Get-A-Grip Chip was one of my favorite indies of 2020. A little game that came from out of nowhere, it mixed the “can’t jump, use a grappling hook instead” gameplay scheme from Bionic Commando and it mixed it with Rayman and Mario-esque level designs and progression systems. It resulted in a very accessible and downright delightful little game that felt like a perfect fit for a system like the Switch, even though I had originally tackled it on a PC. I did eventually purchase a second copy for Nintendo’s handheld, and boy oh boy, it was even better. I wanted more of it. Less than two years later, I got what I had been asking for… sorta. Get-A-Grip Chip and the Body Bugs is a brand new iteration of the now-franchise, but I wouldn’t call this a sequel.

Let’s call Get-A-Grip Chip and the Body Bugs by what it really is. It’s an edutainment revision of the first game. You read that right: edutainment. But don’t you worry, this is not like the same Rayman edutainment spinoffs released during the PS1 era. This is more Get-A-Grip Chip, with the same level structure, progression system, and challenging extra levels. It just so happens to feature a central theme, one of the human digestive system, as well as an extra activity located at the end of each main level, where you’re tasked with linking an aptly named label to its scientific description. It’s really easy, but never overly condescending. It’s the perfect balance between actual educational content and a proper game that doesn’t treat you like a dummy.

The overall presentation is very similar to the original Get-A-Grip Chip, just with a more, err, “disgusting” art style. You’ll be travelling through digestive tracts, pools filled with digestive juice, a tons of snot and saliva, and much more. As icky as it may sound, it does correct one of the main gripes I had with the original game, as Get-A-Grip Chip and the Body Bugs actually has some background variety for a change. Sadly, although it one-ups its predecessor when it comes to its level presentation, its soundtrack is nowhere near as enticing as the one featured in the original game.

To be fair, there is very little else to talk about the game, or even to complain about it. Get-A-Grip Chip and the Body Bugs is much shorter than the original game, feeling more like a standalone expansion than a re-imagining or sequel. It’s more of what made the original game so appealing, with a non-condescending edutainment coat of paint, even though its subject matter is oddly specific for an educational title. Were you a fan of the 2020 original? By all means, you’ll love this little gem, even though you’ll beat it in an afternoon at most. Hell, if all you want is another highly competent indie platformer on the Switch, Get-A-Grip Chip and the Body Bugs is still well worth the minuscule price tag.

 

Graphics: 8.0 Get-A-Grip Chip and the Body Bugs’ backgrounds are more varied (and a bit more, err, “disgusting”) than the ones in its predecessor, making for a slightly more interesting visual experience.	Gameplay: 9.5 Very little has changed in this regard, with the exception of slightly easier levels, given how edutainment is this game’s core appeal.
Sound: 7.5 The soundtrack is pretty good, albeit nowhere near as catchy as the one featured in the original Get-A-Grip Chip.	Fun Factor: 8.5 The best kind of edutainment is the one that perfectly manages to hide its real nature behind a really entertaining gameplay loop. Get-A-Grip Chip and the Body Bugs does that with honors.
Final Verdict: 8.5

Get-A-Grip Chip and the Body Bugs is available now on Xbox One, PC, and Switch.

Reviewed on Switch.

A copy of Get-A-Grip Chip and the Body Bugs was provided by the publisher.