Being the absurdly busy fellow that I am, I just don't have the time to review each and every iPhone game that I get sent. This sadly means that many of my fantastic opinions on the latest games go un-voiced, doomed to float around the expansive chasm of my mind for all eternity.
Here then, is the first of a weekly blog that attempts to solve this problem. A simple run-down of what I've been playing during the week; an offering of bite-sized opinions on the the smaller, lesser known games that couldn't make the front page of the site due to time restraints. Although I'll try to limit this to just iPhone games, the odd console game or two might find their way onto these pages too. I'll strive to update my blog every Friday with this feature.
Here we go then, this week I've been playing...
Pocketball (Big Bucket Software, $1.99)
Truth be told, I didn't go into Pocketball expecting great things, but the puzzle game designed by Matt Comi has caught me complelet off guard -- I'm hooked. A delightful physics-based puzzler that is addictive from the get-go. Pocketball has already stolen a fair few hours of my life, and I'm happy to give up a fair few more on top of that.
The objective couldn't be simpler. Guide a falling ball into it's correct pocket by drawing a series of ropes between pegs. Sounds simple on paper (and screen), but the difficulty soon ramps up, and you'll find yourself repeating the same level over and over again, adjusting the position of ropes to get the ball where it needs to go. This repetition doesn't get dull however, and is actually the source of the games addictive nature. With new mechanics introduced regularly, the game never gets stale and always remains challenging.
Recommended.
Headspin (Runloop, $0.99)
Runloop's quirky take on a line matching puzzle game turns the mechanic on its head, quite literally. A grid of nine robotic heads need to be adjusted so that all are facing forwards, which I can assure you is easier said than done. Dragging a finger upwards to spin a head will also spin the heads of every other robot in that column, and a sideways spin will rotate all heads in that row horizontally. Thinking in terms of rows and columns as well as in all three of our earthly dimensions is vital for success, and requires a different train of thought to that of similar puzzle games.
With three modes of play and global leaderboards, the game has a reasonable amount on offer, so long as the puzzle mechanic itself can entertain you for long enough. Headspin isn't fantastically innovative and the production values aren't as high as other puzzle games on the App-Store (although I have to admit the scrappy visuals did grown on me after spending a while with the game) but it's certainly worth a look for puzzle fans looking for a refreshing break from the norm.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Yes, the world and his mother are playing this game right now, and I'm no exception. I've yet to dip my toes into the icy waters of online-play, but the campaign mode is holding my attention more than well. As with every other game in the series, I'm playing through on Veteran from the get-go, which saves playing thorugh the campaign twice for extra achievements...
I haven't the time to offer anything more on the game than this, but it's fantastic, and I'm off to play some more right now.
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I've also been playing Skater Nation and Oh My Word! 2, but expect more in-depth reviews of these to hit the main site in the next few days.
More next week.
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1 comment
BoboStein / 11th Dec 2009
Hi, Try Marble Merge on the iphone. it's an original puzzle game which hasnt been ripped off from any other game. cheers,