Genre: Puzzle / Action
Developer: Loriciel
Publisher: Loriciel
Year: 1991
Platform: Game Gear
Slider, released as Skweek in other regions, is a puzzle-action game for the Game Gear. The player guides an orange-furred character through a series of 99 maze-like stages, with the primary goal of repainting each stage’s tiles by moving across them. Each level features a variety of hazards, such as directional arrows, bomb tiles, and pits, as well as enemies that patrol the area and must be avoided or destroyed with power-ups and weapons.
Gameplay evolves as the player progresses through the continents, introducing more complex tile arrangements and environmental obstacles. The character can shoot projectiles to eliminate enemies, but some foes cannot be destroyed and have to be avoided. Special tiles can force movement, act as teleporters, or explode after being stepped on, requiring quick reaction and strategic pathfinding. Item pickups grant temporary advantages, like speed boosts, extra lives, or new weapons, and there are collectible bonus items such as teddy bears that provide additional benefits.
The game is distinguished by its level design, which balances short, simple stages with longer, more demanding challenges. Random item drops add variety while the password system allows for progress saving between stages. The graphics are bright and detailed for the platform, maintaining a consistently light-hearted and cartoonish tone throughout the experience. The soundtrack rotates between several catchy tunes, while effects are functional but unremarkable.
