Buka Review for iPhone and iPod Touch

As more and more apps flood into the App Store, the challenge of finding an entertaining and worthwhile game become more and more challenging. And while the iPhone is a great new platform for experimentation in new forms of gameplay and interactivity, there is a definitive line between cutting edge and completely disastrous gameplay. But the newly released game Buka, by creators Hexage, manages to stay above the fray and deliver a fun and casual game experience with impressive graphics and smooth gameplay.

Review

Buka is a game that is hard to define in a genre. But I can tell you what classic game it most closely resembles: Asteroids. Thats right, that old school space blaster game where you try to save the tiny triangle of a ship from the asteroids flying all around it. Buka has taken that simple design, and turned it into a new space experience with a smooth feel and graphics that do not disappoint.

The story behind Buka is simple and cute, and really helps give the game an added layer of depth. Buka is a blue orb who is traveling through space to try and find The Happy Place. But it is far away across the galaxies, and she is constantly attacked by the baddies who are trying to stop her from reaching The Happy Place. She has a bubbly personality (no pun intended) who’s happy-go-lucky nature just bounces off her (okay okay, maybe the pun was intended). Your mission is to protect Buka on her journey to The Happy Place from all the baddies and make sure she survives each encounter.

Gameplay for Buka is simple yet complex, classic but new. Tap the screen to send a shock wave that pushes objects away or closer to Buka. But as the levels progress, the amount of baddies increase, and different tactics must be used. While a quick tap to the screen sends the helpful shock wave, pressing and holding on the screen charges a blast which, once released, sends a powerful explosion out that destroys nearby baddies, and helps clear the space to move Buka. But once a baddie is hit by the blast, he turns into smaller chunks which disperse in all directions, posing another threat for Buka. Good thing, if you place your finger on Buka, you can then drag her in any direction to help escape the flying debris.

But wait, there’s more! If you decide dragging around Buka with your finger is taking away from the time you could be spending tap-tap-blasting the baddies, well head on over to the Options menu and turn on tilt-mode. That enables the game to access the mighty power of the iPhone’s accelerometer, and now you can just tilt the iPhone in any direction to help Buka dodge the baddies and debris!

The graphics for Buka are simple and fantastic. While the background is star-spotted outer-space, Buka herself is a radiant little ball of life, and the baddies have almost a lighthearted evil to them. If that is possible. Another way to explain their appearance is a cartoony villain. The shock wave and explosions are vibrant and smoothly render each and every time they are triggered. The vibrant colors helped keep the gaming experience alive and interesting. The audio is a bubbly techno/sci-fi mix of tunes that give the game the lighthearted and fun feel it goes for.

One thing Buka was lacking was the inclusion of online high scores. While you can check your own stats at any time, there is no way to see other players high scores. Online high scores are becoming almost a standard among games such as this, and I would hope that in future updates that this option will be included. The price of Buka seems a little high as well. While $1.99 for a normal game would be ridiculously low, the market has changed for the iPhone generation of applications. I believe that this game could gather a much higher following if the price was dropped to $.99, as there are many games out there less than a dollar, or even free, that can be considered prime contenders with Buka. Even with many strong points, iPhone gamers look for a good value for their games now more than ever.

Update: July 9, 2009 8:18 AM PST: Buka’s price just dropped from $1.99 to $0.99!

Overall, Buka was a pleasant casual game that was a blast to pick up, and with smooth, simple gameplay and aesthetically pleasing graphics and an upbeat sound, it landed hook, line, and sinker to reel me back in for more. If you are willing to spend that extra dollar, I would definitely recommend checking out this game.

Tips

1. They’re everywhere! Blow up the big baddies but the little chucks getting too much for you? If you are running out of space, just do a quick tap to send them flying away from Buka. While the quick tap doesn’t move the big baddies too much, the little chunks don’t stand a chance!

2. Don’t like having to drag Buka around while playing? Head on over to the options menu and turn on Tilt Control. Now all you have to do to move Buka is tilt the iPhone!

Recommendation

I would recommend Buka to gamers of all ages looking for a fun and addicting game with slick graphics and exciting gameplay.

Photos

Please post your comments, tips, and your own reviews below in the comments area!