Review: iBlast Moki

Update

iBlast Moki got the update treatment, and with the 1.2 update there are some nice additions. First off there is a new bonus doodle themed world with 15 new levels that are extremely difficult. Plus+ is included for this set as well to compare for just this set. Not only that, but the level editor was redesigned completely making it much more user friendly. Playing with the update, the doodle levels are designed really well, and are extremely intricate. You will need all of the tactics used throughout the rest of the game in just one of these levels, and there are 15 of them. Also the level editor is much more enjoyable, as is the entire game with tweaks for pinpoint precision which was a problem before. iBlast Moki is now an absolute must for only a $1.99, and is the best physics puzzle game in the App Store, and one of the ten best games overall. See the physics based puzzle games appguide.

Overview

iBlast Moki is the first game from Godzilab, and is a creative and original take on the physics puzzler. Your objective is to move Mokis from Point A to Point B with the help of bombs, balloons, ropes, and wheels. Travel across six worlds facing brand new environments, and obstacles along the way. The entire game uses Ngmoco’s Plus+ network, and there is even a level editor to create your own ways to blast Mokis. We gave you a sneak peek, and now that it’s in the App store it’s time for a detailed review.

Features

iBlast Moki is packed with features on launch. There is a campaign mode with over 70 levels across six worlds. The entire game has a realistic physics engine, and each area has its own physics environment, requiring you to alter your strategy accordingly. Not only is there a campaign mode, but also a level editor to build your own puzzles. The entire game is enhanced by the inclusion of Ngmoco’s Plus+ network. You share your created levels through Plus+. Also each level in campaign mode is score based and has achievements all tracked online through Plus+.

The Good

The gameplay is the best reason to pick this game up. Physics puzzles are always intriguing, and Godzilab has been able to combine the best aspects from various games into one. It feels like playing Boom Blox for the Wii as you place bombs to propel the Mokis as well as move blocks out of the mokis path. Then as you advance you need to build bridges, levitate the mokis, and attach them to propelled wheels. The neatest aspect of the gameplay is beginning the blast, and then when it doesn’t work, rewinding and tinkering with your mechanic. If you like puzzles/brain teasers you in for a real treat. The visuals are stunningly detailed and cute, seemingly on Pixar quality. All of the six areas have their own unique backgrounds, and level design. The mokis themselves are so cute that you feel bad as you blast them around. There is an upbeat theme that is methodic, and is played in the background as you tinker. Then there are the varying shrieks of the mokis as they’re blasted and hit walls and other objects. Then on top of that there are online high scores and achievements using ngmoco’s Plus+ network. All of your friends from other Plus titles are already added, and now you can compete for iBlast Moki high scores. But wait there’s more. iBlast Moki may have one of the highest replayability factors in the App Store. Not only are there online high scores and achievements, but also a level editor. If you complete all the levels, and get the best score you could, well why not create a few levels of your own. Not only can you create levels, but you can also play other user’s created levels.

The Bad

There’s nearly nothing I could find wrong with this title. One problem though, is that manipulating ropes, bars, and balloons is rather difficult. When you’re trying to build a bridge, and combining multiple items, it’s extremely difficult to keep them attached. Most of the time, two pieces attach to each other, and then you’re other pieces just fall by the way side. It becomes very frustrating trying to put pieces together over and over gain. With that said the controls for everything else worked great from flipping through the cover flow levels to placing the bombs, and pinching to zoom. As you reach the end the levels become supremely difficult, and you can't advance to the next area unless you complete 11/12 of the levels in the previous area.

The Verdict

Godzilab has rolled great aspects of other games into one. It has everything with outstanding gameplay, super polished visuals and sounds, online high scores, and even a level editor. This is by far the best physics based puzzle in the App store, and one of the best games overall There is tons of fun, for a long time, and it’s just designed so well. All this for $1.99, what are you waiting for, this is a must buy.