Tag: Cordy »

Platformers seem to be in short supply on the iOS platform. I don't mean "runners" or "puzzle-platformers," I'm talking about full-fledged platforming games. Mascots, collectibles, bosses - the whole shebang. I believe the reason there aren't all that many is because it can be very tough to create functional, responsive controls for a game like that without the use of physical buttons. Yeah, Cordy totally does all that.

A tiny electronic planetoid in the vicinity of Earth has gone dark, and it's up to the titular little robot to bring light back to his home. If the first few levels that are available (with more unlocked via in-app purchase) are any indication, Cordy is in for one heck of a ride. This game packs a bevy of features made popular by some big-name titles, but it does so with a style and technique all its own. The little 'bot can use inertia and speed to break through some walls and floors, time jumps while going up hills for maximum height, use his power chord to swing from anchor points and more. Of course, thanks to that pay wall there are 42 levels that can't be accessed without plunking down some cash.

Cordy's abilities are largely context-based, so UI clutter is kept to a minimum: Left, Right, Jump and Action. Even better, the buttons can be switched to an invisible mode in the options so that absolutely nothing disrupts the visuals. And oh boy, those visuals. The world is whimsical and vibrant, with bright colors all over the place and stage elements that often intertwine with the player's path, making what could have been merely a good game feel like one people show their friends when they want to prove that their iPhone/iPad/iPod is a viable gaming platform. Plus, players can spend some additional coinage to personalize their Cordy with different colors and hats (*squeeee!*)

The only thing that mars the experience is all the the cost of all this stuff. In all honesty I have no problem with the $2 price tag because from what I've seen this game is well worth it. However the price of Cordy's various outfits border on ludicrous. Seriously, a few of the pieces (pieces) cost more than the actual game. I mean, wow.

I'll say it again: Cordy is a fantastic platformer and a stellar iOS game. The controls are fluid, the visuals are wonderful and the levels all beg to be played over-and-over again in order to nab a full trio of stars (one each for completion, speed and gear collecting). The rather ludicrous prices for hats and such are a bit of a buzz-kill, but absolutely none of that stuff is required to enjoy this game. Try it for free, then love it and buy it.

[See our Glossary for Freemium games here]

Cordy

Nothing harkens back to the days of old school gaming like platformers.  Thanks to the rebirth of retro style gaming on iOS, this long lost but heavily appreciated gamestyle looks to be back in a big way.  Cordy is a perfect example of this, along with puzzle mechanics, mixing perfectly into a tremendous amalgamation of awesomeness.  The base game includes several free levels, along with more that can purchased should you see fit.  Take it out for a jump and let us know what you think.

Dice Soccer

Sports meets Magic: The Gathering in this hybrid sports and card game.  Yes, you read that right, SPORTS AND CARD GAME.  Structured much like traditional "battle" focused trading card games, Dice Soccer is the type of sports title that could pique the interest of even the most nonathletic souls.  Featuring over eighty different players to collect, filling in a wide variety of different positions, this is a control freak's dream.  Time to hit the pitch, only without the whole cleats and sweat thing.

Tekken Bowl

To be blatantly blunt and totally look a gift horse in the mouth, who the heck asked for this?  Tekken, known worldwide for its hardcore arcade fighting games, taking a trip to the bowling alley?  What was once a mini-game in one of the full Tekken releases comes to iOS in beautiful bite sized chucks of bowling brawling.  Sadly you will not be able to throw down in hand-to-hand combat, but rolling a strike with a panda bear has to be the next best thing!

Puppy World

I am pretty sure that these is nothing on this planet that is cuter than a puppy.  Granted, my two dachshunds might have made me a bit biased on that front, but I can even remember as a kid wanting to have Digi-Pet puppies that I couldn't get enough of.  Cuing on this prior nostalgia for inanimate animals, Puppy World was born.  With over fifty different breeds of canine to choose from, players should have many hours of cleaning digital defecate ahead of them.

Soccer Superstars 2011

Following the soccer theme from earlier, Soccer Superstars 2011 is another microtransaction based sports game from Japan that is bound to steal many hours from your life.  While not forcing players to spend any money out of pocket to upgrade their line-up and skill levels, it certainly helps to speed up the process of taking a team of zeros to unbeatable heroes.  If you are looking to not spend anything, however, the game is still fully featured and at your disposal, just be ready to invest an insane amount of micromanagement time.