Perchang review
:: HAVE A BALLPrice: $1.99
Version: 1.01
App Reviewed on: iPad Air 2
Graphics/Sound Rating:
User Interface Rating:
Gameplay Rating:
Replay Value Rating:
Overall Rating:
Perchangfeels like it was designed to test your ability to pat your head and rub your stomach at the same time. With only two simple buttons as controls, Perchang's beautifully minimalist puzzling serves up a satisfying amount of challenge.
That's the ball game
In Perchang, the object of any given level is to get a certain number of balls from a designated starting point into a funnel somewhere else in the environment. In most situations, the path between start and finish can be described as Rube Goldberg-esque, with flippers, ramps, fans, and more that must be properly operated to guide the balls to safety.
To operate all of these environmental objects, you have two buttons at your disposal. One is red and one is blue. The red buttons activate environmental elements that are colored red, while the blue ones activate blue elements.
A curve ball
Perchangisn't just as simple as pressing buttons at the right time. In fact, you'll probably have a hard time getting any balls where you want them to go if you just try to rely on your ability to press red and blue buttons in the right sequence at the right frequency.
Players also happen to have complete control over what color each environmental element should be. Simply tapping on a blue flipper will turn it red, and tapping it again will turn it blue once more. Being able to quickly assess the best way to color your tools is the key to success in Perchang.
BalLemmings
The result of this design makes Perchangkind of feel like Lemmings, but only if Lemmingshad an ultra clean look and some very streamlined controls. The balls deploy at a set pace, and it's up to you with your buttons and ability to assign colors to objects to get as many of them into the goal as required.
As an incentive to replay levels, Perchangalso sports a leaderboard system and rates your performance on each level based on how long and how many balls it took to complete the level.
Probably the best thing about Perchang, though, is its carefully-designed level progression. Each stage of the game introduces new mechanics or expands on an established one in a way that is both readily understandable and challenging to the player. It's quite a feat to have achieved this level of balance, and it helps keep you motivated to see more of the game.
The bottom line
Perchangis a beautiful and incredibly well designed puzzle game. Although it's not too far off from being a Lemmingsgame, Perchangimplements these borrowed ideas in a way that keeps things feeling new and fun.