When it comes to 3D platform games, the Nintendo 64 era truly defined the mechanics and gameplay style. Critically acclaimed titles like Super Mario 64, Banjo-Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64 and Goemon’s Great Adventure pushed the boundaries of 3D design. Among these fan favourites were quirkier, more experimental concepts like Space Station Silicon Valley and the rather bizarre Glover.
Originally released back in 1998 on the Nintendo 64, Glover featured a magical anthropomorphic glove that explores 3D worlds with a bright red rubber ball. It sounds like a fever dream. Part Disney, part bizarre mascot platformer and it’s every bit as odd as it sounds.
Almost three decades later, the quirky concept returns in remastered form, courtesy of QUByte. Does the concept stand the test of time, or should Glover really have been left firmly in the ’90s?
There is a plot, surprisingly, to match the unusual idea. Deep within the Crystal Kingdom lives a wizard, ruling the land from a Crystal Castle with everything powered by – you guessed it – magic crystals. A pair of sentient gloves Glover and Glovel help brew potions and spells. All sounds like a jolly good romp up on the high tower. Nothing could possibly go wrong, right?
Enter the tried and tested trope: An accident happens. The magical crystals dislodge and both Glovel and the land become corrupted. The rather quick-thinking Glover escapes and casts magic to turn the crystals into soft, bouncing balls to protect them. Glover’s goal? Set out to retrieve them and save his wizard buddy.
Each stage follows a classic 3D platformer formula: collect items, dodge hazards, and solve puzzles. The key difference compared to the likes of Super Mario 64 are the mechanics. Glover’s need to keep the balls firmly in view means having to roll, bounce, throw and really be one with your spherical companions. Glover can also hitch a ride, letting the glove reach higher areas, toggle switches and attack enemies. The balls can even be transformed into different types, too, offering extra protection or controls.
It is an unusual setup, but an interesting one – where navigating both Glover and his rubber companions needs to be done in tandem. On paper this unique setup has the potential to feel fresh and different to leaping around as a plumber in overalls. However, the game is marred by cumbersome controls and a clunky camera. Blind spots and sluggish ball controls make navigating the worlds a test of patience. It is frustrating because there is potential with the idea, but the execution just falls short.
Because of the challenges with movement within the 3D space, it draws more attention to how boring the actual goal of the game is. Grab the crystals in ball form, tediously drag them back to the castle – and that’s it. However, the handful of bosses and different themed worlds do elevate the experience, but it’s difficult to overlook the game’s core issues. There are a lot.
But what about similar titles of the era? The adventures of Mario, Donkey Kong, Banjo and Kazooie aren’t perfect. Rough around the edges in places, but these games stand the test of time because they are enjoyable overall. Glover has unfortunately not aged as well as its contemporaries in the 3D platforming genre. Glover is just not fun.
It is a shame that the HD Glover remaster feels more of a simple re-release of the Nintendo 64 edition, rather than a reworked port with improved controls. The Nintendo Switch version does include slightly improved textures and visuals – but it really is skirting along the lines of what qualifies as a remaster.
