Perfect Cell Review

By , on December 27, 2010


Perfect Cell
  • Publisher: Mobigame
  • Genre: Action
  • Released: 30 Oct, 2010
  • Size: 311.2 MB
  • Price: $1.99
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4 out of 5

PROS

  • Unique blending of action/stealth elements.
  • Clever, detailed level designs.
  • Multi-touch system to split-up and solve puzzles.

CONS

  • Relatively short title.
  • 'Brute force' difficulty very low; little incentive out of achievements to play differently.

VERDICT

Perfect Cell provides players with a unique choice between action and stealth elements, affecting the game's difficulty as a result of their actions; it's not 'perfect', but it's still a challenge worth trying.


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Sometimes the idea of classifying a game in to a neat pigeon-hole tends to break down; this isn't a bad thing at all, but when the some of the first thoughts that run through your head are, 'It's like Metroid meets Splinter Cell, but with a blob,' you know you're going to need to earn your paycheck trying describing this one. Perfect Cell by Mobigame is unique in its approach of action/infiltration style gaming and whether you opt to be the perfect killer or the perfect pacifist, you're in for a strange ride.

You play as an evolved alien life-form that arrived on Earth via an asteroid (that old chestnut) and over 35 levels you'll attempt to escape either by brute force or by cunning, avoiding the forces sent to destroy you. Your 'cell' is controlled by touching the screen, floating in the direction of your finger and performing a dash 'attack' when the screen is swiped. Staying still will initiate a form of cloaking to hide you from patrolling enemies and once you've progressed enough to pick up additional cells you'll be able to 'split up' and perform multiple tasks (most often pressing buttons) to proceed. An interesting charge-attack is also available for those attempting to brutalize their way to the surface. While the game certainly gates you towards the violent path thanks to the intro, the choice you make acts as a natural skill ceiling; killing makes the game easier, while being stealthy can be a serious brain-teaser.

The game is rendered in 2.5D (3D visuals locked in to a 2D plane) and looks gorgeous, especially with the level of dedication that has gone in to the sprites and environments that fill up the facility you're in. Your 'cell' is especially beautiful to watch as it fluidly moves through the air like some alien octopus while shifting colors depending on the actions you take.

Perfect Cell is a unique challenge and one that provides a few opportunities for replay thanks to the hidden bonuses. Unfortunately, unless you take the stealthy route the game can get a little too easy, however with little incentive outside of achievements to do so, it's unlikely to become the first choice for most players.

Screenshots

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