Play Kalei Review
iPhone App
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Play Kalei Review

Our Review by Jennifer Allen on April 29th, 2011
Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar :: SEARCHING FUN
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Play Kalei offers hidden object style gaming but with a twist.

Developer: Chillingo
Price: $0.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPhone 4

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

Overall Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar


The best way to describe Play Kalei is to compare it to a Hidden Object game. Essentially, that's exactly what it is. You have to find kaleidoscope imagery within a photograph. The photograph in question can either be one of many supplied with the game, or one of your own courtesy of your photo album. Ultimately it doesn't matter where you get the image from as the whole point of the game is to pick out very small elements of them.

At the top of the screen, you're presented with a kaleidoscope image that you have to match with one within the photo. Dragging your finger around the screen, imagery is highlighted until you match up the right one. It's a trickier process than you'd think. So often do you come across an area on the board that you think will be near the correct pattern but it turns out it's right across the other side. There's no hint system here so it's all down to your skills and patience levels. You can gain up to three stars for completing a stage quickly. I found 1 star was much more common though!

Using your own images is a bit more fun as at least you can look at your own artwork, or family and pets. There's also the option to play against friends which is a nice touch and works appropriately well. This is where the most fun can be found as it's quite enjoyable to compete head to head, even with the limited screen space of the iPhone.

Play Kalei is a neat little game but one that I think befits family gaming more than anything else. Playing alongside other people makes for a much more enjoyable experience. Playing alone just gets frustrating with the lack of a hints system and general purpose in mind. For a simple 'find the image' game though, it's a clever idea and one that certainly makes a change from the standard Hidden Object title.

iPhone Screenshots

(click to enlarge)

Play Kalei screenshot 1 Play Kalei screenshot 2 Play Kalei screenshot 3 Play Kalei screenshot 4 Play Kalei screenshot 5
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