The PlayStation 5 release of Glover brings back a late-90s cult classic, reviving its unique mechanics and nostalgic charm for a modern audience. Originally launched on the Nintendo 64, Glover stood out with its inventive premise, casting players as a sentient glove tasked with guiding a magical ball through puzzle-filled worlds. While this re-release preserves the quirky appeal of the original, it also highlights some of the game’s aged mechanics and design choices.
At its core, Glover remains an innovative platformer that challenges players to manipulate the ball across various obstacles using different physics-based techniques. The ability to transform the ball into different materials – rubber, metal, crystal, and more – adds depth to the gameplay, requiring strategic thinking to solve puzzles and navigate hazards. However, the control scheme, which felt ambitious in the 90s, now comes across as imprecise, leading to moments of frustration when trying to maneuver the ball with any kind of precision. And while some platforming sections remain enjoyable, others feel clunky compared to modern standards.
The remaster does little to improve the original’s flaws, particularly when it comes to camera controls. Like many early 3D platformers, Glover suffers from a camera system that struggles to provide the best angles for platforming, often making jumps and ball control more difficult than intended. The lack of modern refinements, such as smoother camera movement or updated mechanics, might alienate newer players, though long-time fans may appreciate the authenticity of the experience – or at least be more forgiving.
Visually, Glover retains its bright, cartoonish aesthetic, which has a certain nostalgic charm despite its dated look. The PlayStation 5 release enhances the resolution, making character models and environments sharper, but it doesn’t overhaul textures or animations in a way that would make the game feel more modern. The sound design is similarly rooted in its era, with upbeat but repetitive music that might not hold up for extended play sessions.
For those who grew up in the era where Glover was released, this PlayStation 5 version offers a faithful trip down memory lane, complete with the original’s inventive ideas and quirks. However, for newcomers, the experience may feel more frustrating than fun due to its unrefined mechanics and outdated design. Without meaningful quality-of-life improvements, Glover remains a fascinating but flawed piece of platforming history rather than a must-play revival.
Score: 6.3/10
Press Play Media 