Mobile Game Review: Colour Switch

Game: Colour Switch
Console: Mobile
Developer: Fortafy Games
Release Date: 12th June 2015

It's been a while since I reviewed a mobile game; partly because I want this blog to focus on console gaming, and also because my old mobile phone had hardly any storage free to try any games out on. Having acquired a new phone, I feel it's only right to check out the best of the app store every now and then, because there are some games worth trying. Colour Switch is a game with a simple concept; guide a ball through obstacles to the finish line. There are currently 35 game modes which feature varied rules on the concept of getting your ball to the finish line.

The sheer amount of variety in game modes is part of what makes this game notable, amongst the large amount of similar app store titles. Sure, there's some that aren't quite as good as others, but on the whole each new mode is an interesting challenge and a fresh take on what can be done with a ball and some coloured obstacles. Most games are based around some form of colour changing, which is done via passing through a colour change symbol, and these remain a constant, alongside avoiding spiked enemies and passing through obstacles which are the same colour as you, throughout most game modes.

Colour Switch is also particularly notable for its consistent and tight control; while players can only really tap and swipe to control in each mode, gameplay is intuitive and any failures tend to be the fault of the player rather than the game. The only real downside to the huge amount of game modes (besides the time you'll waste playing all of them) is that there are a couple of modes which are nearly clones of the original "challenge" game mode, which is shown above. Gamers who like to complete every level of games they own might also wish to avoid Colour Switch, considering its 1000+ level count.

Daily challenges and bonuses are a welcome addition to the game, and players collect stars throughout the modes with which they can buy new designs for the ball which they guide through the levels. That's all the stars can be spent on though. While it may feel good to unlock everything in a game, a little more reward than simply changing the thing I'm guiding through each level might help me to stay invested in continuing to complete such a massive array of levels.

Graphically the game is very clean and intuitive, with simple shapes and colours forming the majority of visuals. Every now and then I found myself wanting a little more space in which to tap on the screen, without covering anything I wanted to see, but overall it wasn't too big of a problem. The music which accompanies gameplay is pretty harmless and doesn't add or detract much eitherway.

Overall Colour Switch is a well put together and fun way to pass some time, with many different variations on its gameplay to keep players engaged. Perhaps it would do well to mix things up a bit and present different modes through a linear progression, keeping players on their toes, but too much content is preferable to too little. It's refreshing to see a mobile game with very little gated content (the only payable content is unlocking levels instead of working your way through them, and getting more stars), even if there are fairly constant adverts, though we've come to expect those.

Rating: 85/100
Grade: B

Game Review: Sega Rally Championship

Game: Sega Rally Championship
Console: PC
Developer: Sega
Release Date: 11th October 1994

It's not very often that a game with very little content is able to wow its players into complete satisfaction with its gameplay alone, but Sega Rally Championship achieves this feat easily. Featuring just 3 main stages with a bonus stage for coming 1st at the end of the third, and two main cars, there's really not a lot of variety in terms of content, to explore. The arcade handling of the cars and the layout of the stages featured is simply sublime; fast paced rally action with exciting overtakes and a challenging goal of finishing 1st after just 3 stages.

The first stage, 'Desert' features corners of easy difficulty, the next stage, 'Forest' is a little more unforgiving and features a few difficult corners. The final main stage, 'Mountain' features many twists and turns and a tough uphill hairpin in its middle section. Finally the bonus hidden stage 'Lakeside' is the hardest of them all, featuring a lot of long corners which require expert braking to remain in the lead and win the overall rally, and game.

Graphically the game is very impressive when observed at speed; the grass and rocks rush by and the blurry textures seem almost to be a speed effect. At slower pace however, and at certain times in the game the textures are less impressive, looking dated and low res, and sometimes even popping in and out. The music featured in the game is excellent and really fits the fast paced mood and racing action, and conveys the classic Sega soundtrack feel.

Overall Sega Rally Championship is about the best players could wish for from a 1994 rally game; exciting racing and sounds, a good challenge and some nicely varied tracks are only held back by the lack in quantity, of content. It's a real case of quality over quantity, and this means that it's still enjoyable despite it's lack of depth.

Rating: 84/100
Grade: B

Game Review: Bishi Bashi Special

Game: Bishi Bashi Special
Console: Sony Playstation
Developer: Konami
Release Date: 7th July 2000

As a lover of minigame collections such as WarioWare, Tant R, Rhythm Heaven, and Project Rub, I had been waiting quite a while to get my hands on this particular title. I'd played the arcade cabinet "The Bishi Bashi" and beaten it in spectacular style, and needed even more of the madcap Japanese minigame collection that is Bishi Bashi Special. Contained on this disc are Super Bishi Bashi and Hyper Bishi Bashi, both featuring a large amount of minigames (some of which overlap between the games), single and two player party modes, and fast paced entertainment.

It's interesting to note that the first title in the Warioware series wasn't released until three years after this game, which features a few similar minigames and concept which is almost identical. With that said, the Warioware series managed to add a level of polish and consistency to its gameplay which Bishi Bashi Special lacks, though it's not at all difficult to pick up and play as a party game.

Most of the minigames are based on either; knowing the buttons of the playstation controller well and being able to match up the colour onscreen to a button press, pressing buttons as fast a possible, or movement. There are a few minigames which seem like duds, compared to the fun of the rest of the collection but overall there's an impressive amount of content and fun to be had. The off-the-wall style of the game as a whole also helps to entertain.

Playing with friends also improves the experience as any difficulty in playing the minigames will apply to all human players rather than giving players a handicap in single player mode, against the computer. Bishi Bashi special seems to be an important step in revitalising minigame collections as a genre with only Mario party being particularly consistent in the fifth generation era.

With bright cartoon style graphics to match the fast paced action in the games, and music to go alongside it all, Bishi Bashi Special almost encapsulates the spirit of minigame collections as a whole. The quirky tasks presented in the minigames almost definitely inspired those of Warioware, directly or indirectly, and subsequently many other minigame collections that've been released in the years inbetween.

Overall Bishi Bashi Special is a well presented game, which reminded me a little of Incredible Crisis, another excellent game which was a little less polished overall, with just as much Japanese madness. With a minigame collection, the important thing is that the games themselves play well and have a consistent, but varied feel, and this is achieved for sure.

Rating: 87/100
Grade: B

12 Days of 3DS-mas Finale: Game Review: Edge

Game: Edge
Console: Nintendo 3DS
Developer: Two Tribes
Release Date: 26th December 2013

Edge is a momentum based 3D platforming game which tasks players with guiding a cube through levels to an exit. The cube can be rotated onto any one of its adjacent sides and moves as if aligned to a grid, so 1 rotation is equal to one square of the level. In addition to this, players can precision control the cube for part rotations which are useful as they stick the cube to moving elements of the level in order to bridge gaps and complete harder gameplay sections.

While there are many games with similar concepts to Edge, the tightness of control and realism of the cube's momentum are both pretty spot on, and the levels are designed in such a way that there's a fair and challenging difficulty ramp, with new elements and tricks being introduced often enough to keep players interested. For such a seemingly generic platformer, it's actually impressively put together.

Graphically the game retains a simple but effective minimalist style with splashes of colour highlighting the levels objectives in an easy to understand way. The music too is very minimalist, with simple beats accompanying gameplay. This is perhaps the only aspect that would have benefited from some from some fleshing out, with a much more present and lively feel giving more of a futuristic and technological feel to the game as a whole.

Overall Edge is an impressive eShop title, and well worth its budget asking price. There's plenty of levels to keep players entertained and very much the type of game that can make commuting to work less of a horrible experience. There's nothing that makes it particularly extraordinary, but it's put together well enough to feel like a quality purchase.

Rating: 77/100
Grade: B

12 Days of 3DS-mas Day 11: Game Review: Kung-Fu Rabbit

Game: Kung Fu Rabbit
Console: Nintendo 3DS
Developer: Neko Entertainment
Release Date: 20th February 2014

Not to be confused with the Chinese film of the same title, which attempted to rip off the Kung Fu Panda franchise, Kung Fu Rabbit is a platforming game from the 3DS eShop which focuses on tight controls and sneaking up on enemies. When encountered from behind (or above, with one of the game's upgrades), enemies can be defeated by simply touching them. If players walk into enemies that are facing them though, the level must be started again. Players can also slide down walls and use them to double jump, giving a great level of freedom to move around levels.

With this simple premise, there are many well designed levels which fill the game, though the level of challenge remains fairly low. Once players figure out what needs to be done to complete a level, the inputs required are likely the easiest part. The upgrade system is interesting, though it doesn't feature enough to give the game the difficult ramp it needs. This isn't a title that I can see many gamers bothering to complete, after their initial play session.

Graphically the game looks good with some visually pleasing depth effects, though there can be a lot going on at times, depending on the level. Carrots act as a currency to buy upgrades, and add a collectable element to the game, with a golden carrot and 3 regular carrots to find in each level. Musically too there's an entirely bearable soundtrack.

Overall Kung Fu Rabbit plays nicely and is well presented and programmed. Unfortunately though it doesn't have enough stand out features, challenge or character to keep players grinding through its levels. It's a nice enough budget title for the eShop, but with so many other games out there, it's hard to recommend.

Rating: 62/100
Grade: C

12 Days of 3DS-mas Day 10: Game Review: Gunman Clive

Game: Gunman Clive
Console: Nintendo 3DS
Developer: Horberg Productions
Release Date: 3rd January 2013

Gunman Clive is an excellent, if a little short run n' gun platformer, reminiscent of Rolling Thunder by Namco. Players make their way through 16 levels, with interspersed bosses, dodging and ducking shots from enemies. In amongst the classic run and gun style action are nods to other games, moving platforms reminiscent of Super Mario World and a mine cart level almost lifted from Donkey Kong Country. The gameplay and controls are tight, and work well to allow players to learn each level a little before finally being able to make their way through.

Players can choose from two characters, with a third unlocked upon completion of the game. There are subtle gameplay differences between characters but nothing too major. Power-ups are also a big part of the game, with triple shot, guided shots and other goodies changing the strategy needed to complete levels. Players have a life meter which is governed by the overall difficulty level of the game; the easier the level, the more hits Clive can take.

Graphically, the game is presented in a hand-drawn Old West style, with excellent animation and effects. The music featured in the game ranges from suitably cowboy inspired to strangely modern, but never low in quality. The bosses are fairly varied and provide a good change up in gameplay between platforming sections.

Overall Gunman Clive is an impressive little game, and potentially one of the best on the Nintendo eShop. While it's length does diminish its replayability, the quality of presentation and gameplay, in addition to its low price make it an enticing purchase, especially if players are familiar with other run and gun titles, such as Rolling Thunder.

Rating: 84/100
Grade: B

12 Days of 3DS-mas Day 9: Game Review: Arc Style Baseball 3D

Game: Arc Style Baseball 3D
Console: Nintendo 3DS
Developer: Arc System Works
Release Date: 30th May 2014

Casual sports games are usually easy to guiltlessly overlook, often containing simplified kids versions of the sports they are intending to portray. In the case of baseball however, this may well be a good thing, since simulation baseball games take absolutely forever to complete a single game, thanks to there being 18 innings per match. With it's arcade style, this game shortens and simplifies baseball whilst retaining the elements of choice that make it fun.

Players can choose from teams with various skillsets in batting, fielding and pitching or make their own with a ton of customisation options. Whilst batting players choose which type of shot to make, with harder hitting shots requiring more accuracy and timing to pull off. When pitching players are in control of the type of pitch and any throwing and catching that needs to be done. The controls and game mechanics work well, but can feel a little simple at times.

The real issue is in the AI difficulty; depending on the teams picked players can either expect to be 20+ homeruns up by the end of the first innings or be completely unable to score at all. In tournament mode both of these variable tend to occur at different stages of the tournament. Without a difficulty balance, it's pretty hard to enjoy a sports game though on the rare occasion things work out evenly, there can be some enjoyably tense spots. Graphically the game has a cartoonish Mii type feel, which tends to work against it as the animations are aimed at a younger audience.

Overall Arc Style Baseball 3D is better than some players might expect for a casual sports game, but not good enough that it's replayably enjoyable. After a few tournaments or exhibition matches, players will have seen all the game has to offer, and without any season modes or deeper gameplay to offer, there's little likelihood of gamers coming back for more.

Rating: 60/100
Grade: D

12 Days of 3DS-mas Day 8: Game Review: Governor of Poker

Game: Governor of Poker
Console: Nintendo 3DS
Developer: Youda Games
Release Date: 10th April 2014

I first encountered Governor of Poker as a flash game online, and was thus surprised to see it on the Nintendo eShop even as a cheap download. Nonetheless, I decided to try and find out if anything had been added since I last experienced the game. Players attempt to take over Texas by gaining a reputation at the poker tables, winning houses and saloons in high stakes games and tournaments, and beating the odds to become the most prolific player in the desert.

The one thing which is most important in making an enjoyable poker game is well programmed AI. A variety of tight, loose and above all intelligent players is essential to enjoyment, if players are to feel that they've actually achieved anything in beating the computer. In Governor of Poker, the computer opponents play with little care, betting on any and every hand that takes their fancy, making it difficult to players to judge good calls, raises and folds. This makes the game much harder to enjoy, as the majority of gameplay is poker.

The graphical presentation is cartoon like, and this undermines the serious vibe that most poker games like to portray. The issue with this whimsical presentation is that it matches the carefree attitude of many of the AI opponents and compounds it. Cartoon sound effects and wild west music also help to remind players that this was once a flash game.

Overall there are far better handheld poker games available (maybe not on the 3DS), and serious poker players will much prefer these. Governor of Poker doesn't really appeal to casual poker players as there are several hours worth of poker grinding involved in beating the game. With such a slim target market left, it's tough to see anyone who the game appeals to, despite competent programming.

Rating: 45/100
Grade: D