Leaping Legend Review

Developer: Everplay
Price: Free
Version Reviewed: 1.0.3
Device Reviewed On: iPad 2, iPhone 5

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Everplay's "Retro Revival" series continues with a game that has a lot more in common with modern games, albeit with a retro art style, in Leaping Legend. Players control a hero that has the uncanny ability to run up walls and jump between them, and as such has found the tallest parallel walls on the planet and is running up them until buzzsaws, arrows, or bombs stop their ascent. Players can jump between walls, as well as move up and down them, which adds some maneuverability to the familiar concept.

The multiplier system is the heart of Leaping Legend. Increasing the meter requires collecting coins in jumping from side to side, and it diminishes when coins aren't collected. This means that jumps must be made carefully, because getting the multiplier high and keeping it there is great for high scores. This also makes collecting the sword powerup and using it to take out objects well worth it later on. Of course, there's plenty of reason to go for distance as well, but I found myself just collecting the sword and shield powerups for the purposes of managing the debris. Appropriately enough, the game integrates in Everyplay for the sharing of video replays.

The game is free-to-play, with cons used to unlock new characters that reference other media, and to buy boosts that can add effects like additional coins or an extra life. The game feels like it can be played while largely ignoring these elements, so it might not work out well for Everplay, but at least it's built to where those wanting to unlock the rarest stuff will be compelled to pay.

The game is very much one where death could come quickly or even not at all. My sessions tend to fluctuate wildly in length. I think the game could provide better feedback for how well players are doing, such as making the score or distance displays more prominent. Right now, they just feel small and out of the way, especially on iPad. That factor compelling me to go after high scores isn't there as it is in 1001 Attempts by the same developers.

Leaping Legend is at least full of challenges and has enough replayability to be well worth the free download.