Snipperclips: Cut It Out Together – Cooperative Puzzle Perfection

Creative puzzle game built for two-player cooperation using shape-cutting mechanics. Metacritic 80; ideal for couch co-op enthusiasts seeking communication-based problem-solving.

Game Info

Developer
SFB Games
Publisher
Nintendo
Release Date
March 3, 2017
Genre
Cooperative, Party, Puzzle
Platforms
Nintendo Switch

Verdict

8 /10

Ingenious cooperative puzzle design elevated by creative execution; limited content volume offset by exceptional replayability through communication-dependent gameplay.

Pros

  • Innovative cutting mechanics enabling multiple puzzle solutions
  • Cooperative design requiring genuine player communication
  • Charming aesthetic with responsive physics feedback
  • Accessibility for non-gamers through minimal complexity
  • Plus expansion substantially extends content (30+ new puzzles, 3 Blitz modes, Stamp mode)

Cons

  • Base game brevity (3-5 hours completion); limited solo appeal
  • Designed exclusively for cooperative play; poor single-player experience
  • No online multiplayer or cross-platform connectivity
  • Plus expansion pricing ($29.99 standalone) significant for casual audience
  • Puzzle solutions occasionally obtuse; trial-and-error becomes frustrating in later stages

Performance Notes

Maintains 60 FPS across all Switch configurations with 1080p docked resolution and 720p handheld mode. Physics-based paper-cutting mechanics render smoothly with zero frame drops during 2-4 player simultaneous sessions. Pro Controller support added in Plus expansion.

Snipperclips launched in March 2017 as a Nintendo Switch platform exclusive, simultaneously serving as indie showcase and system-defining couch cooperative experience. The game’s central mechanic—cutting player-controlled paper characters into puzzle-solving shapes—proved sufficiently elegant to warrant expansion. November 2017 brought Snipperclips Plus, doubling content while maintaining core design philosophy. Metacritic’s 80 aggregate score reflects critical consensus recognizing innovative puzzle design offset by limited base-game content volume. This review analyzes the cooperative design framework, puzzle creativity, and expanded content in Plus variant.

How to Play Snipperclips: Cut It Out Together

Two paper characters (Snip and Clip) overlap in 2D space. The core mechanic enables each character cutting away portions of the other player’s body to match shape requirements. Physics-based puzzle solving rewards creative interpretation; identical puzzles accommodate multiple solution approaches. Cooperation isn’t optional—progress requires genuine communication and coordination between players.

  1. Controls – Horizontal Joy-Con configuration; analog stick movement, button actions for cutting/grabbing/pushing. Minimal learning curve ensures accessibility for non-gamers.
  2. Progression – Original game presents 45 puzzle stages organized by themed worlds; Plus expansion adds Comic Book and Toy Box worlds with 30+ new challenges. Worlds unlock sequentially after prior world completion.
  3. Mechanics – Cutting creates temporary shape modifications persisting until stage reset. Physics inheritance carries momentum from character movement to cut portions; puzzle solutions exploit momentum conservation.
  4. Tips – Experimentation encouraged; puzzle logic rarely has single solutions. Trial-and-error iteration builds team communication; no failure penalties beyond restart.

Who Should Play Snipperclips: Cut It Out Together

Snipperclips targets cooperative pairs seeking puzzle-solving collaboration over competitive gameplay. Communication-dependent design encourages relationship bonding through joint problem-solving. Solo players find diminished value; AI partner mode limits single-player appeal.

  • Cooperative Puzzle Enthusiasts – The game excels when both players engage actively; passive observation frustrates the experience.
  • Casual Gaming Couples – Minimal mechanical complexity removes performance pressure; cooperative requirement strengthens interpersonal communication.
  • Family Introduction to Gaming – Bright aesthetics and absence of combat make Snipperclips ideal for introducing non-gaming relatives to interactive entertainment.
  • Skip if – You play exclusively solo, prefer competitive gameplay, demand 30+ hour campaigns, or find frustration through trial-and-error problem-solving.

Snipperclips: Cut It Out Together Platform Performance

Native Switch development ensures optimal performance across all play modes. Physics calculations remain lightweight; the game prioritizes art clarity over technical complexity. Resolution and frame rate remain consistent whether docked or handheld.

Platform Resolution FPS Notes
Nintendo Switch (Docked) 1080p 60 Stable performance; paper-cutting physics render smoothly with no frame drops
Nintendo Switch (Handheld) 720p 60 Identical performance to docked; portable puzzle sessions maintain full fidelity
Nintendo Switch (Tabletop) 1080p/720p 60 Joy-Con separation enables couch sessions; optional Pro Controller support (Plus version)

Snipperclips: Cut It Out Together System Requirements

Snipperclips demands minimal system resources. Original release (March 2017) required 800 MB storage. Plus expansion (November 2017) increased footprint modestly. Digital eShop distribution remains practical given storage efficiency.

Requirement Original Plus Expansion
Platform Nintendo Switch (any model) Nintendo Switch (any model)
Storage 800 MB 1.2 GB
Physical Release Cartridge available Retail physical copies include all content
Pro Controller Supported in Plus Added in Plus update
Online None required None required

Similar Games to Snipperclips: Cut It Out Together

Snipperclips occupies unique cooperative puzzle design space. Comparable titles emphasize different collaboration mechanics while maintaining local multiplayer priority. Each alternative trades puzzle-solving for alternative cooperative gameplay loops.

  • Overcooked – Frantic time-management under pressure; shares cooperation requirement but replaces creative puzzle-solving with task scheduling stress.
  • It Takes Two – Narrative-driven cooperative adventure spanning 10+ hours; similar relationship-building through gameplay but exponentially larger scope.
  • A Little to the Left – Single-player puzzle game with hidden cooperative modes; emphasizes tidiness/organization over shape manipulation.
  • Human: Fall Flat – Physics-based cooperative platformer; similar creative problem-solving through environment interaction but action-adventure framing.

Snipperclips vs Competitors

Comparative positioning reveals Snipperclips’ strength in accessible cooperative puzzle design. Price advantage and shorter completion time target casual audiences; limited content volume represents primary competitive disadvantage against narrative-heavy cooperative titles.

Feature Snipperclips Overcooked It Takes Two
Price (USD) $19.99 (Plus: $29.99) $24.99 $29.99
Campaign Duration 3-5 hours 2-4 hours 10-12 hours
Max Players 4 (Plus modes) 4 2
Metacritic Score 80 81 92
Online Multiplayer None Local only Online co-op available

Snipperclips Story and World

Narrative framework remains deliberately minimal. Two paper characters (Snip and Clip) occupy colorful, thematic worlds without exposition or character development. Art direction compensates through visual personality; each world (Garden, Offices, Space Station, plus Comic Book/Toy Box in Plus) establishes atmosphere through environmental design rather than storytelling. The absence of narrative frees cognitive resources for puzzle-solving; players focus entirely on mechanical problem-solving without story obligations. Tone emphasizes playfulness; solutions rewarded with satisfying paper-cutting physics and cheerful audio feedback create positive reinforcement loops encouraging creative experimentation.

Snipperclips Multiplayer and Online

Multiplayer implementation prioritizes local cooperative play. Online connectivity remains absent by design; Nintendo philosophy emphasizes couch proximity encouraging real-time communication during puzzle-solving.

  • Story Puzzles – Up to 2 players cooperatively solve 45 base-game stages (Plus: 75+ total); identical puzzle presentation accommodates solo replays with different partner.
  • Party Mode – 2-4 players compete in puzzle-based challenges; cooperative variants enable paired team competition.
  • Blitz Mode – Rapid-fire competitive challenges emphasizing reflexes; base game features 3 modes (Plus: 6 modes after expansion).
  • Cross-Play – Local play only; no network functionality; intended for couch sessions with physical Joy-Con sharing.

Snipperclips DLC and Expansions

Snipperclips Plus represents the expansion model post-launch content strategy. Rather than cosmetic additions, Plus introduces substantial mechanical content justified through pricing structure.

  • Snipperclips Plus Expansion – Released November 10, 2017; adds Comic Book and Toy Box worlds with 30+ new puzzle stages featuring thematic variations on cutting mechanics ($9.99 upgrade for base-game owners).
  • New Blitz Modes – Three additional competitive mini-games (firefly collection, spinning puzzles, target challenges) double competitive mode selection.
  • Stamp Mode – Creative tool enabling custom artwork creation through cutting/arranging paper shapes; cosmetic feature encouraging artistic expression.
  • Pro Controller Support – Plus update added Pro Controller compatibility; original required Joy-Con configuration.

Snipperclips Community and Support

Community infrastructure centers on cooperative experience sharing and puzzle-solving discussion. Official Nintendo support remains minimal; fan communities drive ongoing engagement through solution-sharing and multiplayer coordination.

  • Official Channels – Nintendo eShop listing provides minimal engagement; developer SFB Games maintains minimal post-release public communication.
  • Reddit/Discord – r/NintendoSwitch and Snipperclips-dedicated communities (~2,000+ participants) share puzzle solutions, cooperative strategies, and multiplayer session coordination.
  • Content Creation – YouTube content creators frequently document cooperative playthroughs; slapstick humor from puzzle failures generates entertainment value beyond personal sessions.
  • Mod Support – Nintendo Switch architecture prevents native modding; community creativity limited to solution-sharing and social gameplay encouragement.