Don't Eat People Review

As a piece of general, worldly advice, Don't Eat People is quite a pertinent sentence to remember. In the case of the game of the same name, it's downright essential. It's the most important path to success in this game and indeed the only one. Sure, it's a simple idea and one that could have been expanded upon for maximum effect, but it's a warm passing distraction.

Players control a giant monster hanging around on the edge of a cliff. For some reason, villagers and animals are hurling themselves off the cliff at speed, and it's down to the player to swallow up the animals while avoiding the villagers. Presumably villagers just don't taste as nice.

Don't Eat People offers simple one touch controls with the player simply holding a finger to the screen to make the monster close his mouth, leaving the jumpers to bounce off his chin. There's a limit on how long the monster can close its mouth though, so timing is of the essence. At times, a flurry of people will come along - meaning it's imperative to keep that mouth shut, otherwise it's game over as soon as the monster eats one person.

There's a form of power-up, both positive and negative, in the shape of special colored bulls. One causes a stampede of bulls, meaning more points are easily acquired. Another causes a stampede of people, making things much trickier. Don't Eat People doesn't evolve any further than that though, which is a shame as it would have been great to see more extensive power-ups or bonuses.

That's not to say that Don't Eat People isn't enjoyable, but it is shallow stuff. It's the kind of thing to play for a few minutes here or there, rather than for any extended session. It's also the kind of game that I suspect will appeal to the younger, more inexperienced market given its simple control scheme. Still, it's certainly charming enough - if basic.