Greenpeace Arctic Defender 13 Review

Developer: Greenpeace
Price: FREE
Version Reviewed: 2.0.2
Device Reviewed On: iPhone 5

Graphics / Sound Rating:
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Overall Rating:

It's an Endless Runner, a genre admittedly overpopulated, but one without much purpose. The idea is that players control a woman as she explores the arctic, with an aim to avoid the many man-made obstacles that are destroying the beautiful landscape. Greenpeace Arctic Defender 13 is a non-violent game so controls are restricted to sliding up to jump or sliding down to slide under objects that are in the way. These objects are environmentally unfriendly things, such as oil drums, heavy machinery and oil pipes.

They do juxtapose quite awkwardly with the more pleasant scenery, such as polar bears and sea lions, demonstrating just why the arctic is such an important area of natural beauty. No one could call into question the positive message that Greenpeace Arctic Defender 13 is sending out.

The problem is that it's just not that interesting. With no structure courtesy of a challenge system other than some basic badges after running a set distance, or even leaderboards to compete with friends, it's all a little too basic for comfort. A good and encouraging message can only go so far, even in a free game.

Mechanically, Greenpeace Arctic Defender 13 is reasonably sound with controls mostly quite intuitive. Similarly, while the graphics might be a little simplistic, they convey the beauty of the area reasonably well and it's good to see a positive female role model. However, it's the lack of purpose or goal seeking that damages the game's chances most of all. It's tough to find sufficient reason to go back for more, amongst a genre already so heavily populated by superior, if less educational, offerings.