Margaritaville Online Review

Posted by Greg Dawson on February 8th, 2012
iPad App - Designed for iPad

Developer: THQ
Price: Free
Version: 1.03
App Reviewed on: iPad

Graphics / Sound Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
User Interface Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Playtime Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar
Gameplay Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Re-use / Replay Value Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar

[rating:overall]

Margaritaville Online for iPad is a social online game based on the lifestyle of author and singer-songwriter, Jimmy Buffett. Yes, the Cheeseburger In Paradise fellow. The game features a virtual tropical paradise with beautifully designed 3D graphics and comes complete with adventure, tunes and the all-mighty margarita. A few minutes in and one may never leave the beach because it's not just a game, it's a lifestyle.

One aspect of the game that players will notice right from the start is the enormity of the world that they can explore. It's vast, but not too big that they'll get lost. It's also full of shades of blues and greens that mix well with the sunbaked sandy beaches and truly gives the gamer a taste of paradise from the comfort of their own home.

As for gameplay, players are tasked with resurrecting a bar situated on a pier on the tropical island. To make life a bit more interesting, there are also mini-games available to play such as Hammock Time where players need to match like icons to fill the yard glass, collect 5,000 points and finish before time runs out.

These mini-games as well as tasks such as constructing a hammock, opening a treasure chest or going fishing use up important energy points. When the player runs out of them they cannot finish these tasks or games and cannot collect coins or XP points, which are vital to progressing through the various stages of the game. However, the player can get a lot of gameplay in before having to wait for more energy or having to buy beach bucks to replenish their. These are available via in-app purchases ranging from $1.99 for 20 to $49.99 for 500. There are also other ways to add energy such as uncovering foods such as mangos.

Margaritaville Online seems like it was built specifically for Parrotheads as players can not only build up their beachside bar to serve up a few frozen concotions for their friends, but can also explore the tropical world around them, sail the open sea as well as dress their character with various Hawaiian style clothing and gear. Of course, the game's fun and visually stunning world make it a great experience for anyone wanting to cast their cares away and search for their salt shaker.

iPad Screenshots

(click to enlarge)

Margaritaville Online screenshot 1 Margaritaville Online screenshot 2 Margaritaville Online screenshot 3 Margaritaville Online screenshot 4 Margaritaville Online screenshot 5
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