Platformers are a mixed bag for me. If they're done right like Little Big Planet or Mario, they're awesome. If they're done bad, well, you get the idea. Well, the new platformer, Swarm, by developer Hothead Games is a platformer with a concept unlike most. It's focus is on (wait for it) a swarm of aliens. Does this game suck like so many others in the market or does it stand out from the crap? Hit the break to find out.

Swarm is a game that focuses primarily on the concept of utilizing teamwork by yourself. You control up to 50 "swarmites", which are an alien race near extinction, going from one place to another collecting DNA in order to save their species.  You control these little blue swarmites, going from 2D level to 2D level and adding more DNA to your collection to keep your race alive. The swarmites have special abilities they can use which allow them to either space out from each other or group together in a tight cluster.

The levels all seem like they were based off of one original layout with a couple of gimmicks added here and there. Granted, it is nice to be able to stack the swarmites on top of each other, but it is obvious that Hothead simply copied and pasted the same level from before and added a section for stacking the swarmites and nothing more. However, they did add one nice touch to the gameplay which are "Death Medals". These medals act exactly as their name implies, with the game rewarding you for killing off you swarmites in unique and creative ways.  They even included bars that you are able to check in the menu, which tell you exactly how many more death medals you need, what they're all called, etc.

Swarm is a very silly game and the graphics and soundtrack fit that very well. The art style is almost a mix between that of Cloning Clyde and 'Splosion Man, which truly work well. The swarmites look and act silly as each of them run down the level, jumping around and throwing bombs in an act of organized chaos. The soundtrack is a bit quiet and subtle but is a nice compliment to the overall feel of the game.

But here's the big question: is Swarm worth the money? The answer is a rather complicated one. Yes, Swarm is innovative, fun, and new. But, it seems as either Hothead was rushed with this game or they need to fire their level designer because  the levels truly lack any sort of originality and uniqueness to separate them from one another. Though the death medals are nice. The graphics are fitting and the audio is good. But to pay $15 dollars for the same level over and over again? Here's a word of advice: play the demo first and you decide for yourself.