Pinch 'n Pop

Developer: Chaotic Box
Price: $3.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0

Graphics / Sound [rating:5/5]
Game Controls [rating:4/5]
Re-use / Replay Value [rating:4/5]

Overall Rating:

We saw this game pop onto the iTunes App Store last night and were instantly interested. The developers posted a video on their site by the time it launched. That made us more interested. So today, we had to try this game out. Be forewarned -- this is not your average color matching game. This is an beautifully designed arcade game that starts out fast and gets faster quickly.

The method of play in this game is fairly simple. Your goal is to clear off the ever reproducing creatures on the screen, known as squirms, by pinching multiple ones together. Pinch a total of 3 together to clear them. You can get higher points by chaining the same color over and over. And there are some great power ups as well to help you clear or color change creatures.

This game is an interesting take on the color matching game. One that takes advantage of the pinch interface on the iPhone and throws in more of an arcade feel to it than we've seen before. It is a hard game, yes. But with proper practice you will get better and advance in levels. One downside -- I seem to be developing a case of Pinch n Pop hand in my right hand -- I think I need to take a little break from this game.

I would love to see the developers add networked high score tables -- something that I think should be in just about any game. Perhaps it would be good to add skill levels as well -- this is a great comic looking game -- one that kids would like as well but would need an easier play level.

Here's a video from the developer that shows you how to play. A good view of how nicely this game looks.
[youtube XFySwWXfEbg]

This is an easy recommendation for any arcade fan. Pinch it!