Snake Pass wants you to learn to move like a snake. Not only is it successful as a snake simulator, it’s simply stunning to see and lisssten to.

This is a really fun, more experimental release from Sumo Digital (creators of the latter (Sonic &) Sega Superstars/All-Stars games, something that they can call their own. Something they can really be proud of. The point is to control your snake Noodle (with occasional help from hummingbird friend Doodle), traversing obstacle courses often made up of bamboo constructions, while replicating to an extent the movements of a real snake.

This is the star feature of course, the physics-based simulation as you contort your long frame, wrapping and slithering as you try to climb around these lush levels to find all the goodies. Thinking like a snake requires you to understand your capabilities, and how they map to the unique control scheme. Moving forward requires side-to-side swaying, and effective ascension needs contact such as spiralling around a pole and circling cross-beams, tightening when necessary to avoid slipping off. Naturally, the tasks get ever more tricky as you proceed.

The game’s not too long, depending on how able you are to get to grips with the snakey mechanics. I found training myself into snake mode to be refreshing and rewarding. Of course the experience is enhanced considerably by the art direction as you wend your way through the little jungle-ruin playgrounds, not to mention the utter charm of protagonist Noodle’s facial expressions and vocalisations, and the soundtrack by musical god David Wise. It’s a lovely little game; I just adore when a game is able to give you an experience with such a unique movement system. Thank you Sumo!