Dingle Dangle Review
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Dingle Dangle Review

Our Review by Jennifer Allen on January 24th, 2013
Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar :: NEARLY DANGLING SUCCESS
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Tilt based controls both help and hinder this cute physics-based puzzle game.

Developer: Chillingo
Price: $0.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPhone 5

Graphics / Sound Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Game Controls Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar
Gameplay Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Replay Value Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar

Overall Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar


Dingle Dangle is quite ridiculously adorable. Underneath such cuteness, it's a pretty challenging physics-based puzzle game, and one with some control issues, but it's tough to not be charmed.

Players control a rope that's dangling down from a pirate airship. This rope must be used to lift the Dingles, cute furry ball shaped creatures, to safety from the many tunnels they're trapped in. Like any good game, there's a gentle introduction to how to achieve this. The rope is controlled by a lever (or buttons if the player prefers) which winches it downwards. Swinging the rope around is dependent on tilting the iOS device around to flick the rope accordingly. This is where some awkwardness arises. It's understandably sometimes tricky to flick the rope in the right direction as, often, the Dingles are quite carefully hidden away, just out of the reach of the rope.

What's not so understandable is what happens when the player's finger slips off the lever. A tap anywhere on the screen, accidental or otherwise, pauses the game enabling players to scout out the area. This is fine, but not when it's so easily activated. It's the kind of gripe that starts out mildly irritating but quickly becomes frustrating.

It's a shame that such control issues detract from the puzzle aspect as Dingle Dangle is quite interesting. Early stages are a breeze to fly through, but later stages requiring changing the colors of the Dingles and planning ahead, as well as tilting very precisely. Regular cute lines from the Dingles further add to the charm.

There are in-app purchases available, making things slightly simpler, but they're not really required to progress. It's always possible to save up for them, too, via the acquisition of gems within each level. Such aids are beneficial but not essential, merely adding a facet to the game.

Dingle Dangle runs the risk of frustrating more impatient gamers, especially with such awkward controls, but it's certainly got something about it. With a bit of fine-tuning, Dingle Dangle could be really something quite addictive.

iPhone Screenshots

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iPad Screenshots

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