Simogo Legacy Collection Review – Early Experiments, Lasting Impact

Review of the Simogo Legacy collection

Simogo seemingly came out of nowhere, releasing two completely different but equally incredible titles which are now considered classics in their respective genres. However, prior to this recent success, the Swedish developers had already released several critically acclaimed mobile games. Now, combining these early releases together, Simogo Heritage Collection showcases a range of unique games that embody the studio's inventive approach to game design. But will they retain their magic when they leave mobile devices?

Since the games were created for mobile devices, the menu mimics this by placing each game as an app in a stylish iOS-influenced layout. Each game has its own page with a little information providing context before launch. When playing on a handheld device, you can turn the device on its side and use touch controls that reflect the original intent in terms of interactivity. This is definitely the optimal method to play as each game has simple controls that require you to swipe, tap or scroll parts of the screen. When docked, you are presented with virtual cursors that you can control using analogs, a gyroscope, or even a mouse. There are many options, but most are clunky, so the only recommended method is to play from a handheld device.

Birth of the studio

The games offered vary in length, genre and quality. Early titles like Kosmo Spin and Bumpy Road lack the depth of other games in the collection. Kosmo Spin has you spinning around a small globe, collecting items and avoiding hazards, while Bumpy Road requires you to interact with the terrain to move your car onto platforms. Both are pretty simple and pretty quick to repeat. While they're good for quick play, their lack of depth will have you turning them off before long.

Beat Sneak Bandit is a rhythm game where you move to the beat of the music. You can only move in one direction, with a turn occurring when you reach an object or wall. This means that you need to plan your route carefully if you want to collect all the items in the area. There are guards patrolling and motion sensors flickering, which requires calculation and patience up to 100% on each level. As the game progresses, the developers introduce new features that build on its foundation, creating a fun puzzle game where timing, navigation, and pacing remain satisfying throughout the game.

Year Walk is one of the highlights of the collection, showing what mobile games could be like if they didn't delve into monetization. Atmospheric and tense, you move between locations, solving puzzles to progress further through the world and reveal more details of the story. Easy to play; however, there is real depth to its layered plot and clever puzzles. Although this experience is short-lived, it leaves a lasting impression.

iOS innovations

Device 6 is a truly unique text-based adventure game that creatively uses the handheld platform to create an immersive experience. Although it's a visual novel, it uses a formula that requires you to physically turn your device and perform other actions to advance the story. This isn't just a new trick; it ties directly into the narrative, creating a strong connection between the prose and your movements. The style and presentation are superb, helping to ground you in the world and immerse you in this fast-paced thriller.

The next game in the collection is noticeably inferior to the two previous entries. Continuing the visual novel approach, A Sailor's Dream features excerpts from stories that provide glimpses into the lives of the characters. While the overall presentation is charming, it lacks the immersive atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat in other games. It's still a fun experience, but it ultimately doesn't reach the quality set by previous games.

The final game in the collection is SPL-T, a puzzle game where you have to cut boxes in half and earn points by clearing sections and dividing the grid into smaller areas. The number on each cut indicates when someone will remove that segment. This means you have to plan which boxes to cut so that others disappear in sequence, freeing up more space for additional cuts. Completely different from other games in the collection, the game stands out for its addictive gameplay. The minimalistic graphics help create a relaxing atmosphere, making the game perfect for playing.

But wait… that's not all

To make this a real celebration of the famous developers, various extras are also included in the package. Prototypes of several games, unreleased tracks and artwork, and even a podcast and e-book round out the package, creating a collection that fully honors the studio.

Simogo Legacy Collection is a wonderful package that contains several unique games that fans of the studio need. While the games vary in quality, Year Walk and Device 6 stand out as innovative efforts that reflect the creativity seen in later Simogo releases. Although there are several control options, many of them feel awkward and can affect the overall experience. However, when playing as intended on a laptop with touch controls, everything works without problems. Add to this the additional features and you have an excellent choice from a truly special developer.

***Nintendo Switch 2 code provided by the publisher***