Kula World

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Kula World

Developer(s)	Game Design Sweden AB
Publisher(s)	SCEE
Release date(s)	July 10, 1998
Genre(s)	Puzzle
Mode(s)	Single / 2-Player
Platform(s)	PlayStation
Media	CD-ROM
Input	Game controller

Kula World (also known as Roll-Away or Kula Quest) is a 3D (platform based) puzzle game created for the Sony Playstation, which places the player in control of a Kula beach ball. The main objective of the game being to collect keys which unlock the level exits, collecting treasures (coins and jewels), along the way.

Being a puzzle game, it involves more than just collecting keys, you have to work out the best way to collect the required number of keys (shown on-screen for each level) and gather as much treasure as possible within the time limit.

Various elements and obstacles are introduced as you move on to new levels. Which mean the complexity and level of puzzle solving required gradually increases as you progress through the game. The game involves making ingenious use of the various types of platforms and surrounding objects, from moving platforms and transporters to bouncing platforms and jumping pills.

Bonus levels can unlocked by gathering five fruits (one available in each stage). You'll know when you have unlocked a bonus stage as the word "BONUS" will toggle on-screen. Completing the bonus stage requires you to 'activate' all the cubes, on all platforms, simply by rolling over them. Just like the game itself the bonus stages also become more and more complex as you progress.

Points are awarded when you collect keys, treasures, and fruits and also when you complete levels. Points are deducted if get spiked, captured, melt, burnt by laser, fall/slide off or simply run out of time (all of which require you to restart the level - providing your score hasn't fallen below zero). The game ends if the player's score drops below zero.

A 2-player mode is available, with two variations of the game. A time trail and a version called 'copycat'. In the time trial the players take turns to see who can complete each stage in the quickest time possible. The 'copycat' version is a true memory tester. It involves one player starting off making two moves(*), the next player then copies those moves and adds two of their own. The first player then has to copy all of the moves so far and add two more moves at the end. This continues until one of the player makes a mistake, after which the opponent is awarded a point. (*) a move constitutes either changing direction moving forward or jumping (either on the spot/forwards or onto another platform)

This was one of the first games to make use of the 'Dual-Shock' vibration function of the original Playstation game controllers. Literally feel the ground below you breaking, the feeling of the Kula ball about to burst, or the shock of getting suddenly captured or spiked. Together with the awesome upbeat soundtrack, accompanying each level, this is a truly amazing gaming experience.

Kula World is also one of the rarer games on the Playstation not only is it very difficult to get hold of now, Kula World was very difficult to acquire when it was originally released!

Games own synopsis: "Guide your Kula beach-ball across 200 enticing 3D labyrinths floating thousands of feet above the ground. Collect all the treasures and find the keys that open the way to freedom, taking care not to bounce off the edge and plummet to the ground.

Leap across scorching tiles, piercing spines and patrolling captivators intent on bursting your bubble, all within an ever-decreasing time limit"