Big Eater Review

Big Eater isn't a very complicated game. It's name says it all. The point is to eat as much as possible and to get bigger when possible to eat even more. Still, the title is a little deceptive at the same time. Players won't be eating what they might expect. There are no burgers, fries, pizza, or ice cream. There are stars (some small, some big) and brightly colored enemies. The player, playing as a bouncy yellow chap, tilts the device one way or the other to control the little guy's bouncing. By tilting, players can guide their character through enemies to gobble up little stars and rack up points.

When a big star is eaten, the character becomes bigger and is then able to eat enemies in a bouncy free for all binge. This only lasts for a limited time though, until another big star is eaten. The gameplay is very reminiscent of the arcade classing, Pac-Man -- eating little stars to get points while avoiding enemies, eating larger stars to gain the ability to eat the enemy ghosts. Even though the game mechanics are very different, the similarities remain and Big Eater benefits from the simple consumption oriented gamplay that made Pac-Man a enduring classic.

This is not to say that Big Eater is the next Pac-Man. Unfortunately, this game can be come a bit repetitive. It's great for a short diversion, but players won't be coming back to this game for hours of playtime. The art is cute and bright and though there isn't much variation it makes the game more interesting.

Big Eater, with it's strange but fitting name, is a very simple game and though it's not a game with hours of compelling content it does what it does very well. It's a well crafted experience and players looking for a mindless distraction would do well to check it out.