Review: Implode! - Plus Video Review

Update #2 Implode! already received another update this time featuring a whole new zone of ten more levels. What sets this zone apart is that it features directional bombs. Now you can fine tune your blasting by making sure the explosion goes to the right, up, etc. Now you can avoid the buildings easier, but only on the 10 new levels. Implode! keeps getting better, so if you still haven't picked it up, now's the time: absolute must!

Update Games keep getting updated, and the developers work on their few problems resulting in an exceptional games. Implode! is another perfect example which just got the update treatment giving 20 new levels, 10 of which are Christmas themed. Another feature is optimization as well as being able to replay an explosion to see what went wrong. Also maybe the most important part of the update is that the game now saves your previous bomb layout. Now after an unsuccessful detonation, you retry with the bombs right where you placed them for simple tweaking. This was my main problem, and now its fixed really making this game without flaws, and an absolute must for only $1.99. Then there are 20 new levels giving you 20 more opportunities to replay levels over and over to get A's or even A+s. If you still haven't bought this game the 1.1 update makes it an absolute must, and one of the best puzzle games in the App Store.

Overview Implode! is a new game from IUGO Mobile entertainment, the minds behind great games like Toy and Spy Bot as well as Zombie Attack 1& 2, and Cliffed. Implode is a physics based puzzle game where you’re given various structures, and you have to plant dynamite to blow them up. Each level gives a different structure, and different amounts of dynamite, so no level plays the same. Your goal is to demolish the structure, so that all of the pieces lie below the target line. The structures are made of straight pieces, like 2D jenga. Features 60 levels of blasting fun are included. 10 levels are included per project, and you need to complete eight to move on to the next project. For each level you’re giving a grade based on how well you blew it up. The score is based upon explosion points, height bonus, unused bomb bonus, and difficulty bonus. Three difficulty levels are included from casual to expert that change the level of inertia on the pieces in the structure. Two control methods are included to either drag a bomb into the structure, or tap the point where you want a bomb. Pinch to zoom, and drag to pan around are included too. Also some levels have buildings on the side, and no piece from the structure can touch them. When you’re placing a bomb, a magnifier appears to put it in the exact spot you want it. Online high scores are included as well. The scores show your overall sum, as well as your total number of A+s. Also there are two types of bombs, regular dynamite and big blast barrels. The Good The gameplay is absolutely amazing. The physics engine is outstanding giving you a real feel of where bombs need to be placed based on the current structure. Bomb placement is super strategic, and if you're just slightly off, it could leave the structure still standing above the target line. The game reminds me so much of Boom Blox for the Wii. Tons of games have you build stuff, but how many times can you do it? It’s so much more fun to blow things up. Drop in a couple dynamite, push the plunger, and watch as the pieces blow apart and the structure collapses. It’s just such an enjoyable experience. Each level is a real brain teaser, and really provides as much fun as you can have as you’re scratching your head. Also as you play you’ll want to not only beat the levels with all the bombs, but figure out methods using less bombs. The game is super addicting since it's so easy to play, and then replay that you just get lost blowing stuff up. The visuals aren’t over the top or anything, but are beautiful in their simplicity. The chalkboard design is perfect, and the backgrounds have various small details. The controls worked nicely, and the magnification helps a lot. The grade system for each level provides tons of replayability. First you’re not going to figure out many levels the first time through. Then once you solve it, you know that with a few tweaks you could better you score, and get a higher grade striving for an A+ each time. The Bad There are a couple minor concerns with the game. The first is that after you fail, or even if you want to replay a level, you have to start from scratch. It would be great to see where you put your dynamite bundles last time to allow for a little tweaking rather than trying to remember where you placed them. Another problem is that the sound effects are lackluster at best. There is no background music, and only a very light sizzling of dynamite burning down. You can play your own music, but I would have loved any original music especially since IUGO has made some great soundtracks on their other games. Also when you push the plunger you expect to hear an epic blast, and its just “boom” rather than “BOOM.” The Verdict Implode! is the best physics based puzzle game in the App Store. It’s just so much fun to blow stuff up, and IUGO has created a great experience to do so. This may be the most fun you can have in a puzzle game. The game could use a save state method to tweak after you fail, and it would be great to hear massive blasts, and even see the screen shake. Minor concerns that don't do anything to distract from the amazing gameplay. Implode! is a must buy for $1.99, so go get yourself a copy and start blowing stuff up! ***Please see the video review below. Plus the game just felt like you could blast to the tune of the 1812 overture, so I added it in at 2:05. Enjoy!

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