| Virtual Lab | |
|---|---|
 Japanese Virtual Boy box art | |
| Developer(s) | Nacoty |
| Publisher(s) | J-Wing |
| Platform(s) | Virtual Boy |
| Release |
|
| Genre(s) | Puzzle |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Virtual Lab[a] is a 1995 falling block puzzle video game developed for the Virtual Boy. Its gameplay involves the player moving different shapes that descend onto the playing field. The goal is to erase these shapes by linking and ultimately shutting their open orifices together to make them disappear, which causes the player to gain points across multiple levels.
Announced under the working title Chiki Chiki Labo, Virtual Lab was created by a designer named Megumi, who operated under the pseudonym Nacoty when working on the project. The game was released in Japan on December 8, 1995, and was published in an unfinished state by J-Wing after it discovered Nintendo was planning to discontinue the platform. It only had very few copies printed, and is considered by journalists to be one of the most expensive Virtual Boy titles.
Virtual Lab received mostly negative reception from critics since release towards its presentation, poor use of the Virtual Boy's stereoscopic 3D effects, high difficulty, and lack of replay value. There was some division regarding the quality of its gameplay, though the soundtrack was commended. Retrospective commentary has been equally negative, with some considering it one of the worst games for the platform due to it being unfinished and lacking depth.
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