83/100
Critics2 reviews

Where to get it

Nintendo eShop

2012 · Curve Games · Adventure · Platformer

Fluidity: Spin Cycle

Nintendo exclusive

Fluid-based puzzle/platforming for the 3DS eShop.

Released: 27 December 2012
Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
Genres: Adventure Platformer Puzzle
Developers: Curve Games
Publishers: Nintendo
Modes: Single-player
Perspective: Side view
Country: United Kingdom
Age ratings: CERO A PEGI 7 ESRB E
Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish (Spain)

About

Fluidity: Spin Cycle (known as Hydroventure: Spin Cycle in Europe and Oceania) is a physics puzzle game developed by Curve Studios and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS eShop. The game is a sequel to the WiiWare game Fluidity, which focuses on controlling a small body of water that is utilized in its different states of matter to progress through the game's levels. Fluidity: Spin Cycle was released in the PAL region on December 13, 2012, in Japan on December 19 under the name Gurutto Splash! (ぐるっとスプラッシュ！, Gurutto Supurasshu!), and in North America on December 27.

Keywords

abstract
digital distribution
motion control
non-humanoid protagonist
physics manipulation
pax prime 2012
released between christmas and new year's day

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

Like its predecessor, Fluidity: Spin Cycle is a 2D puzzle game with platforming elements in which the player takes control of a large pool of water. In Spin Cycle, the water source is a Water Spirit named Eddy, who journeys into an encyclopedia to save the Rainbow Spirits from a sentient and malicious ink-like substance called Goop.

Gameplay has remained virtually the same overall, with the retention of motion controlled movement, the ability to jump, and the ability to transform Eddy into either a block of ice that can smash barriers, weigh down switches and cling to objects or into a cloud of vapor that can float around freely, expel gusts of wind and electrify objects by striking them with lightning. Eddy's water reservoir can be depleted due to damage from Goop monsters and hazards, which results in a game over when his reservoir has been completely depleted, but this can be avoided by collecting water droplets to restore his reservoir.

Reception

Spin Cycle received generally favorable reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. Pocket Gamer's Mike Rose called the game "gorgeous", and "a must have for your Nintendo 3DS". IGN's Lucas M. Thomas called the game's controls "awkward", and called the game a "mismatch" with the 3DS's hardware.

Eddy appears as a trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, and returns as a Spirit in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.