Friday, April 13, 2012

iPhone: MotoHeroz Review

iPhone
MotoHeroz Review
Apr 13th 2012, 14:22

After torturing us with its hit sadistic physics-based motorcycle platformer, Trials, developer RedLynx is now going after the casual crowd with MotoHeroz. Its bright visuals and cutesy misspelled title might cater towards the prepubescent crowd, but MotoHeroz is as punishing as the developer's previous output. Luckily, as it was in Trials, a generous checkpoint system ensures that replaying a stage for the hundredth time is just as refreshing as the first.

MotoHeroz is all about racing various dune buggies over rugged terrain. The virtual button controls are simple and intuitive, with options to move left and right, as well as tilt your vehicle forwards or backwards. There are also items to pick up like jetpacks and springs that allow you to fly or jump respectively, but these represent a small part of the experience.

Stages have three-star rankings for success, and most pit you against two ghosts: one signifying the next star rating, and the other a replay of another player's run. The former is the one that matters, as there's no reward for beating the latter other than a slight increase on the leaderboards, but seeing your craft surpass others provides positive reinforcement.

Achieving stars both unlocks new levels and grants currency that can be used to upgrade your vehicle's top speed, acceleration, and item boost. You can also purchase upgrades via micro-transactions, but this won't be necessary for diligent players because each stage has a hidden treasure worth loads of money. They're all cleverly hidden, and discovering how to acquire them brilliantly transforms MotoHeroz from a racer to a physics-based puzzle game.

The bottom line. MotoHeroz may be fiendishly difficult, but the tight controls ensure that when you fail, it's your own fault and you'll likely do better next time. The daft title may appeal to children, but they'll likely find it too frustrating. Really, it's for the screaming, tantrum throwing kid in all of us.

Review Synopsis

Product: 

Company: 

Ubisoft

Contact: 

Price: 

<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fmotoheroz%252Fid496216983%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30" target="itunes_store">$0.99</a>

Requirements: 

iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 4.1 or later

Positives: 

Micro-levels don't take long to learn. Controls are spot-on. Great visuals. Cleverly finds balance between racer and puzzle game.

Negatives: 

Requirements to unlock new stages is very steep. Certain ratings are impossible without the right upgrades. Time limits impede exploration.

Score: 
4 Great

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