Super Putty
Become the Blue Blob Hero
Jump into Super Putty as the blue blob Billy. Stretch, punch, and absorb enemies to rescue robots on Putty Moon in this classic 1993 platformer.
The core of the game revolves around your fluid body. You are not just a character; you are a substance. Your primary goal in every level is to find the trapped bots, absorb them into your mass, and carry them safely to the exit points. However, the path to the exit is rarely clear. Enemies will constantly respawn, making it a challenging test of endurance and skill.
Your main tool for survival is stretching. You can stretch out upwards, downwards, left, and right to reach high platforms or bridge gaps that would be impossible for a solid character to cross. This flexibility allows you to navigate complex environments with ease. When you need to land safely from a great height, you can inflate your body to provide a cushioned landing, protecting yourself from fall damage.
Combat in Super Putty is equally dynamic. You can form part of yourself into a fist to punch enemies directly. If you find yourself overwhelmed by too many foes, you can trigger an explosion. This acts as a smart bomb that clears the screen of enemies but comes with a cost, reducing your health. It is a risky move, so use it wisely when you are in serious danger.
Another key tactic involves changing your shape to absorb threats. You can melt into the floor to absorb enemies, effectively removing them from the level by pulling them into your mass. This mechanic ties directly into your main objective of rescuing bots. By absorbing enemies, you grow stronger and larger, making it easier to carry the rescued robots to safety.
The game was developed by System 3 and published by U.S. Gold in PAL regions. It is a port of the earlier Amiga title 'Putty' or 'Silly Putty', bringing the same challenging gameplay to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1993. Reviews from the time noted the difficulty, highlighting the constant respawning enemies that require quick thinking and precise movements.
Playing as Billy Putty feels distinct from other platformers. You are not just jumping over obstacles; you are flowing around them. The challenge lies in managing your mass while dealing with persistent threats. Every level is a puzzle of movement and combat, requiring you to decide when to stretch, when to punch, and when to absorb.
The story is simple but engaging. You have been expelled from Putty Moon by the villainous Dazzledaze. Your goal is to reclaim your home by freeing your robot companions. The presence of Dweezil the Cat adds a layer of whimsical danger to the proceedings. As you progress, you will face increasingly difficult scenarios that test your ability to adapt your shape and strategy.
One thing to watch out for is the single-player nature of the experience. You are on your own against Dazzledaze's forces. There is no co-op mode to fall back on, which increases the tension. The game does not feature two-player modes; it is a focused solo journey through Putty Moon and beyond.
The visuals and gameplay loop create a unique atmosphere. The fluidity of Billy Putty makes every movement feel responsive and satisfying. Whether you are stretching across a chasm or melting into the floor to catch an enemy, the game offers a tactile sense of control that is rare in platformers.
As you rescue more bots, you will notice your character growing and becoming more powerful. This progression keeps the gameplay fresh and rewarding. Each rescued bot brings you closer to defeating Dazzledaze and restoring order to Putty Moon.
The difficulty curve is steep, but fair. The respawning enemies mean that you cannot simply run past a section; you must clear it or absorb the threats. This encourages careful planning and execution. You will need to use your stretching abilities to reach safe zones and your punching skills to take down immediate dangers.
Super Putty is a classic for a reason. It offers a unique twist on the platformer genre with its shape-shifting mechanics. The combination of rescue objectives, fluid movement, and challenging combat creates an experience that is both fun and frustrating in equal measure.
If you enjoy games that require quick reflexes and strategic thinking, Super Putty is worth your time. The single-player campaign provides a solid challenge for fans of the genre. You will find yourself returning to levels to perfect your strategy and rescue every last bot.
The game’s legacy continues through its sequel, Putty Squad, which introduced two-player modes. However, Super Putty remains a standalone classic that showcases the unique potential of its protagonist. Playing as Billy Putty is a distinct experience that stands out in the SNES library.
Prepare for a journey filled with stretching, punching, and absorbing. The wizard Dazzledaze will not go down easily, but with your blob-like powers, you have a fighting chance. Rescue your bots, defeat the enemies, and make your way back to Putty Moon.