ColecoVision · 1984
Illusions
A surreal 1984 ColecoVision puzzler in which amoeba-like Gleebs navigate Escher-style impossible geometry.
- Publisher
- Coleco
- Format
- Cartridge
- Genre
- puzzle video game
- Released
- 1984
01
Overview
You steer small blobs called Gleebs through two mirrored dimensions: one built from looping staircases, the other from a crisscrossing cube. In each, the Gleebs must either merge into one or split apart in order to pass through a mirror, while lizards that turn into fish and birds add timed hazards. The game was created by Nice Ideas, a Mattel division in France, and published by Coleco.
02
Why it matters
Its impossible staircase and cube levels echo M. C. Escher prints, a striking use of the ColecoVision's perspective capabilities for a console puzzler. The two-booklet instruction set, with its cryptic poem and sealed hints, makes the package as distinctive as the gameplay.
03
The physical edition
A complete copy typically includes the game cartridge, an outer box, and two paper booklets: The Legend, a poem with basic directions, and The Key, which holds practical hints. Box and booklet contents can vary by region and release, so confirm the specific edition before purchase.
04
Playing it today
The cartridge runs on a ColecoVision or compatible hardware with a standard controller. ColecoVision emulators can also load the game, though the two physical booklets are the intended way to learn its rules.