Glover is making a comeback, now available for the Nintendo Switch courtesy of Interactive Studios, Piko Interactive, and QUByte Interactive. Let’s dive into what this classic 3D puzzle platformer has to offer in our detailed review.
For those unacquainted, Glover originally hit the scene back in 1998 on the Nintendo 64, under Hasbro Interactive, and then a year later on the PlayStation under Atari Interactive. Fast forward to 2025, and QUByte Interactive brings this nostalgic gem to modern players as part of their QUByte Classic series. The game hails from Interactive Studios, which many might remember as Dizzy Entertainment before it transformed into Blitz Games, founded in 1990 by gaming veterans, the Oliver Twins—Andrew and Philip Oliver, renowned for their work on the beloved Dizzy series.
In Glover, players step into the enchanted palm of Glover, a magical glove on a mission. Your adventure unfolds across charmingly retro 3D landscapes as you navigate from one point to another with a very special ball in tow. The backstory kicks off with a wizard’s failed potion experiment, which sends crucial crystals flying across the land. In a stroke of ingenuity, Glover casts a spell to transform these crystals into bouncy rubber balls, sparing them from shattering. But not all went well—the wizard’s other glove, Glovel, ended up in the cauldron, emerging as the villainous Cross-Stitch.
Prepare to immerse yourself in six unique realms: Atlantis, Carnival, Pirates, Prehistoric, Fortress of Fear, and Out of This World. Completionists will be thrilled to know that to achieve 100% game completion, you’ll need to explore every corner, collect all Garibs, and conquer the bonus levels scattered throughout the worlds.
Controlling Glover is a breeze on the Switch. Use the left stick to guide him and the right to manage the camera, while the X button lets you zoom. Leap with A, dribble the ball with B, and invoke ZR for a ground pound. Want to hop onto the ball? Just tap L. Grab and toss the ball by pressing and holding B, or slap it forward with A for those tricky jumps. You’ll also switch between different ball forms using R, adding a delightful twist to the gameplay as various ball types aid in overcoming obstacles.
The game’s legacy is enriched with bonus content worth exploring. After conquering Glover, head to the Extras section to browse the Gallery, showcasing art and designs of bosses, characters, concepts, and more. It’s a nostalgic trip rightly priced at $19.99 on the Nintendo Switch.
In essence, while Glover’s classic platforming charm may feel a bit dated, its whimsical world and challenging puzzles still capture the hearts of retro enthusiasts. It’s a nostalgic ride with the right amount of charm to appeal to both old fans and newcomers alike.
(Note: This Glover review is based on the Nintendo Switch version provided by QUByte Interactive.)