Nano Panda Review
PROS
- Easy to pick-up and play; smooth and relatively predictable physics.
- Super-cute illustrated cartoon visuals.
- Levels can be skipped if needed.
CONS
- Some levels a little too dependent on split-second timing/luck.
- Progression can falter later on due to the difficulty level.
VERDICT
Nano Panda is no slouch when it comes to its physics-based challenge, though it's hard to remain upset at such cute pandas (especially when you get to destroy them almost immediately).
- Full Review
- App Store Info
Don't be fooled by this game's cute exterior - the panda's may be cute and the panicked reactions of the evil atoms may be amusing, but Nano Panda by Unit9 isn't for the easily frustrated. While the idea of destroying atoms with cute pandas may sound like a recipe for heart-break, you'll soon wish you could fire a thousand pandas in to a thousand atoms just to get some satisfaction. It sounds like I'm raging out on the game, but let me be perfectly clear - the game is insanely addictive and mastering its bizarre gameplay can be one of the most satisfying experiences ever, with 'eureka' moments constantly spurring on your progression further down the rabbit-hole of madness.
Players are handed a limited amount of 'nano pandas' that can be fired from cannons scattered around the level, however once two or more pandas are in the level they'll automatically attract each other, spinning around and heading to wherever their current momentum leads them. Your goal is to coax the pandas in to performing complex physics tricks to avoid death on various hazards before careening in to evil atoms that must be cleared out of a level. While some solutions are fairly obvious, the game quickly hints at a far more complex level of challenge as collectable stars (required to open new areas) sit in almost impossible locations, making what was already a difficult puzzle in to something maddening.
And you'll eat it all up - you'll suck down the frustration in an attempt to best the level with a fist-pump of joy, only to face a new harder challenge. Oddly enough, some of the later levels actually prove to be far less difficult as they require precise timing instead of luck, but make no mistake, this isn't a game you'll clear out in an afternoon. With 64 levels to conquer, I'm not sure if I should be worried or elated that more levels are teased for future updates.
Nano Panda joins the ranks of other great puzzle titles on the App Store and is an easy game to recommend if you're after a bit more bite to your 'casual' puzzle collection.
Screenshots
