Squid Drop Review
iPhone App
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Squid Drop Review

Our Review by Timothy Smith on April 29th, 2011
Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: SURPRISING
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Get ready for what appears to be another "let's see how far you can fall without crashing into something" game, but with a few surprising twists.

Developer: Nor Eagle

Price: $0.99
Version: 1.0
App Reviewed on: iPad

Graphics / Sound Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
User Interface Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar
Gameplay Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Re-use / Replay Value Rating: starstarstarstarstar

Overall Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar

Before I write this review, I have to admit I am fascinated by squids. They just look freaking awesome, and they happen to be one of the few creatures I consider to be intelligent. Don't worry, though - I won't let that sway my rating. When I first picked up Squid Drop I thought I was in for a standard "fall and avoid obstacles" style game, but after I spent some time with it I realized I was wrong. Squid Drop really surprised me, and I actually had a hard time putting the game down. If you're a high score junkie get ready for some innovative twists that will have you playing Squid Drop over and over again.

In Squid Drop you control a little black squid who is continuously falling into the depths of the abyss. You simply slide your finger back and forth to help him avoid obstacles. If you happen to hit an enemy or a piece of the environment it's game over. Interestingly, the goal is to get the "lowest" score. The score counter measures your depth in negative increments. I thought it was a clever change that kept the game fresh. The core gameplay is extremely simple, but it offers a casual experience that anyone can pick up and enjoy. After my first "game over" at only -176 I was a little underwhelmed, but I soldiered on. To my surprise after reaching -200 a new game mechanic was introduced in the form of little collectable bubbles that help your score. The game continued to surprise me as I scored lower and lower because the levels changed, and I was unlocking achievements and new features each time I dove a little deeper.

The graphics provide a touch of style to the game, and I found the music to be quite catchy. The inky art design and various enemies were a real treat to look at. I was a little disappointed about the menu screen being strangely silent, but I can see that being a positive for anyone trying to sneak in a quick game on their phone without being noticed. The menu interface was a little lacking in my opinion. There aren't back arrows or any other intuitive markers. You just have to tap the screen in an unused area to go back. Like most high score (in this case low score) games, it is extremely replayable, and the addition of a global low scoreboard definitely helps in keeping players motivated. Even with the few small quibbles I have, Squid Drop is a great experience for the asking price. Anyone looking for a fresh take on an emerging genre should plop down the pocket change and go for a dive with Squid Drop.

iPhone Screenshots

(click to enlarge)

Squid Drop screenshot 1 Squid Drop screenshot 2 Squid Drop screenshot 3 Squid Drop screenshot 4
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