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Jetpack Joyride
There were two particularly interesting results that came of Brisbane-based developer Halfbrick studios release of Monster Dash (a fun, but basic endless runner) last year. Firstly it was the introduction of Barry Steakfries - a rebel without a cause and all-around monster slaying badass. Secondly,…
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Snoopy Coaster Review
Snoopy Coaster is insidious. Last year Dave reviewed Madcoaster, and thought that it was an intriguing premise made far too forgiving, so much so that the game became quite boring. Well then why is Snoopy Coaster better when it's basically the same game with a different skin? well because Dave is a Peanuts fan of course, and while it's easy to sneer at a game using a licensed property to try and pull in fans of that property, the sad truth is that it works. Now don't get us wrong, this…
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Major Magnet Review
Major Magnet is not the most observant of superheroes. In a humorously animated intro sequence, he's so happy just flying around the city, that he doesn't notice the dastardly Colonel Lastin pulling up alongside him to steal his cape, which sends the Major plummeting to the depths below. Luckily another specialty of our intrepid hero is the power of magnetism (in the literal sense, not the charismatic one). What follows is a series of small levels in which you use Major's magnet to fly…
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LIBERATION MAIDEN Review
Before releasing Liberation Maiden on to the App Store, Level-5 and Grasshopper had the option of putting the game back on the drawing board to enhance and otherwise improve on what was a decent - if short and unsatisfying - shooter. Instead what we're treated to is a version that makes good use of the touch-screen, and has at least added left-handed controls, but still leaves the player wanting for more. You play the role of the now-deceased President's teenage daughter who has been…
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Purple Cape Review
There's something almost sacred about the platformer. There's a formula in place that seems almost immutable: The character runs around the screen (automatically in the case of some) and the player can jump (all the better to reach new areas and avoid or crush enemies). Purple Cape by Lastmoon Games and Forest Moon Games throws out such old-fashioned ideas and tries something entirely new - you don't move at all unless you're jumping. In a way this is the kind of concept that only wor…
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Hell Yeah! Pocket Inferno Review
At times I wonder if the incomplete release of a game is the result of hubris on the part of the developer, or a genuine lack of time to bring the pieces together. In any case, no matter how intriguing your idea may be, if it can't stand on its own two feet it's going to have a rough time in the hands of even the most casual of gamers. Hell Yeah! Pocket Inferno is SEGA and Polm Studio's attempt at boiling down the Console and PC release of 'Wrath of the Dead Rabbit', but instead of a g…
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Worm Run Review
You are Zeke Tallahassee, space janitor. It's depressing how many space janitors are lost trying to emulate the exploits of the famed Roger Wilco, but Zeke finds himself fleeing for his life from a gigantic space worm. These are the risks that come with the territory however. Worm Run is an endless runner based around a swiping mechanic, leading Zeke through all manner of twisting cavern full on nooks and crevices. Unfortunately, things are not as smooth as you might think. Swipes are…
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DIE HARD Review
Editor's Note: I should have picked up on the incorrect movie title; apologies! Freemium design around the in-app purchase model can be excused. Freemium design around the in-app purchase model of a premium title is pretty abominable, but OK. Freemium design around the in-app purchase model of a premium title that is a movie licensed game, well that's reaching new heights of unbelievability. That's what we have here with Die Hard however. Don't be confused though, it's not based on th…
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Relic Rush Review
Does anyone remember that game This Could Hurt? It used a simple touch mechanic to stop the player character in his tracks as you made your way through a deadly trap-laden obstacle course. Relic Rush revisits this concept, albeit in a low-fi pixel form. It also has the aura of adventure! Yes, you not only rush to get these relics, but the journey should result in a rush as well. That was at least the intention I'm guessing. Each level consists of eight rooms that have to be traveled t…
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Tapforss Review
There was a time when developers considered themselves almost in opposition of the player. It's a dynamic that creates an immediate level of conflict, but the hostility of a developer trying to 'screw you over' wore thin for some and for many others was entirely unwelcome. Tapforss is almost a return to this concept, albeit wrapped up in a cleanly presented time-trial title that manages to remain foreboding despite is colorful palette. As the name would suggest, Tapforss by Like A Cro…
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The DRM Death Ray Manta Review
The DRM Death Ray Manta is a game that I shall hereafter refer to as just Death Ray Manta. It is an exercise in sense-overload as you are bombarded with hyper-kinetic visuals, a pulsing soundtrack, and levels that either end in victory or defeat before you've even gotten your bearings. What type of game is it? Think Robotron 2084 with an epileptic makeover. It's been getting a lot of positive buzz around review circles if the quotes are to be believed, so let's see if there's anything…
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Tin Man Can Review
There's something to be said for 'trial & error' gameplay done right. Games like Limbo and Another World are good examples. The player learns not to do something by being killed for their curiosity or their lack of reflex, but the checkpoint system of the game is lenient enough to allow the player to safely pursue their natural curiosity and exploratory drive. It's a nice balance, and one that Tin Man Can misses completely. Not only because every death sends you back to the start…
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Little Amazon Review
We come back to this time and time again, but if you design your game towards encouraging people to spend money on In-App Purchases, it should at most be a gentle nudge, and you should most definitely not have your entire game feel like a hampered grind. Little Amazon sadly falls in this latter category. Lily is trying not only to flee the clutches of the evil demon Gruul, but is trying to save the entire kingdom by running faster than she's ever run before. In a neat addition, the sto…
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Swing King Review
Being a monarch must be taxing. Oh I’m not talking about the day to day turmoil of settling disputes and playing politics, but more when you're trying to smooch your girl-frog and some evil black furball comes along and kills the mood by sucking all the stars away. That transgression cannot stand! So in Swing King, you set off trying to collect all the stars back by flinging yourself from anchor point to anchor point, trying to reach the saddle of your flying unicorn before final…
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Zen Training Review
One of the ways to think about zen is that it is the path towards enlightenment. It is training your mind to relax and be at peace. Anyone who meditates or has unsuccessfully tried to meditate will know how difficult shutting your brain off can be. That's why it's been so interesting to see games capitalize on this concept. In the news post for this game on our site, I mentioned Tetris as a game you can play without any brain power whatsoever. In fact, games like Tetris, Zen Bound, Pat…
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TNNS Review
After Ziggurat, it was going to be interesting to see what Action Button Entertainment came up with next. We're a little late to the party on this one, but with the release of TNNS (which is pronounced tennis), they seem to have cemented themselves as a maker of games with simple mechanics and premises, that reward an increase of skill from the player, while having very engaging low-fi presentation. TNNS is a variation on both Pong and Breakout, with a subtle change of control, and a r…
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