Zap -- Bug Hell Review
iPhone App
$0.99 Buy now!

Zap -- Bug Hell Review

Our Review by Bobby Gooding on June 1st, 2011
Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: SPLATTERING FUN
Share This:

Take on the role of Major Zap and help stop the pesky insects from infesting the planet and dominating the world.

Developer: Precission Games
Price: $2.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPhone 3GS

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

As we approach the summer months, those pesky bugs start to invade our homes on a much more regular basis. So, perhaps we should be thankful for Precission Games' latest title, Zap -- Bug Hell, which allows us to hone our bug splatting skills in preparation for the next time they sneak into our houses. Of course, just looking at the screenshots will reveal that what I've written above isn't strictly true. This isn't some kind of proffesional bug-splatting simulator, and I doubt it'll actually increase your squishing skills in real life. But it could be fun, right?

Players take on the role of Major Maximus Zap, a big and burly retired army member who's now decided to take his fight to the insects. We're told this by a neat little introductory cartoon that also continues to deliver brief storyline throughout the game.  There are several episodes, each split into a number of levels. For example, the first episode is entitled 'The Smiths', where we find ourselves in a family home -- each level will take place in a different part of the home. Players get ninety seconds to attack each level, attempting to clear out three bugs' nests that are selected by on-screen buttons which change color as clearing takes place -- to progress, at least one green and one orange must be attained before time's up.

To actually take out bugs, we see the iPhone's accelerometer being put to use. Tilting moves the first-person camera around the area to locate the insects, swatting the iPhone sees the action replicated on-screen to actually splat them -- which makes me a little nervous for my device's safety. I'm also a little disappointed there's no touch alternative for this action, especially seeing as they've included such a choice for the camera movement. Many, however, will consider flapping their phone around a non-issue. Either way, high scores are then awarded for level completion, along with an 'out of three' medal rating.

Zap -- Bug Hell mixes this fun gameplay with a nicely planned difficulty incline, cute 3D graphics and sound effects that'll cause a few giggles (but do get a little repetitive). There are also new weapons to unlock, which is a nice incentive to come back for more. As is the number of levels on offer, and the developers say they'll be adding more 'every month', which will certainly increase the game's longevity even more so. Which, if they remain true to their word, makes the $2.99 price tag seem a little more reasonable than it did at first glance.

iPhone Screenshots

(click to enlarge)

Zap - Bug Hell screenshot 1 Zap - Bug Hell screenshot 2 Zap - Bug Hell screenshot 3 Zap - Bug Hell screenshot 4 Zap - Bug Hell screenshot 5
Share This: