Appmodo

Touch Physics Review for iPhone and iPod Touch

touchPhysics While not new to the App Store, this game has held a strong following for its yearlong stint in the ocean of apps. Touch Physics, by Gamez 4 Touch, is a great game with a unique feel and addicting gameplay that pulls you in unlike many games available today. Voted Best Game of 2008 by many game review websites, Touch Physics is a must-have for iPhone and iPod Touch users.

Review

Touch Physics is a game about, what else, but physics! Not the tough bust-out-the-labcoats kind of physics, but the fun, lighthearted kind. The premise of the game is this: You are given a level with (sometimes) a lot of obstacles. In one corner, you have a tiny purple orb. In the other corner, a star. Your mission is to get that orb all the way to the star, which then leads you to the next level.

You move the orb by drawing shapes of varying sizes, from very small to big-as-the-screen, and having those drawn objects move the orb. Sometimes you have to draw lines to get the orb up a set of stairs, other times you need to drop a large object on the orb to rocket it across the map. You utilize the game’s stunning physics system to complete your task to reach the star.

While this may sound like a simple concept, the actual process of passing a level can become very involved. Touch Physics gives you the freedom in each level to basically rewrite the layout, as you can draw new shapes to help create a more accessible landscape. At times I would draw objects to push obstacles completely off the level map, clearing the way for an easier victory. The possibilities are endless for how you go about reaching the star in each level.

The levels themselves are very well put together, and the graphics looks great. Even with the free range of actions available in each level, the animations do not skip or falter. The whole feel of the game is as if the levels are taking place on random items. Some levels have a crumpled paper background, and other you are playing on Styrofoam. The objects and obstacles in each level also have the look of being drawn in by crayon, and overall the presence in the game is lighthearted and fun.

I think a great addition to this game would be to have levels where you can upload your own images, and create obstacles for each. A level editor would be great for multiplayer as well, as you could great levels and then share them online to see who can complete your challenging designs.

I did have a few issues with the game freezing, but they were few and far between each game session.

The difficulty progresses as you do in the game, and there are 50 levels in total. I found it strange that around level 15 the difficulty increased significantly, but then became easier in some of the later levels, before increasing again. It felt a little off balance, but nothing too challenging to overcome.

While this game is a great little package as is, there are always things that can be improved. After you get the hang of the shots, the game does get easier. Even on the Hard setting, I was able to pick up a decent technique for banking many shots in a row. And while Paper Toss does record your best score for your records, it would be great to have a World Score, so you can see how you rank up against other paper tossers. And to make things interesting, it would be great to have obstacles that go back and forth once and a while. Like a pesky boss that runs too and fro or that annoying Bill from accounting.

Overall, Touch Physics is a great game for any iPhone or iPod Touch user. With its creative gameplay, you basically create the levels to your choosing to get to the Star and pass the level. For all its challenges, this is one app you should not pass up.

Tips

1. If for some reason your pieces get stuck and there is nowhere for you to move the ball, shake the iPhone to reset the level.

2. For a new experience and different challenges, try changing the gravity, elasticity, and friction of each level in the Setting menu.

Recommendation

I would recommend Touch Physics gamers young and old who want to enjoy a fun and challenging experience on the iPhone.

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