Review: Nut Chuckin' - Plus Video
by Staff Writer
October 7, 2009
Update
It's been awhile since we first reviewed Nut Chuckin' and two updates have been released since then. 1.1.0 provided much needed global leaderboards for each of the three stages, though they're a bit basic. Also a deluxe save system was provided. The rest of 1.1.0 and all of 1.2.0 provided enhancements to the gameplay.
Now Risoo has nut deflecting powers when he's holding a nut, so you don't lose as many lives in those situations. Another great addition is that when Risso is knocked off a branch instead of starting the wave over you continue with how many squirrels you've already defeated. Risso has the ability to carry a nut to the next wave as well.
The gameplay is smooth and better, and there are enhancements to the already great visuals. Overall both solid updates that enhance the overall game bumping it up to a should buy for only $0.99.
Overview
Nut Chuckin’ is a bit squirrelly to say the least. You control a Squirrel named Risoo, and try to defend your tree. Mean squirrels have come in to invade your tree, and are tossing nuts at you. Risso has to dodge the nuts tossed at him, and then go on the offensive. Catch nuts coming at you, and toss them back at the enemy squirrels to knock them out of the tree. Move your way up the tree to fight the boss squirrel, and finally reach the top.
Features
Nut Chuckin’ includes three levels of increasing difficulty. In each level there are four stages, and a boss battle. Once you complete a level you’re awarded a bronze, silver, or gold nut based on your performance. Ghost Hand Games was kind enough to provide information regarding their planned updates. The first update was just submitted to Apple and will include leaderboards, facebook posting integration, and improved responsiveness. The next update scheduled for submission to Apple in early November will include tons of great features. First there will be new levels with new backgrounds and more stages within levels. Also included will be new nut types, five new enemy squirrels, and new Risoo abilities including blocking, jumping, and rolling. Finally the update will have a revision to the storyline, and new music and sound effects. All of these things are coming, and look to make this game truly outstanding
The Good
Nut Chuckin’ looks great, with a polish that is rarely seen on the iPhone. The design of the tree and squirrels is absolutely wonderful. You would think Ghost Hand Games has designers from Pixar. The animations are nicely done as well from the nuts flying back and forth between the squirrels to when the nuts actually make contact. Also great is the movement of Risso from waddling sideways across the branch to flipping in the air to toss a nut. When a nut hits an enemy, they’re dazed with little stars over their head, and when you hit them enough to make them fall off the branch, it's priceless. The sound effects are nicely done as well. Throughout the game there is an upbeat sound track playing in the background sounding like an orchestra of squirrel tweets, intermixed with sounds of nature. When a nut is heading towards an enemy, and they dive out of the way they shriek, and when a nut hits squirrel skull there is a great doink. The gameplay is good as well from a simple premise that amps up in difficulty nicely. All you have to do is catch incoming nuts and toss them back at the other squirrels. What makes it tough is that there are multiple squirrels who throw nuts at the same time, and you can only catch one at a time. Also when you throw nuts back, they have to be timed right because the enemy squirrels dodge them quite often. As you progress you will gt to a point where you need to hit three squirrels five times each to finally knock them off their branch. The game becomes quite addicting, as you try to beat the level through multiple stages.
