Bugs Circle, by developer Andoop Team, offers an interesting alternative to Fruit Ninja on the Android platform. The game’s buggy action (no pun intended) works well with Open Feint integration, providing an experience that’s challenging, fun, and best of all, mad finger-flicking. The app isn’t perfect—a greater variety in game modes would have been appreciated—but as a free title in the Android Market, it’s one that’s certainly easy to recommend.
Concept and Gameplay
Bugs Circle for Android
As an action title for Android, Bugs Circle is in fact most similar to its iOS cousin Fruit Ninja. The app has players scanning a field full of bugs for like-hued units. When two ore more of the critters have been spotted, users must draw a circle around them with a finger. If the circle is not closed off, the bugs are not combined. Likewise, if an insect of another color wanders into the picture, no synthesizing occurs.
It’s a fun concept, and one that’s intensified by wandering point bonuses and game ending bombs. There’s also three different game modes to whet the appetite with: These include a level-based adventure mode, a time-based arcade mode, and a bugs only happy mode. That being said, each of these flavors is essentially like the ones before it, leaving the user really hankering for some variety. This isn’t because the rules of each are so similar, but because the gameplay mechanic just doesn’t allow for that much free variation. There’s only so many ways to draw a circle around a group of bugs, a hang-up the developers are constantly running against.
Thankfully, Open Feint integration keeps things fresh with copious achievements and online leader boards. Both of these add a much needed competitive edge to the mix, including just one more carrot on a stick to keep the ball rolling.
Graphics and Layout
Thankfully, the game looks very solid on my Android phone. The colors are crisp, and line drawing was a snap. I was particularly impressed with the game’s responsiveness: I drew some very precise tangents, and each time the app capture my movements perfectly. Likewise, the inclusion of three different game modes is an example of A+ effort, even if the gameplay itself can only be stretched so far.
However, some more bugs would certainly have been appreciated—how often do you hear that in a review? There’s only one species here, and though it comes in any color you like, adding special “boss bugs” would have been a neat addition.
Overall Value
At the end of the day, Bugs Circle’s biggest boon is its free pricing scheme. The app is ad supported, meaning its circling gameplay can be had without breaking the bank. For fans of this style of matching game, Bugs Circle will please in spades. For those just hankering after a good Android puzzler, the app will also fit the bill.
Android Apps Review Details: Bugs Circle app is free. This app requires Android 1.5 and up. You may download Bugs Circle from the Android Market.
