The beloved game Glover, crafted by Interactive Studios, Piko Interactive, and QUByte Interactive, is finally making its debut on the Nintendo Switch. Let’s dive into the charm and intricacies in this Glover review.
Glover, originally developed by Interactive Studios—previously recognized as Dizzy Entertainment and later Blitz Games—was established in 1990 by Andrew Nicholas Oliver and Philip Edward Oliver, the renowned creators behind the Dizzy series. In this engaging 3D puzzle platformer, players take on the role of Glover to guide a magical ball through various levels, from start to finish.
Back in 1998, Glover launched with Hasbro Interactive on the Nintendo 64, and the following year, it appeared on the PlayStation under Atari Interactive’s label. Fast forward to 2025, and with the help of the QUByte Classic series, this nostalgic adventure now rolls onto the Nintendo Switch. Time to revisit the magical Crystal Kingdom!
The game’s storyline unfolds as you, playing as Glover, embark on a quest to recover lost crystals that sustain the Kingdom. After a wizard’s potion-mixing blunder causes an explosion, the crystals scatter across the realm, but, quick-thinking Glover transforms them into bouncy rubber balls to prevent their destruction. Glover is, in fact, one of the magical gloves aiding the wizard. Meanwhile, his counterpart, Glovel, meets an unfortunate fate, falling into a magical cauldron, and emerging as the villainous Cross-Stitch.
Your adventure spans across six distinct worlds: Atlantis, Carnival, Pirates, Prehistoric, Fortress of Fear, and Out of This World. For those competitive spirits gunning for full completion, expect to explore every level, hunt down collectible Garibs, and tackle the six bonus levels—one for each world.
Stepping into the game, you’ll guide Glover using the left analog stick, while the right stick lets you adjust the camera. Zoom in or out with the camera using the X button. The A button is your go-to for jumping and double-jumping, while dribbling the ball calls for the B button. Execute a ground pound by jumping and pressing the ZR button. Press L to stand on your ball, or hold B to grab and throw it. Slap it across gaps by holding A. Different ball forms can be switched using R, including the versatile rubber ball, though more variations await discovery during your adventure.
This journey, although based on a 1998 project where Interactive Studios partnered with Hasbro Interactive to bring Glover to the Nintendo 64 and later, PlayStation under Atari Interactive, is a nostalgic breeze. In 2025, it’s delightful to see Glover brought back to life on the Switch, courtesy of QUByte Interactive’s dedication to reviving classics for modern audiences.
After you’ve completed the game, take a moment to explore the Extras section—it’s a treasure trove of visual history, showcasing art from the game’s bosses, characters, and concept stages. Priced at $19.99, Glover is now back with an opportunity to enchant a whole new generation of players on the Nintendo Switch.
All reviews considered, Glover may sport some of its 1998 vintage quirks, but it still delivers that classic 3D platformer experience. It gratefully ties players to its old-school roots, making it quite the nostalgic ride for some, yet a bit too retro for others.
Note: This Glover review reflects impressions based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by QUByte Interactive.
