Technosphere reload is one of those games that comes out of nowhere to deliver a great new experience. Besides on Steam, Technosphere reload has now been released on the Nintendo Switch so console owners can also get there hands on this great puzzler.
Restore the orbit
In 2590 AD the Atlas Corporation is mining for crystals in the core of an asteroid that happens to be in orbit around the Earth. Due to some mishap, the asteroid’s course is set towards the earth. In Technosphere reload you control a sphere-shaped drone which is the only hope to reach the orbit correction system in time to avoid an Earth-shattering disaster. As to why most floors of the facility within the asteroids are made as mazes, no explanation was given. Conveniently this makes for a great puzzle game setting with some added edge. The biggest reason for that edge is the fact that a 10-hour timer counts downs towards doom.
Monkey Ball in space
The Technosphere drone in Technosphere reload has been very well programmed to move and feel like a ball should. The physics might have a hint of arcade feel to them, but all in all, they move as pretty realistic. The fact that the ball can jump might sound weird but who am I to judge what possibilities will become reality 500+ years from now. With the addition of loopholes, lasers, moving platforms, and many more mechanics, the future might prove to be way more advanced than we ever could imagine. The rolling ball mechanic might be inspired by the Super Monkey Ball games but the comparison stops immediately. Technosphere reload is way darker and serious than the previously mentioned title.
Gradually getting harder
Technosphere reload has many different mechanics to master. Luckily the game only introduces the different mechanics gradually. Some levels were designed to showcase a certain mechanic and lets you focus more on apprehending a certain new skill. Afterward, these skills get thrown in the mix to make each new level a bit more challenging. Every new level is definitely a challenge with some rage quit potential added but it’s never truly an unfair challenge. The balance in the game felt very well thought off which is often a challenge with puzzle games.
Neon future
For some reason, futuristic games are mostly draped in neon colors. Technosphere reload is no different at that. The neon lights mixed with very industrial looking surroundings make you feel like this could be the inside of an asteroid in the future. Despite all the neon lights, I still had some trouble seeing the path on which the Technosphere needed to go. This resulted in some untimely falls which could’ve been avoided if not everything looked so dark. In defense of Technosphere reload, you can change your camera angle from a behind the ball position to a sideways view to see better. I often wanted to go fast instead of thinking ahead which might not have been so beneficial for my success rate.
Conclusion
Technosphere reload is a great puzzle game in which you maneuver a sphere-shaped ball through many maze-like levels. With added neon, explosions, wormholes and many more, Technosphere reload has a lot to offer. The Nintendo Switch version played like a charm and I’m certain I’ll be playing Technosphere reload for many hours to come. Except for some cheap deaths because of some visibility issues, Technosphere reload is highly recommended for any puzzle fanatic.
