Heliumphant Game Review

Heliumphant Game Background

This is a cute game where you control a flying elephant which can use its trunk for propulsion.

The goal of the game is to get the elephant to the correct bubble size to be able to reach the end of each stage and unlock the next level. The game features 10 fun stages.

As you grab apples your bubble grows, and when you get to 70% you can also grab other elephants. If your bubble is too large you can also shoot out items to reduce the bubble size, or throw things to activate switches and knock down concrete walls.

This game was developed by Alessandro Pezzetti’s single-person game studio Havana24 as an entry to the 2021 Kajam game jam.

How to Play Heliumphant

This is a mouse-based clicker adventure game.

Press the play button on the loading screen to start the game, then click on the welcome screen to read the introduction comic, and advance to the first level.

Left click with the mouse cursor facing the opposite direction you wish to move the elephant. Repeat the process to create a form of propulsion which helps the elephant fly across the screen.

Your bubble size starts off at 30%. Clicking on apples allows you to suck them into your bubble, which grows the size of your bubble. When your bubble size is up to 70% you can also suck other elephants into your bubble.

Basic Gameplay Advice

Avoid flying your bubble into spikes or blades, as hitting them will shrink your bubble size.

Items you have caught can also be thrown by pressing either the spacebar or the mouse right click button. Activate switches by either running into them or throwing an apple at them.

Get your bubble to the same size as is shown in the goal area and then fly over the goal area to complete each stage.

Avoid touching spikes or blades, or you will lose one of your items from your bubble. If your bubble is too large you can throw an item away using the right click or spacebar to make your bubble smaller.

Advanced Playing Tips & Strategy

The order you collect items in matters. In some areas you want to save an apple or two for near the end of the level to be able to get through a smaller gap in the early part of a level and grow to the correct size near the end of a stage.

Switches can be activated by running into them or throwing an apple, though if a concrete barrier blocks your path you will need to throw an elephant at it to knock it over.

If you make a mistake tap on the level restart button in the upper left corner of the screen.

Educational Aspects

This game helps people develop problem solving skills. There is a physics aspect to figuring out how to control the elephant’s flight path while also grabbing the needed apples.

Player Age Recommendations

This game might be quite frustrating for younger players, as you have to sometimes grab in one direction while you also want to move in another direction. Gamers who are in middle school or above should enjoy this game, and younger kids who are well acclimated to games should also like it. Players who like this game will also likely enjoy Puffinick.