Retro-inspired games seem to be the big craze lately. Some of the games on Wii U, Shovel Knight for example, borrow this presentation style. It’s nice to reminisce about the good ‘ol days of the NES; from the graphics to the music, everything seemed so simple and more memorable back then. Ping 1.5+ is another game which derives inspiration from these simpler times. With 12 worlds filled with puzzles and bosses, there’s never a dull moment, and much like the games of the past, Ping 1.5+ is full of challenges for players to discover.

The object of the game is simple: the player controls a small, white colored dot. Using the Wii U GamePad, the goal is to shoot the white dot into a reddish orange circle, which allows the dot to pass on to the next level. Obstacles such as walls and spinning objects will impede the dot’s way, causing the player to lose if the white dot bounces too many times past the intended goal. This can be a challenge, especially later in the game as the difficulty increases to insane levels. It’s not so exceedingly challenging that the game becomes a chore to play, however. In fact, the difficulty in the game is somewhat charming in a way. Even though the game can be difficult, the colorful, trippy atmosphere and presentation, as well as the exceptional level design, is engaging enough that the multiple tries required to get to the next stage are justified. The boss battles are fun as well. They’re different from normal stages in that there’s no target; instead, the goal is to destroy the boss itself. It’s a different experience from the rest of the game, but it works with the overall aesthetic beating bosses inspired by games such as Pac-Man and Asteroid.

While Ping 1.5+ looks retro from it’s appearance, it’s a surprisingly modern game. The techno soundtrack is infectious and the gratuitous colors on the screen are a delight to witness as each level passes. It’s not for the weak at heart, as I failed many times along the way, but the overall presentation helps it become quite the immersive experience.