This is one of these games that impress as soon as you load it.
The professional feel is present in the initial animated screen as well as in the good background music.
Packed with more than 60 levels and hand drawn artwork the game delivers a reasonable and great quality amount of gaming time. But you have to have patience otherwise this precious title may become annoying. The explanation follows.
Gameplay
The game itself could not be any simpler and that is one of Ynth qualities.
As the official game description says the player controls the small red bug Kribl on its way through a deadly swamp. An endless rain of spiky fruits and Kribl's lack of swimming and flying skills force Kribl to move through the swamp by tilting chest-like labyrinths left by mysterious former inhabitants.
The on screen controls are easy to use and they are very responsive. The upper left and right bottoms make Kribl jump and the bottom ones make it run and when it faces a wall the buttons are used to tilt the labyrinth.
By the way, if you are running and face a labyrinth wall you have to release the button and then tap it again in order to tilt it. It would be better if the tilting action starts as soon as Kribl reaches a wall.
Once you find the exit two more levels are unlocked.
The gameplay is very interesting and the puzzle element is there because it is not just a matter of tilt the labyrinth but how to do it properly.
But I see a major issue that makes this game very annoying.
If Kribl dies e.g. at the end of a level you have to play the entire level all over again. It is very frustrating to start all over again and even boring after repeating a level two or three times.
This approach made this great concept less interesting. It kills the fun.
You have also to play all over again if you exit in the middle of a level. The game does not support resume feature.
Graphics
Great graphics and animations with an unique hand drawn style.
Sound
Ynth has an awesome and console quality background music along with subtle sound effects.
In addition, the game properly supports iPOD music along with game sounds.
Pros
Great and unique artwork Original gameplay concept Awesome background music and sound effects iPOD music support along with game sounds
Cons
If Kribl dies you have to play the entire level all over again It does not support resume Only one landscape orientation supported (volume button down)
Conclusion
Ynth cleverly joins action and puzzle genres in an unique gameplay concept that is presented with style. A better level flowing approach can make this title a must have!
Ratings (scale of 1 to 5):
Graphics: -4.5- unique style but few Kribl animations Sound: -5- excellent music and subtle sound effects Controls: -3.5- run then tilt requires two button taps Gameplay: -3.0- original but start a level all over again if Kribl dies is annoying
Playing Hints and Tips:
Study the labyrinth before start tilting it There is a lite and free version available so you can try before purchasing the full version
Game Facts: Developer: Krabl.com Release Date: Aug 06, 2009 Genre: Puzzle Price: $0.99 (currently on sale, normal price is $2.99) Size: 7.1 MB Lite version: iTunes App Store Buy Game: iTunes App Store
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iPhone Game Review: Ynth
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