GENRE
	Platform/Puzzler
	DEVELOPER
	WayForward Technologies
	PUBLISHER
	WayForward Technologies
	LOCAL WIRELESS MULTI-PLAY
	No
	Wi-Fi/GLOBAL ONLINE MULTI-PLAY
	No
	MICROPHONE
	No
	BUY NOW AT

WayForward Technologies is slowly becoming a household name for Nintendo fans. Over the past couple of years, the developer has shown Nintendo consoles love with Contra 4 for DS and LIT for WiiWare. Now the company is one of the first third parties to jump on the DSiWare bandwagon with Mighty Flip Champs.

The 2D puzzle/platformer game features a goggle-wearing, screen-flipping heroine named Alta, along with a zany cast of characters. Alta’s goal in each level revolves around reaching a big, green and blob-like creature, which then zaps them on to the next stage in a Mega Man-like fashion. But the task isn’t that simple. Alta’s only abilities are to climb fences -- in a fashion very reminiscent of Mario in Super Mario World -- and switch the level layout courtesy of a magical baton.

Flipping the screen image is the main hook of the title. The top screen displays the immediate action, while the lower showcases a mirror image of what Alta can switch to. Zapping to the next screen becomes integral because walls and chasms obstruct Alta from reachingher friendly green alien, and the lower image may present new opportunities. The mechanic provides a challenging and rewarding experience, one in which players may have to fall the entire screen while flipping to new images to reach a destination. But it’s also simple, as changing screens is relegated to a single button.

The game also mixes up the action quite well, providing a brisk and welcome pace. Every few stages presents new hurdles to overcome, such as rescuing a cat or cow before meeting your alien friend. Warps also litter later levels, which offer some mind-blowingly fun puzzles. And certain stages even take control out of the user’s hands, flipping the action automatically after a few seconds, which is beautifully demonstrated by sprite work that showcases Alta’s eyes bulging out.

This attention to detail is present throughout Mighty Flip Champs' visual presentation, which consists of a retro design and 8-bit graphics. Even with the low-resolution limitations, Alta’s goggles are noticeably present, and her body swaggers as she traverses each stage. She also contains various animations which change depending on the setting, such as a more relaxed reaction when she’s in control of the screen-flipping baton.

Her cut-scene presence is stylish, yet a little odd. It’s rather unexpected to see the pink-haired character sporting a revealing and low-cut halter top after each stage, especially in the presence of such nonsensical side characters. The only real gripe against the presentation is the bland stage backgrounds, although some stand out more than others, especially in an epic last level.

Even after the last stage, a clever sound stage awaits players to relive the various tunes of the game. Similar to the visuals, the title sports retro sounds that will appeal to any NES or chiptunefanatic. There’s no specific beat that shines above the rest, but the overall compilation serves the experience well and rekindles a pleasant and nostalgic flame of simpler times. Sound effects hit the mark, too, with cool swooshes and zaps for flipping screens and transforming to the next level.

To keep you from moving to the next level too fast, WayForward also provides incentive to master each locale. Basically, Mighty Flip Champs is a speed runner’s wet dream. Each level contains a time to beat to reach the almighty S ranking, and a clock showcases the time as players maneuver the stage. It sounds simple, but it really becomes addicting. It is depressing, though, that this best time mechanic could not be shared online, especially considering the high-priced tag for the title.

Mighty Flip Champs does feel a dollar or two overpriced, but that should not deter anyone from downloading this imaginative title. The core mechanic utilizes both screens intelligently and proffers a highly entertaining time. The experience is further enhanced by a stylish retro presentation, with gorgeous and detailed sprite work and sufficient tunes to bop your head to. There’s a lot to love, and the title perfectly symbolizes why WayForward continues to capture the hearts of Nintendo fans.

8.4/10