Gobliiins, a classic puzzle adventure game, takes players on a whimsical journey with a trio of goblins: Oups, Ignatius, and Asgard (known as Hooter, Dwayne, and BoBo in the US release).
In this adventure, the goblins aim to retrieve four magical components to cure their mad king, Angoulafre, who fell victim to a voodoo doll’s curse. Their quest leads them to Niak the Wizard, the only one capable of reversing the curse.
To navigate this fantastical world, players must cleverly employ the unique skills of these three quirky goblins. Let’s dive into the enchanting world of Gobliiins.
The Gobliiins Series
The Gobliiins series, renowned for its distinctive blend of adventure and puzzle elements, comprises five entries. Originally developed by Coktel Vision and later published by Sierra On-Line, this series has a rich history spanning various platforms such as Amiga, Atari ST, DOS, Macintosh, iOS, and Windows.
The series’ visual charm was crafted by the talented French artist Pierre Gilhodes, whose signature style is also evident in another Coktel Vision game, “Woodruff and the Schnibble of Azimuth.”
Gameplay
Gobliiins challenges players to conquer a series of puzzles that stand in their way. Each area, or level, presents a unique puzzle to solve, unlocking the path to the next challenge.
What sets this series apart is its reliance on multiple goblin characters, each with distinct abilities. The number of ‘i’s in the word “Goblin” in the title indicates the number of characters a player can control: Gobliiins (1992), Gobliins 2 (1992), Goblins Quest 3 (1993), and Gobliiins 4 (2009).
Though only one character can be controlled at a time, players can switch characters as needed, adding depth to the gameplay. In the original Gobliiins, all three characters share a health system, so players must strategically position them to avoid harm. This feature, however, is absent in the sequels.
Meet the Goblins
In this puzzle game, the player guides a trio of goblins, each with their own special skill:
- Asgard (BoBo in the US):
Asgard is a brawny warrior whose skill lies in punching, causing objects to break or topple. He’s the only one capable of climbing objects besides stairs and ladders. - Ignatius (Hooter in the US):
Ignatius, the magician of the group, wields unpredictable magic with effects such as moving objects, causing growth, or bringing things to life with a zap. - Oups (Dwayne in the US):
Oups serves as the group’s technician, the only one capable of picking up and using items.
The Captivating Storyline
The game’s narrative revolves around the goblins’ mission to restore their king’s sanity. Initially, they seek the help of the wizard Niak, who promises a cure in exchange for three specific items.
However, a shocking twist reveals Niak’s sinister intentions, and the goblins find themselves entangled in his dark schemes.
To save their king, they must outsmart Niak, destroy the voodoo doll tormenting the king, and thwart Niak’s potion-making plans.
The Adventure Unfolds
The game comprises 22 levels, each depicted on a single screen. Players must conquer the puzzles on each level to progress through the game. Careful planning is essential as certain actions can harm the goblins, depleting their shared life meter.
Leaving them in precarious situations, using incorrect items, or engaging with objects using the wrong character can all lead to peril. But fear not, as all levels can be completed without losing a life.
Conclusion
The game is a timeless classic that has captivated gamers for decades. With its endearing characters, clever puzzles, and captivating storyline, it offers an unforgettable gaming experience.
Explore the whimsical world of Gobliiins and join Oups, Ignatius, and Asgard on their quest to save their king.
Play Gobliiins Online
Now you can play Gobliiins online, in a web browser, on your mobile or tablet. Play Gobliiins online!