MAPPY by NAMCO Review
- Publisher: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc.
- Genre: Arcade
- Released: 3 Mar, 2011
- Size: 5.9 MB
- Price: $1.99
PROS
- The 1983 classic reborn for iOS device users.
- Multiple control schemes including a smart-touch 'Navigate' mode.
- New 'Scramble' mode for unique near-endless gameplay.
CONS
- No additional updates to the graphics or audio.
- Uncomfortable vertical-orientation touch controls for larger hands.
VERDICT
If you played the original Mappy then you'll know what you're in for - an additional mode has been added, but nothing compares to smacking a cat on the nose with a door while 'reclaiming' their stolen goods.
- Full Review
- App Store Info
Oh man. Things just got real. MAPPY by NAMCO has finally found its way on to the App Store and now a whole new generation of gamers can experience the bizarre madness of this classic arcade title.Your goal as Mappy the Police-mouse is to recover the items stolen by the infamous cat-burglars the Mewkies and their leader Goro (or Nyamco if you're used to the Japanese name). Unfortunately this also means you're going to be a walking snack for the cats as you roam around each house, but as luck would have it you have the magical ability to flip open doors to either temporarily knock out or remove enemies altogether. To reach a specific level you'll need to make use of trampolines scattered throughout the level, pushing left or right when you reach the height you require.Several control options are available, though they essentially break down in to virtual stick/button or swipe/touch combinations. The final 'Navigate' system can make life easier for newer players by directing Mappy by simply touching where you want to go, though this can be risky as Mappy's AI won't take in to account the possibility of running in to Mewkies.It's surprising to see Mappy being released with almost no changes to the presentation of this very old game (circa 1983), especially considering Namco's addition of an entirely new game mode, 'Scramble'. In this mode you'll need to eliminate all of the cats on the level by collecting various power-ups instead of stolen goods to make the task easier.Fans of old-school games will enjoy the opportunity to take their revenge on the cats that may have stolen the quarters of their youth, but even newer gamers might find themselves sucked in by Mappy's challenging gameplay.
Screenshots
$1.99
