Simply Insane

Lab 14 is another puzzle-platformer created right in the middle of the this genre's boom on the yoyogames website. Lab 14 though is not just one of the bunch; it is not the first, nor the last, but it is truly the best. The puzzles go above and beyond in their cleverness, and surpass those in all games that rival it. Breakdown:

Graphics:
Although the graphics in Lab 14 are simple, they work, and add to the general atmosphere of the game. The small ambiguous character, the blood splotches on the walls, and the contrast between the pure white and deep red all fit the game well. There are few flourishes and flashy animations to grab your eye, but overall the look of the game is solid and appropriate for the experience it provides.
**** 4/6

Sound:
The music is fitting to the game, and doesn't get obnoxious like in Karoshi. However, there is only one track continuously playing throughout the game, and since there is nothing that delightful about the song, a little variety would improve the game overall. There are no sound effects for jumping, landing, etc., but I think that is for the better--it fits the style of the game.
*** 3/6

Gameplay:
Some of the puzzles in Lab 14 are mind-blowing--truly mind-blowing. They require you to think outside the box on numerous occasions, not just limiting thought to the objects in the room but to your entire awareness (the "Awareness" level is an example of that). Some of the puzzles are extremely abstract, forcing you interact with your computer in various ways. One thing that Lab 14 definately does not lack in is variety. Each level is vastly different and must have taken a good deal of thought by the maker. The only improvement would be that there was more.
****** 6/6

Story:
While there is no plot as the game progresses, the beginning and ending provide nice twists and certainly give the player an understanding of the game on a deeper level.
** 2/6

Interface:
The controls in Lab 14 are simple and flawless, and seemingly bugless. The title screen is simple, and even has a puzzle-like aspect to it. Everything fits nicely together to make Lab 14 a professional-looking game.
***** 5/6

Overall:
Overall, Lab 14 has few weaknesses, and some great strengths. One of its biggest faults is that it is too short. The experience will only last for some time, and once it is over, there is little point in playing it again. But for what it is, Lab 14 still remains one of the strongest GM games to date in terms of gameplay, and truly is the best puzzle-platformer on the site.
***** 5/6



If you liked this game, try:
-Karoshi 2.0
-Karoshi