Current Review

Sometimes a game just grabs the eyeballs and won't let go, even if it frustrates to no end. Current is one of those games. The colors, the music, the sound and the gameplay all work in a pulsing rhythm that makes it almost impossible to not keep playing.

The core mechanic of the game is matching enemy "Hexogs" to destroy them and clear the screen. As the hero, the ARC Pilot has the ability to snatch enemies off of the playing field and hurl them back at their own kind. This can only be done a certain number of times per level, though. Shooting an enemy at similarly colored enemies will destroy all the enemies of that color. If left to their own devices, however, these enemy Hexog will begin to multiply. Each level plays out in a back and forth battle between the exponentially multiplying enemies and the number of enemies the pilot can snatch up and shoot back.

To help tip the balance back in the pilot's favor several extra power weapons are added to the arsenal including a bomb-like weapon and and a type of virus that can be unleashed against the enemy to destroy them in droves.

While snatching enemies, matching them, destroying them, and deploying devastating weapons among enemies is both fun and potentially habit forming there comes a point where the games difficulty outstretches the ability the player to react quickly enough. At this point the ability to aim shots accurately becomes essential and the games controls are often not up to the task. There is a function that will show an arrow for more accurate shooting, but to engage this function the finger must be held down so long that it counteracts any advantage this function gives.

Since the first chapter of the game is free (with the rest unlocked through in app purchase) it's well worth a try. Just keep in mind that the game's difficulty progresses quickly. The developer reports that more levels, music, and game modes will be made available via updates soon (though there's been no indication to whether that update will be paid or free).

Current is certainly a great looking game, and the fast-paced gameplay is easy to pick up and enjoy, but the difficulty will best suit those looking for a challenge.