It’s a Wrap immerses players in the world of 80s filmmaking. You take on the role of the director, guiding the daring actor and stuntman, Johnny, through a series of perilous scenes. A timeline interface allows for precise adjustments to various scene parameters. Should Johnny meet an untimely demise due to, for example, mistimed floor movements, you can fine-tune the timing of the mechanism’s activation. During each take, direct Johnny through the course; failure necessitates adjustments and subsequent retries. Success means Johnny survives the scene, paving the way for the next challenge.
As previously mentioned in other reviews, I appreciate when game developers introduce innovative mechanics to revitalize established genres. The platforming genre is vast, and It’s a Wrap distinguishes itself with a unique gameplay mechanic. The game’s film set aesthetic and editing room interface are both engaging and cleverly implemented.
Mirroring the film editing process, It’s a Wrap requires the adjustment of various elements to create a cohesive and entertaining experience. The process begins with reviewing the script to understand the scene’s objectives and intended outcome. Subsequently, you can modify the scene’s parameters.
For example, determining when the helicopter should initiate firing to ensure the wall collapses precisely when Johnny needs to pass through unharmed. Initial attempts will likely result in failure, as predicting the optimal timing for each event is challenging. The subsequent take puts you in direct control of Johnny as he navigates the course, resembling a standard platforming experience where precise timing is critical. Errors necessitate re-evaluation and another take.
It’s a Wrap features vibrant retro graphics evocative of the 80s. The humor is sharp, and film references are abundant. It’s a Wrap performs admirably on the Switch in both handheld and docked modes. The visuals remain clear and easily discernible on the built-in screen. Furthermore, no performance issues were observed in handheld mode.
A notable drawback of It’s a Wrap is its somewhat uneven difficulty curve. The initial levels are remarkably easy, followed by a sudden spike in difficulty that can be frustrating. Progress stalled significantly at certain points, causing the gameplay experience to shift from enjoyable to irritating. While the enjoyment did return after overcoming these hurdles, the initially excessive difficulty of some levels is a detractor.
It’s a Wrap offers an entertaining experience, well-suited for the Switch. However, the game suffers from inconsistent difficulty, fluctuating between periods of excessive ease and near-impossible challenges. Despite this, I recommend the game due to its engaging gameplay and unique mechanics.
AMC Games provided a review code for this evaluation. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial assessment.
