Squids
Flick squids like billiard balls in grid-less tactical combat.
Squids is a tactical role-playing game from the French developer The Game Bakers, launched in October 2011 on iOS. Its combat is turn-based but does not use a grid; instead, players flick anthropomorphic squids across the field to bump into enemies like billiard balls. Players control a party of up to four squids, each falling into one of four classes: stomper (melee), shooter (ranged), scout, or healer. The goal is to defeat various aquatic foes across linear, replayable levels connected by cutscenes that advance the story. Between levels, squids can be leveled up or enhanced with items bought using pearls, which are found in-game or purchased with real money.
Upon release, the game received positive reviews, earning a Metacritic aggregate score of 77% by February 2012. Gamezebo praised its gameplay, graphics, and sound as "pitch-perfect." TouchArcade lauded the "inventive, grid-less, and active" combat but criticized the ability to buy pearls as unbalancing. Edge and PocketGamer also approved of the gameplay and production values while objecting to the in-game purchases.
A sequel, *Squids Wild West*, was released on June 27, 2012, for iOS, earning an 89% rating from 16 critic reviews. A spin-off, *Squids Odyssey*, compiled the original game and its sequel along with a new chapter, and was released for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. The 3DS version holds a Metacritic score of 72% from 7 reviews, while the Wii U version scores 68% from 14 reviews. *Squids Odyssey* later came to PC via Steam on September 5, 2018.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Squids
- Developer
- The Game Bakers
- Composer
- Romain Gauthier
- Released
- October 2011
- Genre
- Tactical role-playing
- Modes
- Single-player
- Platforms
- iOS
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Squids was released in October 2011 by the French studio The Game Bakers for iOS devices. The game features a party of up to four anthropomorphic squids, each belonging to one of four classes: stomper (melee fighter), shooter (ranged fighter), scout, or healer. Combat is turn-based but not grid-bound; players flick squids with a finger motion, causing them to bump into enemies to attack. Levels are linear and replayable, connected by cutscenes that advance the story. Between levels, players can level up their squids or enhance them with items purchased using pearls, which are found in-game or available for real currency. A sequel, Squids Wild West, was released on June 27, 2012, and a spin-off compilation titled Squids Odyssey was later released for Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, and PC.
Reader's Guide
Squids received a Metacritic aggregated score of 77% by February 2012, indicating generally favorable reviews. Gamezebo praised the game's gameplay, graphics, and sound as 'pitch-perfect.' TouchArcade appreciated the 'inventive, grid-less, and active' combat mechanic but criticized the ability to purchase pearls as unbalancing. Edge and PocketGamer similarly approved of the gameplay and production values while criticizing the inclusion of in-game purchases. The game's combat system, which replaces a traditional grid with a flick-based billiard-ball mechanic, was widely noted as innovative. The presence of purchasable pearls drew criticism from multiple reviewers for potentially unbalancing the game. The game's success led to a sequel, Squids Wild West, which achieved an 89% rating based on 16 critic reviews, and a compilation spin-off, Squids Odyssey, which received Metacritic ratings of 72% (Nintendo 3DS) and 68% (Wii U).
Did You Know?
- Squids was developed by the French studio The Game Bakers.
- The game was released in October 2011 for iOS devices.
- Combat is turn-based but not grid-bound; squids are flicked like billiard balls.
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