Introduction

Welcome to the charm of E.T.: Interplanetary Mission, where the lovable alien embarks on a puzzling journey that might just make you question your sanity and your choice of entertainment. Coming out in 2002, this action puzzle game attempts to bring back the nostalgia of the iconic film while introducing a slew of challenges that will incorporate both your brain and your thumbs. Get ready, because it’s going to be a ride through awkward controls, head-scratching puzzles, and a sprinkle of nostalgia for good measure.

Gameplay

You’ll first find yourself in an isometric world where E.T. wants nothing more than to return to his home planet. Alongside his glowing finger (way better than a smartphone flashlight), E.T. does some serious healing and telekinesis to lift and throw enemies around like they're mere toys. If you’re the kid who did poorly in P.E., don't worry; most of the action consists of pestering enemies rather than acing dodgeball. There are several types of puzzles to tackle, which range from finding scattered items to bizarre telekinetic challenges where you lift and maneuver things like your imaginary friend on a sugar high. Did we mention that you’ll be collecting items like candy, making it a scavenger hunt? Not a bad way to pretend you’re on a shopping spree. Overall, while it might sound captivating, the game's challenge level hovers somewhere between "a light jog" and "forgetting where you parked your car at the mall". It’s not a walk in the park, but the pacing is murky enough that you'll test your patience more than your skills. Expect to be baffled by the obtuse puzzles and enemies that often seem more annoying than threatening. Afraid of losing a life? Don’t worry about it blanketing under the pressure of losing the last Shiny Pokemon; this game lets you take it slowly—too slowly, at times. Mastering the controls feels like a small achievement that should be celebrated with confetti; navigating squares with your alien-feet is just as tough as teaching your dog to use the toilet. It’s rather frustrating, to say the least. However, if you make all the right moves (or as many as you can muster), you’ll regain lost health points by solving various puzzles—a nice way to send your mind on a wild goose chase.

Graphics

Graphically, E.T. lands somewhere in the realm of 'mediocre 2002' visuals. The isometric perspective feels nostalgic, but layers of pixelation will make you cringe at the concept of plastic wrap being used as a coating for all objects and environments. Interestingly awkward character designs, particularly when you face the enemies, can either make you chuckle or question what kind of alien-induced fever dream you've entered. Backgrounds have an overall bland look, capping off a rather ugly assortment worth more for a retro game show than modern eyes. While attempting to project the whimsical world of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, it feels like it’s been filtered through a rusty lens. Gamers playing with high-end consoles might not be too impressed here, as the graphics blast off in the completely opposite direction compared to what you’d expect. Seasoned gamers are in for a surprise when old-school vibes collide against outdated graphics, forcing you binge on nostalgia while your current-gen console weeps in agony.

Conclusion

E.T.: Interplanetary Mission is a peculiar experience—part charming homage, part frustration. The challenges typically have you trapped between enjoying that glow of childlike wonder and wrestling with monotonous gameplay. It's not the worst way to kill time, but don’t expect a life-changing experience. A deeper passion for E.T. may draw you in, but casual gamers might find that it’s best to let the little guy fly home alone. If you seek clever puzzles mixed with bizarre alien activities, you might find joy in traversing E.T.’s world. Otherwise, it rests among the collection of video games best left untouched—like fruitcake from the holidays. Keep your expectations low, and you might just end up cutting it some slack, dense graphics and whimsical alien galore!

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