Chicken Rain

Developer: 42Games
Price: FREE
Version Reviewed: 2.1
Device Reviewed On: iPod Touch

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Overall Rating:

Endearing sound effects, cute graphics and a fun concept, Chicken Rain has the potential to be an app that novice and experienced gamers would enjoy. However, one would have to be able to actually play more then 4 minutes of the game.

The developers of Chicken Rain have to work out some of the worst “buy points” flaws I have ever encountered. The game its self is really quite enjoyable. The goal is to drop the chicks into slots, making an effort to get a chick in each slot, then cash in and rack up points. The artistry of the game is charming, the music is pleasant and adorable sounds the chickens make adds to the over all cuteness.

However, no more then 2 minutes into the game the player is prompted to consider purchasing the game without adds for $.99. This is fine. However, if the player chooses to keep the free version, the game only allows for a few seconds of play before the next prompt to buy coins or remove adds appear. The game is constantly interrupted until the player closes and then comes back to the game or buys something.

One of the in-app purchases available are coins. The coins work like points, in that they unlock different items and trigger level-ups. The player can also use the coins to buy and sell pets with other players.

I have a personal issue with buying points. Gamers will not do “anything” for points. The whole point of gaming is enjoying the feeling of accomplishment and success one gets from completing a task. Buying points is lazy gaming. In fact it is not even gaming, it is just lazy. If a game is entertaining, well designed and interesting most gamers will gladly buy expansion packs.

I understand how difficult it is to recoup the investment in an app development, especially with small independent developers and in-app purchases is a great way to help move that along. However, when it detracts from game play the fun and desire to play (and purchase) is lost.

Chicken Rain for the Christmas season has been renamed to Chicken Rain X'mas with a Christmas tree background and cute holiday tracks, but the gaming issues are still the same. I really wanted to like Chicken Rain, there is some potential fun game play with this app. However, with the constant interruption the fun was washed away.