in the corporations building, he must use his non existent brain to escape and lead all the over clones to freedom, oh and do a small bit of cross cloning on the way.

The gameplay mechanics of Cloning Clyde take all the elements of a classic 2D move-along game, but combine it with a 3D view and some whacky and illustrious gameplay options. Cloning Clyde provides a total of 24 levels for wannabe Clyde’s to battle through, and 40 cooperative levels. The premise of each level is simple. Navigate through different area’s and successfully locate the exit while trashing all the security robots and finding the Killer Kenn action figures that are scattered throughout the section. However, it isn’t that simple due to the great puzzle elements Ninjabee have placed throughout your adventures. For instance, sometimes you will have buttons to press in order to unlock something or get somewhere, but you can’t do it yourself. What do you do? You clone yourself, that’s what. Jump into any cloning station in the level and you can instantly make a duplicate of Clyde that you can control by selecting him. It also can help incase one of your ‘Clyde’s’ gets killed, in which case you can jump into the nearest clone and get some sweet revenge.

Attacks in the game are done in true Ninja style, with the dim-witted Clyde being able to show off his awesome and prestigious kung fu moves. By pressing the X button, you can send Clyde kicking and punching his way to victory in the enemies own back yard. You can also pick things up and throw them over great distances, allowing for many more options. The enemies you encounter will do their best to try and halt your advances as you progress. Security robots are obvious blockades which are immobile, but strong and unrelenting. The corporation also have hired the services of exploding chickens which are dropped from the ventilation system right on top of you. If all else fails, Clyde can collect DNA Strands which not only contribute to your total score at the end of the level, but also charge you up for a frenzied kung fu attack which obliterates anything in sight.