Cyber Protocol Review | Challenging quick arcade puzzler.

Computer hacking is one of my favorite game themes and one of my interests. So when a game asks me if I want to do the hacking then the only answer I can give is "Yes, of course!" Well, I'm not quite sure I feel like a cyberpunk hacker after playing Cyber Protocol but it's definitely a fun quick action arcade game.

So, stick around to hear more. Cyber Protocol is a simple arcade game requiring swift movement. Your goal in each of these small levels is to dodge all the obstacles and reach the exit. It's one of those games where explaining the goal is much easier than actually completing the task.

This game is challenging! The developers say only two percent of players on the Nintendo Switch finished the game and I believe them. There's no way I'm going to complete the game. I'm not into punishing myself but if you are then by all means Cyber Protocol is your type of game.

However, it's still a fun game and if I had the time I could see myself trying to be a part of a small group of players who did complete it. Skillful movements alone aren't going to get let you finish Cyber Protocol. You must also plan your moves if you want to get through the level.

Although not as much planning is required if you only want to get to the exit. But if you want to collect all the bonuses or collect one hundred percent of the coins then you'll need a route which takes some thinking. When I went back to previous levels to collect the bonuses I took my time and thought out every move.

I was able to nab them all. It does get easier the more you play though. You start picking up what the developer is putting down. Your routes become more refined, you learn the timings, and you see the puzzle. The game only requires you to be quick in certain areas, not the whole level, so stopping to give yourself a moment to think is useful.

It's even better if you memorize the level which you will do as you make mistake after mistake trying to get through a tricky area. At least the game is polite enough to have checkpoints. Anyway, even if you're not hacking the planet in Cyber Protocol they nailed the theme.

The intro video is cool and reminds me of Mr. Robot. The intro combined with the color pallet and quite a few music tracks create a strong theme and it does get me in the hacking mood. Cyber Protocol has two different modes to choose between. First, the story mode sends you through a ton of levels to teach the mechanics.

However, it's not the only purpose as collecting bonuses unlocks new avatars but keep in mind they're cosmetic only. On each stage your score is based on how many coins you collect, the bonuses, and your time. But story mode won't keep track of your score on a leaderboard and the only reward is completing the level.

It's a pretty good reward though. Just think you could be a part of the two percent of players who finish the game. Also, it's a good way to practice. It might be the main mode for most players since it seems like this is a one-run through and done game if you can make it.

The other mode is arcade mode where you'll find the most replay value. Up to four players can compete at a time to get through random levels. The issue is you need to have four controllers hooked up. A keyboard and a controller will not work, it doesn't equal two different inputs.

It's kinda annoying the game needs four controllers when the input is digital. Also having two players on the screen is a little weird, it's hard to imagine four. Anyway, arcade mode has two difficulties. Easy gives the player unlimited lives but with local high scores only.

Also, you can choose which zone you start in and the game is finished once you beat the zone. Your other option is hard difficultly with limited lives, an unknown starting area, and no checkpoints. These runs are counted on an online leaderboard. However, I don't expect a ton of players to swamp the leaderboards but it is more exciting to play with the limited lives in the harder difficultly.

Overall, Cyber Protocol a really well-done arcade game with a strong theme. I like a good challenge and the game certainly delivers. Cyber Protocol has crazy level designs but the responsive controls make them possible. You don't need to be amazing with a controller since the square moves by simple inputs.