Happy last day of the week. I hope you've been having a good one. I have. I saw ten doggos today. So because I'm in a good mood, I thought I'd round up all of the best games that are currently on sale on the App Store.
There are some real gems out there this week, and we've included links so you can go and download them. Oh, and if we've reviewed the game in question here at 148Apps, we've stuck a link for you to jump to it too. Don't say we don't treat you well. And make sure you come back next week for more awesome iOS coverage. We'll miss you if you don't.
Developer: Forever Entertainment Price: $1.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPad
Graphics / Sound Rating: Game Controls Rating: Gameplay Rating: Replay Value Rating:
[rating:overall]
Sparkle 2: EVO is probably one of the more unique titles on the App Store. Viewed from a top down perspective, the game sees the player take control of an extremely basic organism - bottom of the food-chain material - and help it evolve by devouring nutritious elements, which each have a different effect.
When stripped back, Sparkle 2: EVO is a game based on collection. Each new area contains a number of nutrients that need to be collected, and once that happens the player can progress. However, there are a number of interesting twists to keep the game feeling fresh.
The big draw is just how eerily beautiful the game looks. The organism itself is well detailed, but it's the environment that steals the show, managing to look both ominous and inviting at the same time. It's one of those games that draw in other people, as they simply have to see what the game is. The downside is there are periods of noticeable slowdown when several things are happening on-screen at the same time. It's not frequent enough to ruin the game, but it is there.
On the surface the control scheme is extremely simple, but it will actually take some getting used to. To move the organism the player has to trace their finger across the screen, at which point it will follow along. However, as this is underwater there is a floaty feel to it, so actions such as stopping aren't instantaneous. The organism also can't turn on the spot, needing a bit of room to double back on itself, so this needs to be taken into account when lining up a run of nutrients to eat.
Rather than just wander a flat level looking for nutrients, the player can use the multi-touch function on the screen to dive to a deeper level, or ascend to nearer the surface. Depending on which way the player goes there will be a number of challenges introduced, such as bigger organisms looking for a fight.
Sparkle 2: EVO feels like a much more complete version of the PlayStation Network title, Flow. Some of the levels go on for too long, but the combination of relaxed gameplay, top-notch graphics, smooth control scheme and Game Center integration means the player will come back time and again.
