Niko Review

Niko is a platform/puzzle game that has an extremely simple premise; traverse through levels by using the multi-touch function on the player's iOS device to fling the protagonist, Niko, from point to point. Think of it as a far less destructive version of Angry Birds. It's also incredibly good fun, although the 'free' version can be finished in twenty minutes.

The game starts with Niko and friends enjoying a day out. Suddenly the ground opens up and a huge pair of jaws snap closed, engulfing almost everyone. Luckily Niko is fast enough to avoid this, and sets off to find his friends. Moving Niko left and right is simply a matter of using the on-screen virtual d-pad.

It's the jump action that's interesting though, as it requires a bit more thought. When the jump button is pressed a line appears, showing the path that Niko will follow during the jump, and where he will land. This line can be adjusted so, for example, Niko can jump in the shape of an arc.

This idea forms the core of earlier puzzles, with collectibles arranged in a way that gets the player to experiment with jumping. It sounds a bit cumbersome, but is actually pretty slick and with a bit of practice the player will be ready to tackle some of the platforming sections, which require wall jumping and spike dodging.

Unfortunately, just as it's getting good the game ends. Although Niko is free to play, this option only gives the player six short levels to experience, which can be perfected in about twenty minutes or so, denting replay value a fair bit. The $1.99 "full game unlock" is definitely something that should be considered as it provides three entire worlds.

Niko promises to be an absolutely fantastic game. It looks and sounds great, the controls are smooth and the levels shown hint at some clever stuff in the unlocked version. It's well worth a look.

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