Ms. Splosion Man Review


What is the concept
? Revisiting the ingenious mechanic  which propelled 2009’s ‘Splosion Man to critical and commercial success, Twisted Pixel’s latest game requires players to cultivate Olympic-level triple-jumping skills. Each of the fifty levels which compromise Ms. Splosion Man‘s campaign defy completion, challenging gamers to spontaneously combust, propelling them higher and further with each button-initiated blast. Wisely, the title requires more than just razor-sharp reflexes, as players must quickly determine how a trio of detonations can propel the Ms to the protection of the next platform.

While many of the original game’s hazards make a reappearance, a number of new tools have materialized to assist Ms. Splosion Man on her perilous and often infuriating journey. Floating zip-lines allows the lithe lady to soar above danger, while Donkey Kong Country-like cannons propel the volatile vixen across deadly gaps. Pleasingly, the title often transcends interior environments, sending the Ms. jumping across hover cars, Fifth Element style.


Staying true to form, Twisted Pixel’s inspirations and variations whiz by at a breakneck pace. One moment, players are choosing their next trial from a Super Mario Bros. 3-like map, then the next  instant they are trying to eliminate a spiteful scientist through a series of Rube Goldberg-styled events. Likewise, Ms. Splosion Man delivers a continual stream of pop-culture references, singing No Doubt’s Just a Girl or quoting Dirty Dancing, as she sashays across walkways with an ostentatious strut.

Would I enjoy the game? With vibrant visuals, a grin-inducing sense of humor,  and a wonderfully effervescent soundtrack, Ms. Splosion Man‘s charms are difficult to resist. As a delightful deviation on the archetypal platforming formula, the title will certainly appeal to gamers seeking a fresh take on the genre, as long as they don’t mind a vigorous challenge.


What are the game’s strengths?
From a separate multiplayer campaign for up to four participants, a leaderboard which monitors level scores and completion times, to an vast supply of unlockable movies, photos, and songs- the title packs a cornucopia of content into a 2 gigabyte download. Additionally, the game’s transitory special challenges promise to keep the title fresh, while adding stimulating contest opportunities. Currently, players must escape from a pursuing Mr. Destructoid. Although the critical separation between development studio and editorial outlet have been compromised a bit, it’s likely most gamers will appreciate the synergistic offering.

What could have been improved? Much like its predecessor, Ms. Splosion Man can be exasperatingly difficult. Whereas early levels can be traversed with intelligence and improvisation, later stages require  rote memorization. Sure, the game allows players to leap to the next checkpoint after successive failures (corrupting both completion time and the shape of Ms. Splosion‘s posterior), but this just feels like a makeshift solution, rather than well scrutinized level design. At least the game’s most strenuous stages are mercifully optional.


Is it worth the money?
Few ten dollar titles feel as satisfying  and substantial as Ms. Splosion Man. With disk-based diversions becoming a scarce in the summer months, Twisted Pixel’s latest has exploded onto the Xbox Live Arcade at an ideal time.

About Robert Allen

Since being a toddler, Robert Allen has been immersed in video games, anime, and tokusatsu. Currently, his days are spent teaching at two southern California colleges. But his evenings and weekends are filled with STGs, RPGs, and action titles and well at writing for Tech-Gaming since 2007.

22 comments

  1. Wasn’t there another game that D-toid got their robot character in?

  2. This at 800 point or Bastion for 1200??

  3. Just let me know if this game is harder than the first one. The last levels of SM kicked my ass and made me want to throw the controller threw my dorm room window.

  4. There’s no problem if D-toid didn’t review the game. Simple, if you have a character in it, then don’t review it, just preview it.

    No problems there.

    • Maladjusted Manny

      The problem is they did review it, and gave it a 9.5/10!!!

      Good for you, calling them out, Deagle.

      • I don’t think anyone got called out, a number of sites gaves the game next to perfect scores. Mind you, I played it and it’s great, but not perfect my any means.

      • They even have a D-Toid quote on their Ms. Splosion Man van.

        Like most of D-Toid’s writing, I have no idea what it means.

  5. How did Ms. Splosion Man lose her apostrophe? And by who?

  6. I heard a “Whip My Hair” reference. Funny stuff in the game.

  7. Great review, Deagle.

  8. Ok, how did the original game get a higher review score that this one, if Ms. offers more?

  9. I’m glad they didn’t raise the price for the sequel, just added a bit more content.

    Desert, so if a game offered to give your site a plug, you wouldn’t take it?

  10. Should the title be Ms. Splosion WOMAN?

  11. Custard's Revenge

    I really like the first game, so I’ll be picking up this one for sure.

  12. I heard the big butt song is the highlight of the game, true?

  13. Graphics look pretty good for a DLC game.

  14. I tried the demo and got hooked on it. 50 SP levels and a bunch of MP stuff is well worth my $10.

  15. Great review. Just the right length, not boring. You ask the right questions.

  16. Just curious, saw there ever a sale on the first ‘Splosion Man?

    Also, I heard if you a Summer of Arcade game, you get the Maw for free. Is this one of the the games of SOA?