Review: Glover
Released in 1998, this platformer brings back memories of an era dominated by chunky polygons, bold experimentation, and a lot of technical limitations. Unfortunately, time hasn’t been kind to this magical glove.
The first thing you’ll notice about Glover is how dated it feels. The graphics, while charming in their own way, make it clear this is an N64 game. The textures are muddy, the environments lack detail, and the draw distances are downright awful. Instead of seeing sprawling vistas, you’re met with foggy emptiness, which dampens any sense of immersion or exploration. By modern standards, it’s simply not a good-looking game.
The controls are another sticking point. Navigating Glover and his bouncy, physics-defying ball can be a frustrating experience. The mechanics aren’t intuitive, and it’s hard to master the precision required for platforming. On the original N64 controller, players might have accepted the clunky controls as part of the charm, but revisiting the game today feels more like a test of patience than a nostalgic joyride.
That said, Glover does manage to exude some personality. The titular character has little quirks that make him stand out—if left idle for too long, he’ll wave at you or tap his fingers, growing visibly bored and impatient. It’s a fun touch that adds a hint of charm to the otherwise underwhelming gameplay. However, these fleeting moments of character aren’t enough to mask the deeper flaws.
At the end of the day, Glover is a prime example of a game that has been outpaced by time. While it may hold some sentimental value for those who grew up with it, it struggles to offer much for players revisiting it now or newcomers trying it for the first time. Not every game from the past is destined to age gracefully, and Glover is one of those titles best left to the history books. It’s a curious relic, but not one that’s particularly fun to play.
Review by Chris.
