What a weird, weird game Cloning Clyde is. It has the aspects of a platformer but has some puzzle elements thrown into it that makes it just a little bit more out of whack. But that's the design of NinjaBee, an up and coming development team who probably wanted to turn a few heads, thus the introuction of an uncommon hero. The end result is a game that probably won't be one of the most memorable platformers for the system, but is a good time all the same and worth a few hours of play.

In the game, you take control of Clyde, a man who takes part in a little experimentation for a quick buck. He subjects himself to being cloned, and soon the experiment gets out of hand, and forces Clyde to work quickly to save his clones from being exterminated. However, his quest won't be easy. Throughout each of the game's levels, security checkpoints are strewn, and dangerous chickens (yes, you read that correctly) are dispatched in order to stop Clyde or any of his clones from escaping. There's other dangers lurking about as well, including spikes and other obstacles you need to think your way around.

There are several gameplay tactics introduced here that are pretty neat. Along with being able to generate clones that help you solve puzzles and require rescuing, you're also able to meld DNA in certain spots with other creatures, like a chicken, a fish, or a sheep. Doing so gives you a number of great abilities that come in handy for completing the level goals and moving you on to the next challenge that lies ahead. The level design's pretty diverse, and there's always a batch of goodies to find, including DNA strands, health icons, and collectible action figures. The more you collect, the more goodies you unlock.

The gameplay works just fine, and even has a little challenge to it, as you have to think your way through certain parts in order to survive. The fighting controls take a little getting used to (though I love the "super move", which mimics Street Fighter II a little bit), but are relatively easy from there. As for presentation, the graphics don't go into overdrive but do produce a nice 2.5-D like presentation with great backdrops and large range. The animation can be pretty funny, too, especially when Clyde's climbing up a ladder with his robe wide open, so his butt hangs out. Sound's pretty minimal, limited to sound effects and barely a hint of background music.

Clyde contains some fun multiplayer modes that are work tinkering with, including some co-op features that can be hilarious fun. There's also other extras to unlock, high scores to beat, and tons of levels to finish. And who doesn't like chicken and devil costumes? Anyone? Cloning Clyde does lack some of the visual and audio spark that other platformers possess, but it has a style all its own that make it a worthwhile addition to your Xbox Live Arcade library. It's worth the $10.