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Hugo: The Evil Mirror Review: Is It Worth It?

Hugo The Evil Mirror Cover

Hugo: The Evil Mirror Review: Is It Worth It?

Hugo: The Evil Mirror is a side-scrolling video game published by ITE Media for PlayStation, Game boy Advance, and Windows in 2002. In Hugo: The Evil Mirror, Hugo is not the name of the evil mirror. In fact, the evil mirror is only a device used to base a narrow gameplay element on. It only appears as part of the story and not as a playable or interactive component of the game. For all intents and purposes this game should have just been called “Hugo the Troll”. 

Hugo: The Evil Mirror Gameplay

Hugo the Evil Mirror Gameplay
Hugo: The Evil Mirror gameplay.

From level to level there’s not much variety in the gameplay. Like the soup at a buffet there’s not much spice to it – and there’s no way to add any after the fact. Hugo is an action platformer with deep arcade roots – old school arcade roots. While players jump around from platform to platform, they will turn enemies into frozen cubes which renders them immobile. Eventually they will thaw if left alone and will continue pestering players. Players can pick them up and drop them from a platform which will instantly destroy them, or players can jump on them and shatter them into icy shards. They will remain frozen as long as they are carried. To clear the level players, have to plug up the portal to keep them from respawning.

Cubes can be combined to create bigger and heavier blocks in which the rewards will be much more substantial. Although oftentimes there will be a beast unleashed from the larger blocks which will need to be confronted. If players destroy it, they’ll receive goodies such as power-ups and a key. The key will allow players to save the game, and everything collected up to that point.

Some Storyline of Hugo: The Evil Mirror

John Bauer depiction of trolls
A depiction of trolls by John Bauer.

An evil witch, Scylla’s goal is to get rid of troublesome Hugo once and for all. By using her powers, she traps Hugo in a magic mirror that she then breaks into three pieces and scattered across the world. Hugo relies on his kids to locate the pieces which are scattered throughout the Tricky Troll Forest. Each of the three pieces is an excuse for Hugo to explore three different areas. There are 60 levels in all with platforms, puzzles and shooting. The premise of Hugo: The Evil Mirror is easy and straightforward. 

Last Thoughts

Not being allowed to save at any time is an annoying aspect of the game as it forces players to keep playing until you find a key. However, Hugo is presented in a light-hearted manner, Hugo is a likable character. There’s no graphic violence or terrifying situations which makes this game suitable for young kids. The sprites are decent and some of the backgrounds have a nice folk-art look to them but overall, the game looks and plays dated. 

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