Critter Rollers: Android App Written Review
We won’t be shy about this: If there’s any genre that’s been overplayed on both the Android and iOS platform, it’s the ye olden physics puzzler. We’e seen more games in the genre than one can shake a stick at, and beyond the Angry Birds clones, it’s very rare to discover a true gem. That being said, it makes the occasional solid find all the more enthralling, as is the case with the brilliantly inventive Critter Rollers, by developer The Rampant Mango Collective—a name we can’t help but salute, lads. The app creates an amalgam of creative physics gameplay with genuine puzzling action, totaling up for one brilliantly engaging Android title. The pricing scheme might be confusing, and the levels might be difficult, but for our full thoughts on this stellar Android application, check below beyond the break! You can also check here for a killer YouTube video of the app.
Concept and Gameplay
Critter Rollers for Android
As stated, Critter Rollers does fall into that all important category of physics puzzler. However, rather than having its players manage a menagerie of birds bent on killing porcine foes, instead Critter Rollers has its fans rolling around various, ambiguous creatures. These animals must be guided through the courses using a myriad of rolling platforms attached to cannons. The cannons themselves behave in unique ways depending on the color scheme. In some cases, these projectors move, requiring the user to ponder a bit about their timing before launching a furry avatar against an unfortunate object. All in all, it’s a wholly new concept, and one we find terribly addictive.
The real gem is in the level design’s extras, however. Each stage comes with a number of collectible treats that can be nailed to increase the final score. A medal is given at the end of each level, giving the user an hefty incentive to return to a proper challenge in an attempt to bag a higher rating. At the end of the day, it’s a bloody good time, avoiding spikes, launching through space, and jumping past obstacles.
Design and Controls
The controls themselves could not be simpler, using a simple tap-to-jump mechanic. In comparison, the levels are quite intricate, often requiring an impressive amount of forethought to complete. As impressed as we were, though, we did encounter a few levels that felt awkwardly designed. That is to say, we found the occasional hang-up where even perfect timing and prior knowledge still created an odd transfer. In essence, we feel this is a problem with streamlining the levels, removing us from the balanced flow of moving from one end of the stage to the other.
Overall Value
However, it’s hard to argue with the app’s price tag: Critter Rollers is free in the Android Market, with additional level packs available for $0.99, or a lifetime update membership for $1.99. The latter is quite the good idea, as the developers are always producing stellar updates, including an upcoming trials, remixed, and increased difficulty mode. In other words, if you’re looking for a quality Android puzzler, Critter Rollers is your new best mate.
For information, visit the developer’s Facebook page.
Android Apps Review Details: Critter Rollers app is free. This app requires Android 2.1 and up. You may download Critter Rollers from the Android Market. A small expedite fee was paid by the developer to speed up the publication of this review.
