Glover has made a triumphant return, now available on the Nintendo Switch, courtesy of Interactive Studios, Piko Interactive, and QUByte Interactive. Let’s dive into what this charming game offers in our detailed review!
Glover, originally developed by the creative minds at Interactive Studios (later known as Blitz Games and before that, Dizzy Entertainment), was founded back in 1990 by the Oliver Twins – Andrew and Philip Oliver. These developers are famed for the beloved Dizzy series. In this engaging 3D puzzle platformer, players step into the role of Glover, tasked with journeying through various levels, skillfully guiding your ball from start to finish.
This game originally saw the light of day in 1998, with its initial release on the Nintendo 64, and shortly after on the PlayStation under the Atari Interactive brand. Fast forward to 2025, and Glover has been revitalized for a fresh outing on the Nintendo Switch, brought back to life by the QUByte Classic series from QUByte Interactive. It’s time to revisit the enchanting Crystal Kingdom!
In Glover, players are on a mission to track down the lost crystals crucial for the Kingdom’s power. After a wizard’s potion goes awry, an explosion sends the crystals and Glover flying. Luckily, Glover manages to enchant the crystals, transforming them into rubber balls that bounce harmlessly instead of shattering. Glover, a magical glove originally aiding the wizard, is now up against its corrupted counterpart, Cross-Stitch, formerly known as Glovel, which turned evil after a mishap with a magical cauldron.
As you navigate through the game, expect to explore six diverse worlds: Atlantis, Carnival, Pirates, Prehistoric, Fortress of Fear, and Out of This World. Those aiming for 100% completion will have their work cut out for them, needing to conquer all levels, discover every collectible Garib, and master six bonus levels, each corresponding to one of the game’s worlds.
Navigating Glover is a breeze with intuitive controls. Move Glover using the left analog stick, while the right stick lets you adjust the camera. Zoom in and out with the X button for the best view, and use the A button for jumping or double-jumping. Dribbling the ball is as simple as pressing the B button, and for those powerful ground pounds, the ZR button is your go-to. To balance atop the ball, just press L, and prepare to throw or slap the ball with B and A respectively. Experiment with different ball forms using the R button, starting out with the trusty rubber ball, though other types await discovery.
Returning to the updated world of Glover after its original run on Nintendo 64 and PlayStation is a nostalgic trip worth taking, especially with its Switch version as part of the QUByte Classic series. The quest involves restoring the Kingdom’s power by recovering lost crystals after a botched spell sends Glover and the magical gems into disarray. Once you’ve completed the game, don’t forget to explore the Extras section, where you’ll find an artistic gallery teeming with concept art of bosses, characters, and antagonists. Available for $19.99 on the Nintendo Switch, Glover offers a charming throwback experience.
In summary, while Glover’s classic 3D platforming may feel a bit too retro for some, it’s a delightful nod to gaming history that’s bound to charm fans of the genre. Special thanks to QUByte Interactive for providing a Nintendo Switch copy for this review.
