Clive 'N' Wrench (2023)

While largely enjoyable, there are too many technical issues to be ignored on its quest to become the quintessential 90s 3D platformer.

When Clive ‘N’ Wrench works, it is possible to get a glimpse of something that is a very close approximation of a quality fifth gen 3D platformer. In its current state, Clive ‘N’ Wrench is rough around the edges and requires patience to contend with its less refined qualities. With more finesse and more time in the oven, this could be a cult classic.

So despite my breakdown I want to say that this was mainly made by one person, which is a feat. I would argue that Silactro also is a solo dev and makes better pastiches of the same genre, but I also want to be fair because I don’t think this game is unsalvageable. While I don’t expect major changes to my first issue, I do think the second issue of technical problems can be ironed out so in case the dev reads this, I will redo this review if the game is fixed (whenever that may be). As for right now though I cannot recommend this to anyone when better games trying to for the same things are readily accessible, cheaper, and more successful at doing being a 3D platformer.

I genuinely feel rather bad going on and on about the game's flaws, but the most exceptional thing about Clive 'N' Wrench is the effort that went into bringing it into existence. I'd love to say that it's a great, or even a good, game, but it's pretty unexceptional even by the standards of low-budget indie 3D platformers. There just isn't anything to recommend this game on its own merits, and it is buggy enough that it's hard to even recommend it as a curiosity.

While it has its issues, Clive ‘N’ Wrench is a charming, cheeky and fun 3D platformer that pays homage to the greats that came before it. It doesn’t even attempt to innovate, instead attempting to replicating aspects of the 90’s classics with varying degrees of success. If you’ve got fond memories of Banjo-Kazooie, this one’s aimed at you.