The APPera

Do you enjoy playing pong, brick breaker, or any puzzle type challenging games? Then consider looking at Mr. Bounce, a game by Pixelate & Spaces of Play.

Mr Bounce ($1.99; Free)

The title might not illustrate how creative and fun this game is but they have redesigned a game that combined ideas from pong and brick breaker into an amazing game. Check it out…

Presentation

The devs have created an easy to pick up and play arcade/puzzle game. You bounce Mr Bounce off a bar in order to clear the level. Mr. Bounce is yet another example of how a simple game can be done to good effect. The simple design of the game makes it stand out from others of the same type.

It doesn’t have the 3D graphics as other games that are coming out now but the replay and challenge value make up for that. The game also has a nice electronica bgm that goes along with the theme of the game.

Controls

Controls should be easy to use if you’ve played break out or pong. You drag anywhere along the bottom to move a platform to bounce the ball up and take out various colored shapes. There is a helpful white line that you must adjust when you move the height limitation up or down, which shows you where your projectile will bounce, and don’t forget about the slow-mo button at the top left, it can really help in those dire situations.

Gameplay

Mr Bounce consists of 5 levels with 5 levels each. You are to use the platform at the bottom to ricochet the ball into shapes and get points. The cool thing is that you control the height of the bounce, so now not only do you have to think of aiming perfectly, but you have to use the height change to your advantage, which adds another level of strategy. But be quick to think, as there’s a time limit that you must be careful not to let run out.

As you progress through the game the levels present more challenges. A few have moving platforms, small gaps you have to aim for, and wind gusts, just to name a few. Oh, and almost forgot, as the time starts to run out, the bar becomes smaller and smaller until its gone. So make sure you knock out all the shapes quickly.

An amazing feature that’s included is the slow-mo effect, which can be used as long as you have energy for it. It adds an interesting physics twist to the game. The game becomes easier after a bit of practice, since you’ll need it especially as you reach higher levels. An easy to understand tutorial is also included, especially for new players.

The simplicity of Mr. Bounce brings that addictive gameplay. As you rack up points, you can publish your scores online. The Hall of Fame shows who’re the top players, and you have the ability to set your own custom phrase.

Suggestions

The game doesn’t have many faults. I would just recommend adding more levels or some online gameplay. That would really increase the replay value, to be able to challenge a friend anywhere, anytime.

Conclusion

In order to enjoy this game, you just have to practice, use the slow-mo, and have quick hand-eye coordination. Mr. Bounce offers a lot of fun, although the 25 levels tend to be brief when you get to master it. It might not have flashy 3d graphics, but that’s what makes this one stand out. If you enjoy causal arcade puzzle games, consider picking this one up.

The multitouch controls allowing you to set the ball height, paddle, and slow mo are just cool. But you now have to think and multitask at once. If you wan to try something new, pick this shapebuster up. It’s only $1.99, and well worth it.

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