If you’re a regular reader here at Retro Dodo, then you won’t be a stranger to the company Numskull Games. Today, they’ve announced a fantastic new 3D platformer called Clive ‘N’ Wrench, and we’re huge fans of what we’re seeing!
Dropping on all major next-gen consoles and Steam, this nod to the platforming glory days of old is set to wow gamers of all ages, providing epic challenges and quirky worlds for us to immerse ourselves in.
The name itself brings connotations of Ratchet & Clank, Banjo-Kazooie, and Jak & Daxter. And let’s face it, that can only ever be a good thing.
But can Clive ‘N’ Wrench live up to the greats that came before them, or will they throw a spanner in the works?
Let’s take a look at what they’re all about and see some clips and pics, shall we?
**UPDATE 07/12/22**
Here’s some exciting news for all you gamers over the pond in America and Canada; Clive ‘N’ Wrench are coming to you too!
Launching in Europe in 2023, the game will now be dropping with international retailers with Numskull game’s publishing partners PM Studios in the US and Canada at the same time as the PAL release.
And that’s not all; as well as featuring on Steam, PS4, PS5, and Switch, gamers can now head to GOG to grab a copy of Clove ‘N’ Wrench’s adventure too!
So where do US gamers find this daredevil duo on release day?
If you’re in the US or Canada, head to Best Buy, Gamestop, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and other leading games retailers to pre-order your copy today!
Clive ‘N’ Wrench – Retro Dodo’s First Look!
Take a look at those visuals! Immediately, we’re getting a Conker meets Spyro Reignited trilogy vibe from the graphics, with an almost Hyrule Castle Market Town-esque feel from the level.
I’ve just dropped three of my favourite games in one sentence; let’s take a breather and regroup.
First thing’s first; who are Clive ‘N’ Wrench?
Clive is a rabbit, and Wrench is a little monkey that rides around on his back. It’s my kind of game already!
Like Yooka-Laylee and more topically some of the best N64 games of old, the characters work together as they jump, hover, and roll through stunning levels. They must travel through time in a magical refrigerator from the 1950’s.
That puts Mario’s Odyssey to shame alright!
Use Wrench to hover through the air, run around level settings from a bedroom to frosty wasteland and even to a tomb in Ancient Egypt.
There’s a different boss at the end of each stage too, and they don’t go down without a fight!
These best friends have to use their combined skills in order to advance, and you’ve got to work that brain of yours if you want to bag all the collectibles and complete all the tricky puzzles the developers have set along the way.
How Were Clive ‘N’ Wrench Born?
The concept for Clive ‘N’ Wrench first came about back in 2011. Platforming fan and developer Rob Wass was the sole member of the production team, and now his vision has finally come to life.
“Clive ‘N’ Wrench has been a huge part of my life over the past 10 years,” commented Game Creator and Lead Developer, Rob Wass. “This project has been a real labour of love for me. I’m beyond excited for everyone to get their hands on Clive ‘N’ Wrench when it launches early next year.”
There’s a reason the levels are so stunning too; Rob has spent years designing maps and stages for GTA and Unreal Tournament.
Granted a Rabbit and a Monkey aren’t as violent as GTA, but you know the levels are going to be so in-depth that one play through isn’t going to be enough to uncover all of the game’s secrets.
When Can I Get A Copy Of Clive ‘N’ Wrench?
Numskull Games are releasing Clive ‘N’ Wrench in Frebruay 2023 in both digital and physical forms.
And, in a sweet throwback to the days where we’d pour over the Ocarina of Time and Glover instruction booklets, the physical edition will come with a mini booklet showcasing the pair’s move set.
That thing is gonna get so much use you won’t recognise my copy after a couple of weeks!
Numskull are also releasing a collector’s edition package with collectible character cards and other sweet accessories to add to your horde too.
Keep checking back here for more news as and when we get it, and don’t forget to visit the Numskull Games website nearer the time to pre-order your copy!
Seb Santabarbara has bought every Nintendo console that has ever been released in his 31 years on Planet Earth. His favourite game franchise is Zelda, and he’s patiently waiting for Banjo-Kazooie to come back to the fold. When he’s not playing games, he’s travelling the world in his self-converted camper van.
