Caves n' Chasms Review

Developer: Chronicle Games
Price: $3.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
App Reviewed on: iPhone 5

Graphics / Sound Rating:
Game Controls Rating:
Gameplay Rating:
Re-use / Replay Value Rating:

Overall Rating:

I'm a sucker for spelunking games. For evidence of this, check out my review history, which includes: Dig A Way, Pocket Mine 1 and 2, and - my personal favorite - Puzzle to the Center of the Earth. Something about them speaks to me, perhaps in how they setup unique platforming situations that are more complicated than just "nail this jump" more often than not. The latest game to offer some spelunking action is Chronicle Games's Caves n' Chasms. Unfortunately though, this brand of subterranean action isn't as easy to dig as some other entries in this sub-genre.

As it relates to other mobile spelunkers, Caves n' Chasms is like a cross between Pocket Mine and Puzzle to the Center of the Earth. For those unfamiliar with those examples, controlling the protagonist involves simple taps on the screen to move, jump, and dig like one does in Pocket Mine, and each level is self-contained, features enemies, and requires energy management like Puzzle to the Center of the Earth.

Along the way players collect treasures that can be used to upgrade equipment and purchase new gear like mines, which aid them against the new and dangerous enemies that exist in deeper depths. For those familiar with this formula, Caves n' Chasms plays it largely by the book - differentiating itself primarily via the presence of a large, glowing, green head that serves as the guide.

Although this might sound all well and good, albeit a bit familiar, Caves n' Chasms has a distinct lack of polish that makes it less compelling than it might otherwise be. The art style, sense of control, and use of items feel pretty clunky all around, which can make it hard to predict what any given action's result will be. In particular, the fact that players can attempt to move to places they cannot reach, have no collision detection with enemies, and generally move around at a sluggish pace, makesCaves n' Chasms can feel like an old browser-based game at times.

The rough edges on Caves n' Chasms stand out too much for them to be overlooked. It's just darn hard to play, and not because it's difficult. It's hard to play because doing the things that you want to do in it feel cumbersome, so players looking for spelunking action should probably look elsewhere.