The APPera

This next game got two impressions out of us: WTF is this graphics, and second, holy [bleep] this is good!

Hook Champ ($2.99; Free)

Hook Champ is one of those games that carry a definitive art style more than anything. After you get over the fact Rocketcat opted out of shiny 3D graphics, you’ll realize this is one heck of a platformer that’ll keep you “hangin” for hours after hours!

Presentation

Hook Champ comes in 8-bit retro graphics, and (obviously) remind me of Indiana Jones. I’m usually not a fan of these type of graphics & sounds (us youngsters :P), but for some reason I absolutely LOVE it in this game. It’s just so perfect for this kind of game.

The level design is also just right. It gives you a challenge while not making it impossible. As you progress (and have enough in-game coins to do so) you must update your gear or the next few maps will be impossible to beat.

Controls

Controls are simple. Tap and hold your finger on the right to move right. If it’s a small obstacle you just leave your finger pressed and jump over it.  Tap on the top and hold and the rope + hook will release and swing as long as you keep your finger on the screen.

Controls are very easy to learn and work effectively (I guess you could say it’s the same technique “popular” games like Rope ‘n’ Fly use).

Gameplay

The gameplay is just that, use the hook to swing though the level and make it to the exit. You play as the (treasure hunter?) who hunts for treasures (surprise!). When you grab the idol, this mysterious “haunted” fish / ghost thing follows you. If it catches up to you, it eats you and it’s game over.

As you swing from walls to walls on each levels, you’ll find coins scattered around. Collect as many of these. With these you can go to the games “shop” and buy maps (COOL FEATURE!), new hats, upgrade your hook / rope, and so on.

The levels do get harder and harder as you go, but you can also buy things in the shop (using the coin you collect not DLC) to help you. For example you can buy a shotgun which you can use on the “monster”. When it’s about to eat you, you can shoot it and get the hell outta there before he starts moving. You can also buy rocket boots do just what you might think they do.

Suggestions

There’s hardly anything we can find to whine about in this game. A button for “Next Map” when levels end would be helpful and can save us some taps. Other than that, Hook Champ is solid gold.

Conclusion

Hook Champ is one of those games I thought I’d get bored of, and yet, I’m really enjoying it. It has a good amount of levels (you unlock as you go), and it will keep you entertained. As a plus, there’s a lite version you can try before buying. So there’s no excuse not to try this AppStore classic.

Don’t get put off by the graphics. Once the game’s played, you’ll realize this is the game’s best asset (with the exception of gameplay fluidity).

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3. Hook Champ Updated: The Beginning of OpenFeint Ghost Race Challenges!
4. Hook Champ Gets A Whole New Level Set, Character And Oh! More Hats!
5. Avalanche Game: Rocketcat Graduates From Hook Champ’s 8Bit To 16Bit